The world mourned the loss of “NCIS” star David McCallum at the age of 90. McCallum, known for his roles in iconic TV series such as “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Colditz,” and “Sapphire & Steel,” solidified his legacy as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the long-running CBS procedural series “NCIS.”
Regrettably, McCallum did not receive a farewell on “NCIS” comparable to co-star Mark Harmon’s send-off in 2021. His appearances as Ducky had become sporadic in the show’s recent seasons, with his final performance occurring in the Season 20 finale, “Black Sky.”
Despite his minor role in the episode, McCallum’s Ducky provided crucial information to Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll). His reduced presence on “NCIS” had been evident for some time, with McCallum appearing in only four episodes during Season 20 and even fewer in prior seasons.
In a November 2022 interview with Radio Times, McCallum expressed a sense of disconnection when appearing on “NCIS” amid the departure of many of his previous co-stars. Executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s diminished role in recent seasons, citing difficulties and McCallum’s readiness to retire.
Although McCallum never officially left “NCIS” or retired before his passing, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes delayed the production of new episodes, preventing him from recording additional scenes. Whether he had plans to return remains unanswered, but fans can celebrate his substantial contribution to the show over his 20-year tenure.
