Emotional Rollercoaster: David McCallum’s Unforgettable ‘Ducky’ Farewell on NCIS! Prepare for a Heart-Wrenching Goodbye!
The world mourned the loss of “NCIS” star David McCallum at the age of 90. McCallum, known for his roles in TV classics like “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and “Colditz,” achieved iconic status as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the long-running CBS procedural series “NCIS.”
However, unlike his co-star Mark Harmon, who received a grand farewell when he left the show in 2021, McCallum did not get a comparable send-off. His final appearance as Ducky Mallard occurred in the Season 20 finale, “Black Sky,” where he provided crucial information to Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll).
Despite the absence of a grand exit, it’s worth noting that McCallum’s presence on “NCIS” had gradually diminished in the years leading up to his final appearance. During Season 20, McCallum appeared in only four episodes, consistent with the trend from the prior season. His last appearance in more than half of a season’s episodes was during the 16th season, which aired from 2018 to 2019. After that, his appearances became less frequent each year.
In a November 2022 interview, McCallum revealed a sense of disconnect when appearing on “NCIS” after many of his previous co-stars had left the show, saying, “When I go there, it’s like being in a different show. It doesn’t quite make sense anymore.” “NCIS” executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s reduced presence in recent seasons, citing the challenges and McCallum’s readiness to retire.
While McCallum never officially left “NCIS” or retired before his passing, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes this year delayed the production of new episodes, preventing him from recording additional scenes for the show after his appearance in the Season 20 finale.
The question of whether he had plans to return remains unanswered, but fans can celebrate the substantial number of episodes in which McCallum’s Ducky appeared over his 20-year tenure on the show.
