Emotional Rollercoaster: David McCallum’s Heartbreaking Farewell as ‘Ducky’ on NCIS! Don’t Miss His Last Episode!
The world was deeply saddened by the loss of David McCallum, a seasoned actor whose impactful career left an enduring legacy in television. While celebrated for his roles in the 1960s and 1970s, it was his portrayal of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the long-running CBS procedural series “NCIS” that solidified his place in the hearts of viewers.
David McCallum’s passing at the age of 90 was a poignant moment for fans, and his role as Ducky became iconic. In contrast to his co-star Mark Harmon, who received a significant farewell in 2021, McCallum’s departure 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.
Despite its brevity, his last appearance highlighted that Ducky’s presence on “NCIS” had gradually diminished in the years leading up to McCallum’s final performance. During Season 20, McCallum appeared in only four episodes, consistent with a trend from 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 disconnection upon 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 appreciate the substantial episodes featuring McCallum’s Ducky during his remarkable 20-year tenure on the show.
