In 2023, Mark Harmon celebrated his 36th wedding anniversary with Pam Dawber, his wife. They met through mutual friends, dated privately, got engaged secretly, and then married in an intimate ceremony. Once considered the “it” couple of the 80s, Dawber eventually stepped away from her career to focus on raising their children. Today, they take pride in their grown sons, one of whom bears a striking resemblance to his father, while the other recently tied the knot himself.

Their enduring relationship, spanning nearly four decades, has been a testament to their love and commitment. The couple marked their 36th anniversary in March 2023, reflecting on their journey together. But how did it all begin?

Before meeting Dawber, Harmon had a four-year relationship with his “Flamingo Road” co-star, Cristina Raines, which ended in 1984. Meanwhile, Dawber had her own criteria for a partner, seeking someone with a sense of humor, warmth, sensitivity, independence, intelligence, and strength. Against the odds, when she met Harmon, he matched every requirement on her list.

Their paths crossed at a friend’s gathering, where they instantly connected and eventually exchanged vows in a private ceremony in 1987. At the time, Harmon was riding high in his career, having been named the “Sexiest Man Alive” in 1986 and starring in popular shows like “Moonlighting” and “St. Elsewhere.” Dawber, too, was enjoying success as the lead in “Mork & Mindy” and later in her sitcom “My Sister Sam.”

Despite their status as a power couple of the 80s, they preferred to keep their relationship away from the spotlight. For Dawber, meeting Harmon was not just about timing but finding her perfect match – an old-fashioned gentleman, exactly what she desired in a spouse.

Beyond stealing her heart, Harmon also proved to be a real-life hero when he rescued a teenager from a burning car crash in 1996 near their Los Angeles home. Despite his modesty, Harmon credited his wife for suggesting the right tool, a sledgehammer, which enabled him to save the young man’s life.

Their marriage has been admired by many, with Larry King describing it as an “amazing stable marriage in a hectic world.” Harmon acknowledges the challenges of finding the right partner but credits their enduring love and Dawber’s sacrifices for their stable family life.

Dawber, once a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, chose to step back from her career to prioritize her family. She wanted to shield her children from the intrusive nature of tabloids and paparazzi, opting for a quieter life away from the spotlight.

Despite occasional acting gigs in the 90s, Dawber dedicated herself to being a full-time mother, cherishing moments with her sons and supporting them in their endeavors. Harmon, known for his grounded nature, values their family life away from the cameras and credits it for their strong bond.

Their sons, Sean Thomas Harmon and Ty Christian Harmon, have followed in their parents’ footsteps, both in looks and careers. Ty, a screenwriter, shares his father’s work ethic and striking good looks, while Sean pursued acting and producing, often appearing alongside his father in shows like “NCIS.”

The Harmon family continues to grow, with Sean’s recent engagement to Courtney Prather in July 2021. Harmon played a significant role in the proposal, marking a joyous occasion for the close-knit family. As they navigate life’s milestones together, the Harmons remain grounded in their love and commitment to each other.