“David McCallum’s Legacy: A Reflection on His Impactful Journey with ‘NCIS’
The world mourns the loss of David McCallum, the esteemed actor who passed away at the age of 90. McCallum’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on television through iconic roles such as 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 the beloved 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 send-off in 2021. In fact, McCallum’s appearances as Ducky were sporadic during 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.
While his role in the episode was minor, McCallum’s presence provided vital 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 worth noting that Ducky’s presence on “NCIS” had already diminished in the years leading up to McCallum’s final appearance.
During “NCIS” Season 20, McCallum appeared in only four episodes, a trend consistent with prior seasons. In fact, his last appearance in more than half of a season’s episodes occurred during the 16th season of “NCIS,” which aired from 2018 to 2019. After that season, McCallum’s 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. “When I go there, it’s like being in a different show,” the actor confessed. “It doesn’t quite make sense anymore.” In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter before McCallum’s passing, “NCIS” executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged the actor’s reduced presence in the show’s recent seasons.
Johnson stated, “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.” Notably, McCallum never officially left “NCIS” or retired before his passing. However, due to this year’s WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which delayed the production of new “NCIS” episodes, he never had the opportunity to record 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 substantial number of episodes in which McCallum’s Ducky appeared over the course of his 20-year tenure on the show.”