Goodbye Ducky: Which NCIS Stars Could Return for a Tribute to David McCallum?

The NCIS team is faced with the challenge of paying tribute to original cast member David McCallum, who played Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard for all 20 seasons of the show. McCallum passed away at the age of 90, leaving a significant impact on the long-running series. As the writers contemplate how to honor McCallum’s legacy, they are presented with two potential approaches: continue portraying Ducky as living an idyllic off-screen life or provide the character with an emotional sendoff.

If the latter route is chosen, several former cast members could return to bid farewell to Ducky. Some suggestions include Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs), Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo), Cote de Pablo (Ziva David), Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto), Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop), Maria Bello (Dr. ‘Jack’ Sloane), Adam Campbell (Young Ducky), and Bob Newhart (Dr. Walter Magnus).

Harmon, who has not appeared on-screen as Gibbs since Season 19, is an executive producer on NCIS. While he has not been informed of any plans for Gibbs to resurface, the possibility remains open. The character of Gibbs is believed to be in an ambiguous state, symbolized by his living in Alaska and his potential return to duty.

The decision on how to handle Ducky’s tribute and which characters to involve is complex, and the writers are likely to carefully consider the best way to honor both McCallum and the character he portrayed for two decades.