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‘NCIS’: Fans Are Against Mark Harmon Dating His Real-Life Wife on the Show

In a sweet twist, actor Mark Harmon, star of “NCIS,” got to play some scenes opposite his real-life wife on the show. Unfortunately, some “NCIS” fans just weren’t having it.

Actress Pam Dawber, best known for her work on “Mork & Mindy,” appeared with Harmon in four episodes this spring as investigative journalist Marcie Warren. But some “NCIS” fans took an instant dislike to the investigative journalist, calling her “very annoying” and “just boring.”

On Reddit, the fans commiserated over Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ relationship with Warren, of which many disapproved. But other fans came to Warren’s – and Dawber’s – defense.

‘NCIS’ Role Draws Complaints from Fans

One Reddit commenter kicked the thread off with a brief diatribe about their personal dislike of the character. They also questioned the wisdom of casting Dawber in the show.

“I’m sorry but I don’t like Marcie!!” the user posted. “Pam Dawber just doesn’t fit in with this show!! I hate when shows bring in the actors real spouses. To me there is zero chemistry!!”

Another user suggested that the pandemic may have influenced the casting. As cohabitating spouses, the couple didn’t have to mask or distance from each other.

Others chimed in to say they found the character annoying, regardless of whether Dawber was Harmon’s wife or not. Some took a dislike to Warren without realizing that the actress playing her is married to Harmon.

Still others critiqued the actors’ chemistry. But there was some disagreement among fans about whether the couple has onscreen chemistry or not.

“Just because they are married doesn’t guarantee chemistry,” another “NCIS” fan pointed out. “Do you remember the movie that starred Tom Cruise and his wife at the time Nicole Kidman? They had zero chemistry [and] the movie was a flop. I just don’t see it at all.”

Mark Harmon Is Happily Married

Harmon and Dawber are happily married and have been for 33 years. The two actors disagree about a lot of little things, but in terms of the big picture, their marriage works – regardless of whether their “NCIS” chemistry really crackles.

“We were both in our thirties when we got married, so hopefully the stupid stuff we did earlier,” Harmon told People in 2019. “That’s probably the closest I have to what the key is.”

In fact, the actor makes a point of wearing a ring, usually a distinctive one with an eagle’s head shape that he inherited from his grandfather, on his left third finger.

“I wear it or a few others I have because when I’m not shooting,” Harmon said. “I like to make sure I have something on my ring finger, because I’m proud to be married, and I’m proud of who I’m married to. I’m just so proud of her.”