Mark Harmon opens up about departing his role as Leroy Gibbs on NCIS: 'I thought it was honest'

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Mark Harmon has broken his silence about leaving NCIS after 20 years.The 70-year-old actor - who starred as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs for nearly two decades - told Entertainment Tonight he was happy with his character.'Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did.

I thought it was honest and OK,' he said.Harmon went on to state that the Special Agent was not deceased and left the door open for a potential return to the program.

The performer said: 'I'm not retired...the character is living in Alaska as far as I know.' Opening up: Mark Harmon spoke about his departure from NCIS in one of the special featurettes in the upcoming season 19 DVD releaseHarmon began by noting that he had greatly enjoyed portraying Agent Gibbs over the years.'What has always drawn me here is the character I play and to keep it fresh and to keep it challenging,' he stated.

The Emmy Award-nominated performer also expressed his approval of Gibbs' actions on the program. 'Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did.