Austin Stowell finds a powerful connection in ‘NCIS: Origins’

Embodying Gibbs through personal experiences

Austin Stowell deeply resonates with the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the upcoming prequel series “NCIS: Origins”. Taking on this role has been an emotional journey for the actor, who relates Gibbs’ grief to his own life experiences. The series is set to premiere on October 14 and takes viewers back to 1991, illustrating Gibbs’ transformation following the tragic murders of his wife and daughter.

“The grief that he’s going through is not something that we can avoid. And as an actor, I’m someone who very much feels all of it,” says Stowell, reflecting on his own encounters with loss.

From humble beginnings to big breaks

Stowell’s path to stardom is as compelling as his characters. On a humid September day, he met for an interview at Birds, a Hollywood haunt where he once worked. The actor biked over directly from the Paramount lot, reminiscing about the days he worked odd jobs, including at Birds and even caddying for Bill Murray.

During his early days in Los Angeles, Stowell landed his first major role on “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” After that teen drama, he took on various artistically acclaimed projects like “Public Morals”, “Bridge of Spies”, and “Catch-22”, acting alongside industry giants like Steven Spielberg and George Clooney.

Grief and rebirth

In 2020, Stowell faced a profound personal tragedy when his father died by suicide. He moved back to the East Coast to be closer to his mother, marking a period of immense emotional upheaval.

“It led me to probably some of the darkest days in my life, but then eventually this kind of rebirth,” Stowell shares, describing the range of emotions he confronted.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stowell spent time skiing, hiking, and bonding with his mother, which became a therapeutic process. It was during this reflective period that he received the call for “NCIS: Origins”.

A script that hits home

Initially hesitant about joining a long-running procedural, Stowell found the script for “NCIS: Origins” profoundly personal. The show examines Gibbs’ tumultuous relationship with his father, mirroring Stowell’s own familial dynamics.

“A lot of my relationship with my father plays through with Gibbs and his estranged relationship with his dad,” he admits. “We both wish it were better, and we don’t know how to say the things that are in our hearts.”

Harmon’s legacy and mentoring

Original Gibbs actor Mark Harmon exited “NCIS” in 2021 but returns for “Origins” as a narrator and executive producer. Harmon immediately saw Stowell’s potential when he auditioned, recognizing the weight of the character.

“This character has a weight to it. He didn’t ask for that; I didn’t ask for that either,” Harmon states. “Austin’s the guy to take this weight.”

Impactful storytelling and personal connections

Stowell repeatedly reflects on how storytelling has influenced his life and work. He cites the film “Field of Dreams” as a significant bonding experience with his father and reveals the lasting impact of cinematic storytelling on audiences.

“He loved that movie, and he would weep,” Stowell recalls. “That’s a big reason I do what I do. I love what storytelling does for people.”

Stowell’s journey through acting and his personal life remarkably parallels the character of Gibbs. His portrayal is expected to bring a new layer of depth to the beloved character, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic role.

Looking forward to ‘NCIS: Origins’

From candid reflections on his relationship with his father to portraying deep-seated grief on screen, Stowell is poised to deliver a captivating performance in “NCIS: Origins”. His unique connection to the role brings authenticity and nuance, promising to engage both new viewers and long-time fans of the franchise.

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