David McCallum, the beloved actor known for his iconic roles in television series such as “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Colditz,” and “Sapphire & Steel,” passed away at the age of 90, leaving the world mourning his loss. While McCallum made significant contributions to television throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, it was his portrayal of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the long-running CBS procedural series “NCIS” that solidified his status as one of the most prolific TV actors of his generation.
Unlike his co-star Mark Harmon, who received a grand send-off when he left “NCIS” in 2021, McCallum’s departure from the show was more subdued. His final appearance as Ducky Mallard occurred in the Season 20 finale, “Black Sky,” where he provided crucial information to Alden Parker and Leon Vance. Despite the lack of a grand farewell, McCallum’s presence on “NCIS” had already diminished in the years leading up to his final performance.
Throughout “NCIS” Season 20, McCallum appeared in only four episodes, continuing a trend from previous seasons where his appearances became less frequent each year. In a November 2022 interview with Radio Times, McCallum expressed feeling disconnected from the show, especially after many of his co-stars had departed. Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s reduced presence in recent seasons, stating that it had become difficult for him and speculating that he might be ready to retire.
Despite never officially leaving “NCIS” or retiring before his passing, McCallum’s opportunities to return to the show were limited due to the 2024 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which delayed the production of new episodes. Whether McCallum had plans to return or not remains unanswered, but fans can celebrate his 20-year tenure on the show and the substantial number of episodes in which his character, Ducky Mallard, graced the screen.
