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Mark Harmon and Sean Murray in NCIS© CBS Photo Archive,Getty Images

NCIS star Mark Harmon's famous niece revealed

Mark is the uncle of actress Tracy Nelson

Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
September 2, 2023
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Mark Harmon is known and loved for his portrayal of Agent Leroy Gibbs in the long-running drama, NCIS

The actor has enjoyed an illustrious career, appearing in various major films and TV shows over the years. But did you know he's not the only famous face in his family?

WATCH: Meet the real-life partners of the cast of NCIS

While fans of the star may know that he comes from a very well-known family, with Hollywood legend Elyse Knox and football star Tom Harmon as parents, they might not realize that he's also related to actress Tracy Nelson, who is Mark's sister, Kristin Nelson's daughter. 

Tracy, whose father is famous musician Ricky Nelson, is an actress who has appeared in various popular television shows. She began acting at a young age, appearing in the 1968 comedy film Yours, Mine and Ours at just five years old.

Tracy landed guest roles in several major TV series over her career, including Seinfeld, St. Elsewhere, and Will and Grace. The actress also co-starred in the mystery series, The Father Dowling Mysteries, playing Sister Stephanie for its three seasons. Tracy was also a series regular on Aaron Spelling's Glitter, A League of Their Own, and the Australian television series The Man From Snowy River. 

Tracy Nelson smiling© Rex
Mark's niece, Tracy Nelson, is an actress

Tracy comes from a long line of entertainers. Her great-grandparents were vaudeville performers Hazel Dell (née McNutt) and Roy Hilliard Snyder, while her paternal grandmother Harriet Nelson, was the star of the ABC sitcom The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which ran from 1952 to 1966. 

Tracy Nelson pictured in 2019© Getty
Tracy Nelson pictured in 2019

As for her parents, her father Ricky Nelson was a hugely popular musician and actor. He began his career as a recording artist at the tender age of 17 and went on to place 54 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 between 1957 and 1973. The expression 'teen idol' was even coined to describe Ricky and his fame. 

Ricky and Kristin Nelson
Tracy's mother and father, Ricky and Kristin Nelson

Tracy's mother, Kristin, was also an actress and appeared in The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet as a regular cast member in 1963, following her marriage to Ricky. She also co-starred with her husband in the 1965 romantic comedy Love and Kisses

MORE: Is Mark Harmon returning to NCIS amid exciting career news?

READ: NCIS star Mark Harmon shares next project in huge career update

The couple welcomed four children, Tracy, twins Gunnar and Matthew, and Sam, but following difficult times in their marriage, ultimately divorced in 1982. Three years later, Ricky died after his plane crashed into trees and electrical wires during an emergency landing.

Kristin died in 2018 of a sudden heart attack. Tracy confirmed the sad news on Facebook at the time.

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