The world mourned the loss of David McCallum, a beloved star of “NCIS,” who passed away at the age of 90. McCallum’s extensive acting career spanned decades, with notable roles in television classics like “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Colditz,” and “Sapphire & Steel.” However, it was his portrayal of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on “NCIS” that cemented his legacy as one of television’s most prolific actors.
Despite his remarkable contributions to the show, McCallum did not receive a grand farewell comparable to his co-star Mark Harmon’s exit in 2021. His appearances as Ducky became sporadic, with his final performance in the Season 20 finale marking his last on-screen appearance due to his passing.
While McCallum’s role in his final episode was minor, his character provided crucial information to fellow agents Alden Parker and Leon Vance. However, Ducky’s presence on “NCIS” had dwindled in the years leading up to McCallum’s departure, with the actor appearing in only a handful of episodes each season.
In interviews before his passing, McCallum expressed a sense of disconnect with the show, noting that it felt like a different production with many of his former co-stars gone. Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s reduced involvement in recent seasons, citing difficulties and readiness for retirement.
Though McCallum never officially retired or left “NCIS” before his passing, the delays caused by industry strikes prevented him from recording additional scenes for the show. Whether he had plans to return remains uncertain, but fans can cherish the extensive body of work McCallum contributed during his remarkable 20-year tenure on “NCIS.”
