David McCallum’s Lasting NCIS Legacy
By Movieguide® Contributor
While NCIS fans mourn the death of David McCallum, who played the beloved character Ducky, his legacy will live on through the show.
McCallum joined NCIS during its conception in 2003, becoming a mainstay as the show’s medical examiner, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.
The actor’s appearances on the show lessened after his character retired, leaving the job to his protégé Dr. Jimmy Palmer. Ducky, however, continued to make guest appearances through season 20, and McCallum stayed on as an NCIS historian.
When he left, McCallum was the last original cast member to appear on the show, per Yahoo. Co-star Mark Harmon, who played Leroy Gibbs, exited the show during season 19, as Movieguide® reported.
Before McCallum’s death, the NCIS showrunners gave an oral history of the series to commemorate its 20th season on-air. While discussing the show’s original characters coming and going through the years, they explained why McCallum didn’t appear on the show as much as he used to.
“David McCallum doesn’t do that much in the series anymore,” they told The Hollywood Reporter. “David [just turned 90], and he lives in New York. He may come back and do four or five episodes. It’s much too hard on him now, and I think he’s ready to retire. But he was amazing from the day he came on.”
Cinema Blend reports showrunners planned for McCallum to make guest appearances during season 21, but now “the writers will likely be coming up with a tribute that will sum up not only McCallum but Ducky as well.”
Since his death last month, his co-stars have shared their memories of him.
“David lived a great, full, long life,” Harmon told 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 [his wife] Katherine and his family.”
CBS added in a statement, “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.”
Movieguide® previously reported:
Beloved actor David McCallum died of natural causes on Monday while surrounded by loved ones at a New York hospital.
“He was the kindest coolest, most patient and loving father,” said his son Peter in a statement on behalf of the family. “He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren.”
McCallum is best known for his role as Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard on CBS’s crime drama NCIS, a character he played for 20 years.
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