Gibbs’ Father Actor in NCIS: Essential Details You Must Know

The iconic NCIS series, renowned as one of the longest-running police procedural dramas on American television, made its highly anticipated return to CBS this October with the launch of Season 22. First gracing screens in 2003, the show follows a dedicated team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, tackling high-stakes cases that often intersect with themes of terrorism, espionage, and military conflict.

For the first nineteen seasons, the team has been skillfully led by Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a character brought to life by actor Mark Harmon. The latest spin-off, NCIS: Origins, offers an intriguing exploration of Gibbs’ backstory, detailing his evolution into the leader of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT).

Meet Jackson Gibbs

Jackson Gibbs, portrayed by the late Ralph Waite, is an integral character in the NCIS universe, serving as the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. A former Marine and World War II veteran, Jackson runs a small-town store in Stillwater, Pennsylvania. His character reflects strong moral values and a straightforward approach to life, qualities that significantly shape Leroy’s ethical compass.

Ralph Waite as Jackson Gibbs (Image via X/ncisverse)

In his role, Waite displayed a layered portrayal of Jackson, whose complex relationship with his son is fraught with tension and concern, stemming from personal tragedies and differing life choices. Jackson’s first appearance was in Season 6, and he remained a significant presence until Season 19, influencing the audience’s understanding of Gibbs’ character.

Reimagining Jackson Gibbs in NCIS: Origins

In the recent spin-off NCIS: Origins, actor Robert Taylor takes on the role of a younger Jackson Gibbs, stepping in to offer a fresh perspective on this pivotal character. Taylor, an acclaimed Australian actor known for his role as Walt Longmire in the series Longmire, enriches the narrative with his performance in both television and film, including titles like The Matrix and Vertical Limit.

Thus far, five episodes of NCIS: Origins have been released, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the father-son dynamic between Jackson and Leroy. In contrast to the original NCIS series, where Leroy mentions he has not seen his father since the funeral of his first wife and daughter, the spin-off delves into how Jackson actively supports his son following these losses, even encouraging him to return home.

Moreover, viewers gain insight into Jackson’s confrontations with a young Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid), wherein he challenges Franks about recruiting his son for the NCIS team. The renewed focus on Jackson Gibbs serves to further enrich the storyline, presenting a multifaceted portrayal of this influential character.

Don’t forget to catch both NCIS Season 22 and NCIS: Origins streaming on CBS and Paramount+.

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