NCIS: Does Ducky ever get married in NCIS?

In the 17-year run of NCIS, Donald “Ducky” Mallard, portrayed by David McCallum, never got married. Despite his long tenure as the team’s beloved medical examiner, Ducky’s personal life remained largely mysterious. While he briefly mentioned previous relationships, there was no indication of a Mrs. Mallard or any long-term romantic involvement. However, a potential love interest surfaced in Season 12 with Ducky’s childhood friend Maggie Clarke, portrayed by Alice Krige. Their relationship was complicated, as Ducky harbored feelings for Maggie while she was engaged to Angus Clarke.

Although they shared a kiss, Maggie ultimately married Angus. Their paths crossed again when Ducky visited the UK to investigate Angus’s involvement in a colleague’s death. Unfortunately, Angus was murdered, leading Ducky to reconnect with Maggie briefly before returning to the US. Ducky’s reluctance to marry stemmed from witnessing Agent Leroy Gibbs’s tragic loss of his family to violence, causing him to fear the potential consequences of romantic attachments.