Highlights

• David McCallum's health did not contribute to his decline on NCIS, but limited his role as Ducky Mallard.
• The star actor retired in 2022 to spend quality time with loved ones, and passed away one year later at 90.
• McCallum's career spanned eight decades, becoming a fan favorite through roles such as Illya Kuryakin and Ducky Mallard.

Hollywood star David McCallum held down the beloved role of Donald "Ducky" Mallard, the quirky doctor on NCIS, for decades until Ducky's health problems on the show affected his career. Ducky's health problems gradually phased out McCallum's constant appearance, making fans wonder if he was battling real-life health issues. At 89, the movie star was the last original cast member of NCIS, but his character gradually became redundant. However, did David McCallum's health problems contribute to his decline in NCIS?

David McCallum's final appearance on NCIS was in season 20, and by that time, Ducky's role had become significantly minimal. The star actor, who was one of the most recognized stars on the show, was also ready to recline from Hollywood to spend quality time with his loved ones. He retired from the TV drama in 2022 but passed away one year later due to age-related health problems. This article will explore McCallum's career decline relating to his TV character's health and his health in real life before his passing.

Inside David McCallum's Health Issues On NCIS Before Retirement

When NCIS premiered in 2003, David McCallum was one of the recurring stars right from its inception. He witnessed many highs and lows of the series, including a memorable real-life lawsuit. Over the years, the "Mosquito Squadron" actor proved his longevity, spending close to two decades on the series. Fans grew to love his interesting character, Ducky Mallard, through twenty seasons, but at some point, his character arc changed TV fans' perspectives. Ducky suffered a heart attack in season 9, making many wonder if this was how McCallum's character would be written off. Some fans also wondered if the actor's health in real life was the reason.

A part of the assumptions was right because Ducky Mallard's heart attack on NCIS was the start of his decline on the show. However, the plot had nothing to do with David McCallum's health. The Man From U.N.C.L.E actor was in great shape, but in the latter seasons, it became more evident that McCallum was slowing down. McCallum confirmed his gradual decline from NCIS in 2018 when he took to Facebook to announce a new contract. The TV actor revealed that he had reached an agreement with CBS for his role, although it was different from his previous deals with the network. He shared:

"I am excited to say that I have reached an agreement with CBS for Dr. Donald Mallard to stay with NCIS for season 16. Once again, it will be a limited schedule."

David McCallum went on to reveal that the limited schedule would allow him to enjoy quality time with his family. The star said, "That arrangement will allow me to spend time with Katherine, our children, six grandsons, and Nickie." By the 20th season, the "Billy Budd" actor was ready for retirement. Speaking to Express in November 2022, McCallum stated that he had two episodes left on his contract with the network. He also chipped in, "Retirement is a work in progress, shall we say?"

Ultimately, Ducky's stint on NCIS ended in season 20. One year later, in September 2023, David McCallum passed away. The actor died a few days after his 90th birthday. According to insiders, he died of natural causes at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. McCallum is survived by his wife, Katherine Carpenter, five children, and six grandchildren.

After his demise, CBS issued a statement honoring his career and impact on NCIS as the longest-serving original cast member. One year later, in 2024, the network announced the return of an original cast member, Michael Weatherly, for a new NCIS installation. Weatherly, whose exit from NCIS affected his career, returned ten years after leaving the crime series.

David McCallum's best movies and series, according to MovieWeb:

• NCIS
• The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
• A Night to Remember
• The Great Escae
• The Greatest Story Ever Told

Inside David McCallum's Career Before NCIS

Long before David McCallum became a fan favorite on NCIS, he gained fame in the 1960s for his role as Agent Illya Kuryakin in "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." McCallum's career spanned close to eight decades with his acting resume mostly centered on action movies and series. He got his big break in 1964, playing the secret agent who went on to become a sex symbol among fans. McCallum received more fan mail than A-listers like Elvis Presley and Clark Gable and was also the recipient of two Emmy Awards nominations during his stint on the series.

After "The Man From U.N.C.L.E ended in 1968, David McCallum took up more movie roles, including "Teacher, Teacher," and "The Invisible Man." he ventured into Broadway in 1968, starring in a comedy titled "The Flip Side." McCallum also appeared in the revival of "Amadeus." The actor returned to television in 2003 after snagging the role of Donald Ducky Mallard, a nerdy pathologist for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. He was an original cast member alongside stars like Mark Harmon.

Per CBS, David McCallum initially thought Ducky was "a little silly." However, with time, he relayed that it was "great fun to do." The late star proved his expertise and passion for the quirky character. He spent time in the Los Angeles coroner's office learning about how to conduct autopsies. While NCIS was in production, McCallum stayed in a one-room apartment in Santa Monica so that he could be punctual.