NCIS Fans in Tears: Michael Weatherly’s Emotional Return to Honor David McCallum Will Leave You Speechless!

In a poignant episode of NCIS, fans witnessed a heartfelt tribute to the late David McCallum, who portrayed Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. The February 19 episode of Season 21, titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” centered on the NCIS team grieving Ducky’s passing, with flashbacks showcasing his profound impact on both former and current colleagues.

Beloved characters like Leroy Gibbs (Mark Harmon), Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), and Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) made emotional appearances, reflecting on their memories with Ducky.

The episode’s most unexpected moment came at the end when Michael Weatherly returned as Tony DiNozzo. Making his first appearance since leaving the show in 2016, DiNozzo surprised Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) as he prepared to deliver Ducky’s eulogy. DiNozzo’s return added a bittersweet note to the episode, leaving fans both thrilled and heartbroken by the unexpected reunion.

David McCallum, who passed away in September 2023 at the age of 90, left an indelible mark on NCIS. The tribute episode, made even more special by Weatherly’s return, provided closure for fans who cherished both the character and the actor.

Following the episode, Weatherly took to social media to express his gratitude to the NCIS team and fans, highlighting how meaningful it was to return for such a special occasion. The moving scenes prompted fans to reflect on Ducky’s legacy and the enduring bonds within the NCIS family.