David McCallum’s Final Scene Before Death in NCIS – Executives Hope for Ducky’s Return!
NCIS star David McCallum, the show’s last original cast member, passed away at the age of 90 on Monday due to natural causes, surrounded by loved ones during his final moments.
Known for his role as NCIS historian Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard, McCallum appeared in over 500 episodes. His presence shifted from a regular role to occasional cameos over the years. In his last appearance in the season 20 finale episode titled “Black Sky,” McCallum delivered a critical line of dialogue, marking it as one of the show’s memorable moments.
The episode concluded with Wilmer Valderrama’s character going undercover, and McCallum’s Dr. Ducky played a pivotal role remotely, exposing a terrorist group’s true plot. Many fans speculated it would be McCallum’s final appearance, anticipating his character’s departure.
While McCallum made only two other appearances in the 20th season, and despite hints of his potential retirement, he never formally confirmed leaving the series. Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s reduced role but hinted at the possibility of his return, stating, “He could return for four or five episodes.” Despite the challenges, McCallum’s contributions to the series were praised, marking the end of an era for NCIS.
