Mark Harmon, best known for his long-running role in NCIS, has had a career full of memorable performances and a personal life that, while relatively private, has captured the attention of fans for decades. One of the most commonly asked questions about him is: “Who is Mark Harmon married to?” The answer is simple — he’s been married to actress Pam Dawber since 1987, making their union one of the longest-lasting in Hollywood. But of course, there’s a lot more to their story than just the answer to that question.
For many fans, the curiosity around Mark Harmon’s personal life often stems from his on-screen persona — calm, dependable, and family-oriented. It’s no surprise that people want to know if his real life mirrors the values he portrays on TV. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the woman who’s been by his side for over 35 years and how they’ve managed to keep their marriage strong through the ups and downs of Hollywood life, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dive into the details of their relationship, their family life, and what makes their marriage so unique in an industry known for its high divorce rates. You might be surprised to learn how grounded and down-to-earth their life together has been, even with the spotlight often shining on them.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Mark Harmon
- Personal Details & Bio Data
- Mark Harmon’s Marriage to Pam Dawber
- Their Children: Sean and Ty Christian Harmon
- How Their Relationship Works
- Frequently Asked Questions
Biography of Mark Harmon
Mark Harmon was born on September 2, 1951, in Burbank, California, and grew up in a family deeply rooted in sports and entertainment. His father, Tom Harmon, was a famous football player, and his mother, Elyse, was a model. Before turning to acting full-time, Mark played football at the University of California, Los Angeles, but eventually found his calling in front of the camera.
He made his television debut in the 1970s and gained wider recognition in the 1980s with roles in shows like *St. Elsewhere*. However, it was his role as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in *NCIS* that cemented his place in television history. He portrayed the character for over 19 seasons, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in prime-time TV. Alongside his successful career, his personal life has remained remarkably stable — something fans often appreciate seeing in the world of celebrity relationships.
Personal Details & Bio Data
Full Name | Thomas Mark Harmon |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 2, 1951 |
Place of Birth | Burbank, California, USA |
Occupation | Actor, Producer |
Years Active | 1973–present |
Spouse | Pam Dawber |
Marriage Date | December 31, 1987 |
Children | Sean Thomas Harmon (born 1990), Ty Christian Harmon (born 1994) |
Notable Roles | Fred Racer (*The Flying Machinists*), Dr. Robert Caldwell (*St. Elsewhere*), Leroy Jethro Gibbs (*NCIS*) |
Mark Harmon’s Marriage to Pam Dawber
Mark and Pam met in 1986 through a mutual friend and hit it off almost instantly. At the time, both were already established actors in their own right. Mark had already made a name for himself with his role in *St. Elsewhere*, while Pam was best known for her work on *Mork & Mindy*, where she played the lead opposite Robin Williams.
They tied the knot on New Year’s Eve in 1987 — a date that gives their marriage a kind of poetic start — and have been together ever since. That’s over 35 years of marriage, something that’s pretty rare in Hollywood. In fact, it’s often cited as one of the longest-lasting marriages in the entertainment industry. In an interview with ET back in 2016, Pam talked a bit about what keeps their relationship going strong, and it turns out it’s not some big secret, but rather a combination of shared values, communication, and mutual respect.
It’s worth noting that Pam has been pretty private about her life before Mark, and hasn’t spoken publicly about any previous relationships. So, for all intents and purposes, the two seem to have built a life that’s not only enduring but also deeply rooted in partnership.
Mark once said in an interview that part of their success comes from the fact that they’ve never seen their careers as competition but rather as complementary. They’ve both been successful in their own right, yet they’ve never let fame come between them. That’s a big deal in a town where egos often clash and priorities can shift quickly.
Their Children: Sean and Ty Christian Harmon
The couple has two sons together: Sean Thomas Harmon, born in 1990, and Ty Christian Harmon, born in 1994. Both have grown up in the spotlight, though not necessarily as actors. Sean has made appearances on *NCIS*, playing a younger version of Gibbs in a few episodes, which was a nice family moment for fans of the show.
Sean and Ty have had the benefit of growing up with two parents who’ve managed to balance their careers and home life. Mark has often spoken about how important family is to him, and it shows in the way he’s navigated both his personal and professional life. The boys were raised with a sense of normalcy, despite their parents’ fame, and that’s no small feat in today’s celebrity culture.
How Their Relationship Works
So, how exactly have Mark and Pam managed to stay together for so long? It’s not like Hollywood makes it easy, right? Well, if you ask those who know them or have followed their story, there are a few key ingredients to their long-lasting marriage:
- They keep it private. In an age where everything gets shared on social media, the couple has kept their personal life largely out of the spotlight, which probably helps protect their relationship from unnecessary outside pressures.
- They support each other’s careers. Neither seems to have jealousy issues or the need to be the bigger star. They’ve supported each other’s roles and schedules, which is a big deal in dual-actor marriages.
- They’ve prioritized family. With two kids and busy work lives, it would have been easy to drift apart, but they made a conscious effort to keep their family unit strong.
- They’ve grown together. Many relationships fail because people grow apart, but in this case, they’ve evolved as individuals while still growing closer as a couple.
In a way, their marriage is a kind of quiet rebellion against the typical Hollywood breakup narrative. They’ve shown that with the right mix of love, respect, and communication, it’s possible to have a long, happy marriage — even when the world around you is constantly changing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber been married?
Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber have been married since December 31, 1987, making their marriage over 35 years long as of 2024. It’s one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood, and they’ve been together ever since they first met in 1986.
Do Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber have children?
Yes, they have two sons: Sean Thomas Harmon, born in 1990, and Ty Christian Harmon, born in 1994. Sean has appeared on *NCIS* in a few episodes, playing a young version of his father’s character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
What makes Mark Harmon and Pam Dawber’s marriage so special?
Their marriage stands out because it’s lasted over 35 years in an industry where many relationships don’t survive the pressures of fame and fortune. They’ve managed to keep things private, support each other’s careers, and raise their kids with a sense of normalcy — all of which are pretty rare in Hollywood.
If you're curious to learn more about other celebrity relationships, you might want to check out our piece on longest celebrity marriages in Hollywood. And if you’re a fan of NCIS or want to dive deeper into the world of Mark Harmon, you can read more about his career and life here on our site.

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