The world grieved the loss of David McCallum, a seasoned actor whose illustrious career left an enduring impact on television. While celebrated for his roles in the 1960s and 1970s, it was his portrayal of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the enduring CBS procedural series “NCIS” that etched his legacy in the hearts of viewers.
David McCallum’s passing at 90 was a poignant moment for fans, and his role as Ducky had become iconic. Unlike his co-star Mark Harmon, who received a significant farewell in 2021, McCallum’s exit from “NCIS” lacked a comparable send-off. His final appearance was in the Season 20 finale, “Black Sky,” where he provided crucial information to Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) about their latest target.
While brief, his last appearance highlighted that Ducky’s presence on “NCIS” had gradually waned in the years leading up to McCallum’s final performance. During Season 20, McCallum featured in only four episodes, following a trend consistent with previous seasons. His last substantial presence in more than half of a season’s episodes occurred during the 16th season, from 2018 to 2019.
In a November 2022 interview with Radio Times, McCallum expressed a sense of disconnect when returning to “NCIS,” especially after many original co-stars had departed. He felt like he was in a different show that didn’t quite make sense anymore. Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s reduced role, stating that it had become challenging for him, and retirement seemed imminent.
Despite never officially leaving or retiring from “NCIS” before his passing, McCallum’s limited appearances reflected the challenges he faced. Delays caused by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 prevented him from recording additional scenes. Whether he had plans to return remains unknown, but fans can cherish the substantial episodes featuring McCallum’s Ducky during his remarkable 20-year tenure on the show.