To honor founding cast member David McCallum, who passed away at the age of 90, NCIS Season 21 faces the challenge of crafting a fitting tribute.
McCallum portrayed Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, the chief medical examiner turned NCIS Historian, throughout all 20 seasons of the show. He made remote appearances in the final two episodes of Season 20. As the last remaining original cast member following the departure of series protagonist Mark Harmon early in Season 19, he held a special place in fans’ hearts.
NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North shared their sentiments in a statement: “For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences all over the world as the wise, quirky, and occasionally enigmatic Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard… Working with him was an honor from the start, and he never let us down. He was, simply put, a legend.”
In recent seasons, Ducky’s character had been primarily off-screen, reportedly on a book tour around the world. Given this, NCIS could choose to take a similar approach to what the show “Call Me Kat” did for the late Leslie Jordan, where the character simply enjoys an ideal off-screen existence.
On the other hand, NCIS may opt for a more emotional sendoff to better honor McCallum, whose illustrious acting career spanned nearly 70 years and included significant roles in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Sapphire & Steel,” and various other TV shows.
If the show decides to go down the latter, more poignant route, who do you think should be present to bid their final farewells to the beloved doctor? Here are a few ideas, followed by a vote where you can express your opinion