The world mourned the loss of “NCIS” star David McCallum at the age of 90. McCallum, a lifelong actor, left an indelible mark on television through his roles in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, including iconic characters 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 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.
Sadly, McCallum did not receive a farewell on “NCIS” comparable to his co-star Mark Harmon’s departure in 2021. In fact, McCallum’s appearances as Ducky became sporadic in the most recent season of “NCIS.” His brief appearance in the Season 20 finale, “Black Sky,” marked his final performance as Ducky Mallard due to his passing.
Although his role in the episode was minor, McCallum’s Ducky provided crucial information to Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) about their latest target. Despite the lack of a grand send-off, it’s important to note that Ducky’s presence on “NCIS” had already diminished in the years leading up to McCallum’s final appearance.
During “NCIS” Season 20, David McCallum appeared in only four episodes, a trend consistent with previous seasons. In fact, McCallum’s last appearance in more than half of a season’s episodes occurred during the 16th season of “NCIS” from 2018 to 2019. After that season, his appearances became less frequent each year.
In a November 2022 interview with Radio Times, McCallum expressed a sense of disconnect when appearing on “NCIS” after many of his previous co-stars had left the show. He confessed, “When I go there, it’s like being in a different show. It doesn’t quite make sense anymore.” Before his passing, “NCIS” executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged McCallum’s reduced presence in recent seasons, stating, “David McCallum doesn’t do that much in the series anymore. He could return for four or five episodes. It’s become far too difficult for him, and I believe he’s ready to retire.”
Although McCallum never officially left “NCIS” or retired before his passing, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of this year delayed the production of new “NCIS” episodes, preventing him from recording additional scenes for the show after his appearance in the Season 20 finale.
Whether he had plans to return or not remains unanswered, but fans can celebrate the significant number of episodes in which McCallum’s Ducky appeared over his 20-year tenure on the show.
