In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Brian Dietzen, star of NCIS, shared details about his last conversation with the late co-star David McCallum, preceding the premiere of a special tribute episode dedicated to the iconic actor.
Dietzen, aged 46, disclosed that he had the opportunity to speak with McCallum a few days before his passing in September. Recounting the emotional encounter, Dietzen described how McCallum’s wife, Catherine, facilitated the conversation while the actor was hospitalized. Despite health concerns, Dietzen noted that McCallum remained coherent and expressed joy at being able to connect with family and friends.
Renowned for his roles in “The Great Escape” and as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in NCIS, McCallum peacefully passed away due to natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital. To honor his legacy, NCIS will broadcast a special tribute episode on Monday.
Dietzen, portraying McCallum’s student in the series, collaborated with executive producer Scott Williams to craft the tribute episode. Their goal is not only to remember McCallum but also to celebrate his life and the impact he had on the NCIS universe.
The episode aims to convey how McCallum enriched the lives of everyone, both on and off-screen. Dietzen stressed the importance of finding a balance between mourning the loss and commemorating McCallum’s contributions to the show and the people around him.
The NCIS team aims to deliver a poignant memorial that reflects McCallum’s enduring influence and leaves fans with a profound sense of gratitude for the remarkable person he was.
