Mark Harmon stars in NCIS. Pam Dawber (inset) was in Mork and Mindy with Robin Williams.

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Ask American Profile 3/23/2009

Q Since there’s never any gossip about actor Mark Harmon of NCIS and his wife, Pam Dawber, I assume they are happily married. What can you tell us about them?
—Diane Cooper, New Braunfels, Texas

Harmon and Mork and Mindy star Dawber, both 55, have been married 20 years and have two teenage sons. While the couple’s marriage doesn’t often make headlines, Mark and Pam were in the news in 1996 when they saved the lives of two teens whose car was on fire as the result of an accident in front of their house. Harmon used a sledgehammer to break the car window and pulled them to safety, while Dawber called 911.

Q What was the real name of the stuntman Evel Knievel, who died recently?
—Jery Lewis, Kannapolis, N.C.

The renowned motorcycle daredevil was born Robert Craig Knievel Jr. in Butte, Mont. He acquired his nickname after a reckless-driving charge landed him in a Montana jail; he changed the spelling because he didn’t want people to think he was actually “evil.” Knievel—portrayed by actor George Hamilton in a 1971 biographical movie—died Nov. 30 at age 69 from complications of diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis.

Q My sister and I disagree about where Nicole Kidman was born. Was it Australia or England?
—Frances Mitoma, Torrance, Calif.

Neither. Kidman, 40, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. She and her parents later relocated to Washington, D.C., before finally settling in Sydney, Australia, where “Nic” grew up. Guinness World Records lists her as the highest-paid actress ever in a commercial; she received $3.71 million for appearing in a spot for Chanel No. 5 perfume.

Q Whatever happened to the Wilburn Brothers? Do they still perform?
—Hoke Debary, Damascus, Ga.

Both members of the popular singing duo are deceased; Doyle died in 1982, Teddy in 2003. One of country music’s most formidable acts both in the spotlight and behind the scenes in the 1960s, the Wilburns released more than 30 hit singles, hosted their own syndicated TV series from 1963 to 1974, formed their own booking and music publishing companies, and launched the careers of numerous other stars, including Loretta Lynn.

first appeared: 3/23/2008