Which Episode Did ‘NCIS’ Star David McCallum Once Reveal as His Favorite Ducky Episode?
The late David McCallum, renowned for his portrayal of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the long-running series NCIS, was a beloved and iconic character on the show. Despite his evolving role over the years, McCallum’s portrayal of Ducky remained a fan-favorite throughout the series.
Surprisingly, McCallum’s most cherished episode of NCIS dates back to its very first season, contrary to expectations that a later episode might have captured his favor. His favorite episode, titled “My Other Left Foot,” blends the show’s signature dark humor and allows Ducky’s unique personality traits to shine.
David McCallum, who portrayed Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard since the show’s inception, became a cornerstone of NCIS. In later seasons, due to his advancing age, McCallum reduced his on-screen involvement, transitioning Ducky’s character from the head forensic pathologist to a role more focused on history. He was one of the last remaining original cast members, making this adjustment understandable.
Despite McCallum’s presence in numerous episodes over the show’s lengthy run, his personal favorite episode hails from the first season. In a candid conversation with TV Insider, he revealed that his preferred episode is the twelfth of the first season, “My Other Left Foot.” In this episode, Ducky amusingly converses with a dismembered leg, discussing his grandfather, art galleries, and the memoir “My Left Foot.” This peculiar interaction leads to the humorous revelation that the leg in question is, in fact, a right foot.
While the episode may not be considered one of the series’ finest, McCallum valued it for its contribution to the show’s unique blend of dark comedy and its role in highlighting Ducky’s distinct character traits, endearing him to NCIS audiences.
Following David McCallum’s passing at the age of 90 on September 25, CBS released an extensive NCIS retrospective on the same day. The co-founder of the show, Donald P. Bellisario, shared his unwavering commitment to having McCallum in the series. According to Bellisario, he initially hesitated to create the show without McCallum. Director James Whitmore Jr. also emphasized McCallum’s immense value, describing him as pure “gold.”
In a collective message released by NCIS lead producers Steven D. Binder and David North, McCallum was remembered as the embodiment of class and scholarship. They celebrated his enduring grace, unwavering professionalism, and his ability to infuse humor into every opportunity. David McCallum left an indelible mark on NCIS, endearing himself to both his co-stars and the show’s devoted audience.
