‘NCIS’ Star Mark Harmon Shared the Unique Way He First Asked Out Wife Pam Dawber

Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber have enjoyed a private yet enduring love story spanning over 37 years. Known for their iconic television roles—Mark as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS and Pam as Mindy in Mork & Mindy—the two stars have led their lives together largely out of the spotlight. Their relationship began when they were introduced by a mutual friend in the mid-1980s. Mark took the initiative by calling Pam directly, which led to their first date. They married one year later on March 21, 1987, in a small school chapel in California’s San Fernando Valley.

The couple welcomed their first son, Sean, in 1988, followed by their second son, Ty, in 1992. Pam stepped back from her acting career to focus on raising their children, taking on fewer roles after her success in the 1980s and 1990s. In her words, “I did everything you can do in this business, and then I had children and it’s like, ‘I’m not going to chase this fame thing.’”

Throughout their marriage, they’ve maintained a low profile, only occasionally appearing at public events together. Both value their privacy and avoid social media. As Mark explained, their decision to stay out of the public eye isn’t forced but is simply “who we are.” Pam echoed this sentiment early in their relationship, emphasizing that staying out of the spotlight helped them avoid unwanted media attention.

In 2021, Pam briefly returned to TV, appearing alongside Mark on NCIS as investigative journalist Marcie Warren. It was a rare on-screen moment for the couple, who have otherwise remained one of Hollywood’s more private duos, prioritizing family over fame.