Spending 20 years on NCIS is one thing, but holding a record Mark Harmon doesn’t? Now that’s legendary. Sean Murray’s been a rock on the show, but he’s got one milestone that puts him in a league of his own. And no, it’s not just about seniority.
Even Murray admits it’s a “privilege” most actors never get. So, what makes him stand out in NCIS history?
Sean Murray’s NCIS legacy outshines even Mark Harmon’s record
![Mark Harmon in NCIS [Credit CBS]](https://fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/08143621/Mark-Harmon-in-NCIS-Credit-CBS.jpg "\"I don't think there's a lot of actors that get the privilege\": Sean Murray Is Grateful for Having an NCIS Record Even Mark Harmon Doesn’t 2")
Sean Murray’s done something even Mark Harmon didn’t — he’s officially the longest-serving NCIS team member. And after more than two decades as Special Agent Timothy McGee, he’s well aware of how rare that is. Murray told EW,
It’s been interesting because when the show started, McGee was the penultimate rookie character. And as the show has progressed, he has progressed. He’s definitely a lot more sure of himself than he used to be and capable of doing so much more than he used to be.
Our writers, we’ve got our guys that have stuck with us for so long, and they know this character just about as well as I do. So it kind of comes naturally with the material, the way the character has grown over the years and I’ve grown as an actor over the years doing that character.
He continued,
I think it’s kind of cool that I’ve played one character for 20-plus years. I don’t think there’s a lot of actors that get the privilege of doing that. I remember talking to the writers early on about this, like, I don’t want to be baby Maggie Simpson.
I don’t want to be the same character every single week and never grow. And they were very into the growth of the character. So it’s just been a natural thing, and fun to do.
Murray, who started out as the rookie tech expert, has come a long way. He’s grown alongside McGee, evolving from the green recruit to one of the most capable agents on the team.
Of course, he’s had some emotional moments, like saying goodbye to his longtime mentor, Mark Harmon. When Harmon exited NCIS in season 19, it was McGee who shared that final scene with him in Alaska. Murray recalled,
Filming that was an unbelievable experience. I will never forget it. It was me, Harmon, Gary, and a splinter group of our crew. We got on a private plane, flew to Alaska for a week, and filmed what I think is some of the best stuff we’ve ever done.
We were in the water doing the fly fishing, and as I’m saying goodbye to Mark, the whole crew is crying. Danny, one of the grips came up to me afterward and he goes, “I got a bone to pick with you. I’m a grown man. You had me crying, standing in the river.”
Outside of NCIS, Murray keeps things simple. He’s a proud dad and self-proclaimed music nerd, always on the hunt for new sounds. But with family life taking priority, his hobbies have taken a backseat.
Still, after 22 seasons and counting, one thing’s clear: McGee isn’t going anywhere just yet.
Sean Murray fears his NCIS Days are numbered as the last original star standing
NCIS veteran Sean Murray had seen plenty of exits, but now he’s the last original cast member still standing. And that has him on edge.
Despite his 22-season run as Timothy McGee, Murray admitted, (via RadarOnline),
I think we learned this with things that have happened on the show over the years, no one is quite safe…I have enjoyed, immensely, being a part of this show and continue to be incredibly grateful to be a part of this show, but you never know what’s going to happen.
Even with season 23 confirmed, he couldn’t shake the fear of an abrupt exit — maybe even a shocking on-screen death.
The hit CBS drama had its fair share of behind-the-scenes shake-ups. Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, and Pauley Perrette all left, some amid reported tensions. But through it all, Murray stayed low-key, avoiding the off-screen drama.
Still, with NCIS known for jaw-dropping twists, insiders claimed he worried producers could write him out for shock value, ending both his long run and his $300,000-per-episode payday.
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