The world mourns the loss of “NCIS” star David McCallum, who passed away at 90. A lifelong actor, McCallum left an indelible mark on television in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with iconic roles like Illya Kuryakin on “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” Simon Carter on “Colditz,” and Steel on “Sapphire & Steel.” However, it was his portrayal as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the long-running CBS series “NCIS” that cemented his legacy as one of the most prolific TV actors of his generation.
Unfortunately, David McCallum didn’t receive a farewell on “NCIS” akin to the send-off his co-star Mark Harmon got upon leaving the show in 2021. McCallum’s appearances as Ducky Mallard were sporadic in the most recent season, with his brief cameo in the Season 20 finale, “Black Sky,” serving as his final performance due to his passing.
Though minor, his role in the episode provided crucial information to characters Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll). However, Ducky’s presence on “NCIS” had dwindled in the years leading up to McCallum’s last appearance.
During Season 20, McCallum appeared in only four episodes, consistent with the prior season. His last appearance in over half a season’s episodes occurred in Season 16, which aired from 2018 to 2019. McCallum expressed a sense of disconnection in a November 2022 interview, stating that appearing on “NCIS” felt like being in a different show.
Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s reduced presence in recent seasons, citing difficulties and hinting at the actor’s readiness to retire. Despite never officially leaving or retiring from “NCIS,” McCallum never had the chance to film additional scenes due to this year’s strikes, leaving his return uncertain.
While it’s unclear if he had plans to return, fans can cherish the significant number of episodes in which McCallum’s Ducky appeared during his 20-year tenure on the show.
