Mark Harmon Remembers NCIS Co-Star David McCallum: ‘I Was in Awe When I First Met Him’
Mark Harmon is paying tribute to his longtime NCIS co-star David McCallum, who died Monday at age 90.
“David lived a great, full, long life,” Harmon shared in a statement to TVLine. “I was in awe when I first met him and all of us on the show were honored to have toed a mark opposite him. My condolences go out to Katherine and his family.” (Read more tributes from McCallum’s NCIS co-stars past and present here.)
As we reported, McCallum — who most recently appeared, remotely, in the final two episodes of NCIS‘ 20th season last spring — passed away at New York Presbyterian Hospital of natural causes. With Harmon’s exit from NCIS in Season 19, McCallum was the CBS procedural’s last original cast member.
“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” said NCIS‘ current exec producers, Seven D. Binder and David North, in a statement. “But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From day one, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.”
Added a CBS spokesperson: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away. We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto, as well as the brilliant stories he often shared from a life well-lived.”
My very favorite line from any TV show ever, is from NCIS. Someone asks (I think Gibbs) what Ducky was like when he was younger and the response was: “Ilya Kuryakin”.
Yes my favorate line as well, as a huge man from uncle fan, i really loved that line.
Very sad to here of his passing.
R.I.P David
Mine, also. Another was naming a disease or symptom as “Kuryakin”
I enjoyed watching “Ducky” very much. he helped to make the show.
I loved the episode where the crew went to Ducky’s house and there was a photo of Ilya in the background.
Mine, too, Jan! It was such a hoot!! Such an honour to see him acting for so many years.😢😭 Sending love and prayers for his family.😢😭
I still remember watching MR. McCallum in the Man from U.N.C.L.E. series. Was so happy to see him again on N.C.I.S. I loved his jokes and ramblings on the latter show. What a legacy. You will be so missed! I need to watch the reruns now and cherish his presence!
I remember (Gibbs) making that statement. NCIS was and still is my favorite when the past episodes are shown. The comradery between the actors was great. The new version is just ok but does not have the oomph!
David McCallum has had wonderful career. That was a great line and moment on NCIS.
I thought they did a great job finding “young Ducky” from photos I’ve seen of David playing Ilya.
I always looked forward to David,s appearances in the NCIS series he brought humanity to the show, he was excellent in the film the great escape too.
From The Man from Uncle to NCIS, we have loved watching this lovely professional man.
Good Night God Bless, Ducky🦆.
Ilya Kuryakin.
Fare winds and following seas. God bless and thank you for all the wonderful memories you gave to us.
Sweet sentiment often used on “Jag”, which provided the backdoor pilot for NCIS. However, the correct spelling is “Fair winds and following seas.”
Actor David McCallum he was a very great and talented actor. May he rest in peace up in heaven. I loved him on the show The Man From Uncle and as Ducky on N.C.I.S. too. From a fan Peggy. Sending healing prayers and thoughts to his wife and family. Sending lots of love and hugs to his wife and family. God bless them.
So sorry to hear. My condolences to his family and friends. NCIS is my favorite show. Watch the reruns as well on Channel 3 and 117 here in Minnesota and “Ducky” was an awesome character. God Bless! (Mike Weatherly, Mark Harmon & Abby & Ziva too! Come back!!) Rest in eternal peace David McCallum. You are loved.
They’re all coming back apparently, especially Tony Denoaso and Ziva D’Veed.
I’ve watched every single one and has box sets aswell. Rip Ducky, never be forgotten.
One would think a memorial episode could/might bring most of the cast back, at least for one episode. Even Pauley might return for that one!
RIP Mr.McCallum. I have been in love with you since I was 12. You were a truly amazing actor and will be missed. My condolences to your family.
REST IN PEACE — DUCKY, DAVID MCCALLUM. FROM HIS TIME ON “MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. TO NCIS — HE WAS FANTASTIC!
Such a shame for all of us but when God calls a child home, home he goes. God Bless the entire McCallum clan and know our prayers are with you. God rest your soul David. You will be sorely missed.
This should be thumbs up, NOT down!
Many times Ducky made the show. What an actor..
So believable.
Thank you Ducky
He will be missed i’ve been watching NCIS for many years I feel like I lost a family member
May actor David McCallum may he rest in peace up in heaven. I loved him on the show The Man From Uncle and N.C.I .S.as Ducky on thr show.from a fan Peggy Sending healing prayers and thoughts to his wife and family .Sending lots of love and hugs to his wife and family. God bless them.
I will miss seeing, Ducky, on NCIS. He seemed as though he was a sweet and kind man who was a pleasure to work with. I also remember him from The Man From U.N.C.L.E. He was a wonderful actor then as well as very handsome. R.I.P. Thanks for the past and recent memories!!!!
Watched him from Great Escape to Man from UNCLE to NCIS Ducky. Fabulous actor, easy to love. He will be sorely
Missed! RIP fellow Scot!
Will miss you from Debbie in indpls in.
My first crush.
This is heartbreaking. I’ve watched him since I was in high school. Which is a lot of years ago. Always enjoyed him so very much. He brought humor and sense of elegance to everything he did. Prayers for his family.
From the Great Escape to Man from Uncle to NCIS, THE consummate professional!! RIP Ducky
I have enjoyed DUCKY since before he became DUCKY. His style of acting was so easy and genuine that I totally became absorbed in his parts. My .. prayers go out to his family…
One heck of an actor. Sir you are missed by many. RIP
Enjoyed watching NCIS and couldn’t wait until Ducky came on with his stories. He is a great person(you don’t find people like him any more) and will always be a great man. Will be missed, always watched the show because of him.
I remember the first time I saw David McCallum. It was in a show called MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. It was durning the 007 Sean Connery. Then when NCIS came on I was glad to see him again.
REST IN PEACE.
DAVID DUCKY McCallum
Used to watch him on “The Man From U.N.C.L.E”. Wonderful actor. Rest in peace.
I will always “love ya, Illya!”
No matter if he was Ilya Kuriyakin or ( Ducky)Dr. Donald Mallardor one of his many other roles, he was a consumiate actor and professional. May you rest in peace our dear friend. Thank you for knowing you from afar. May God bless and keep your family at this time.
Dear David….. Thank you for all your works that I have enjoyed through the years. If I am feeling this sad I can only imagine the loss and heartbreak of your family. God bless you 💚
Loved him first in Man From Uncle when I was a teenager and lastly from his fantastic personification of Dr Mallard (Ducky). Very sad to hear this news today.
I know that I speak on behalf of the NCIS fans that he will truly be missed, he has been a huge part of our lives for so long. It’s going to be very difficult to watch the first episode without him.
I live and breath NCIS. I also remember as a young lady MFU, even my dad liked it and he was all business but took some time to watch MFU. We all know that NCIS is not the same as the first 15 years. It certainly has lost it’s MOJO. David McCallum was part of THAT MOJO. Thank goodness for reruns. RIP David, you are missed!
I’m sad. I have always liked him as Ducky. Prayers for his family.
Condolences to David McCallum’s immediate family and his NCIS family. He was and always will be missed by all of his fans. Please tell a fitting ending to his storyline.