The Fifth Column Nothing is Impossible w/ Mark Harmon (Members Only #315)
Apr 16, 2026
Mark Harmon, American actor and author of the Ghosts of Sicily series, shares family lore and Hollywood memories. He recounts an encounter with Steve McQueen and classic Mini Cooper tales. He reflects on his father Tom Harmon’s Heisman fame, wartime plane crashes, and how those stories shaped family myth and memory.
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Teenage Mark Harmon Meets Steve McQueen
- Mark Harmon recounts seeing Steve McQueen in a 1968 Mini Cooper S when he was 16, describing McQueen's surprised, 'wall-eyed' look.
- Harmon compares Minis to go-karts and recalls car-chat with hosts about driving them like race cars.
Carl Reiner's Quiet Set Mastery
- Mark Harmon emphasizes Carl Reiner's set leadership: handpicking cast and keeping the set light yet disciplined.
- He describes lunch with Reiner, Mel Brooks, and a Steve Martin bit, showing Reiner's creative influence.
Growing Up With Tom Harmon Highlight Reels
- Harmon describes his father Tom Harmon as a dominant Michigan running back featured in a film of every touchdown he scored.
- He recalls growing up watching that highlight reel and believing every touch resulted in a score.