David McCallum, who played Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS for more than two decades, died Monday morning in New York. He was 90.
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.
“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. Our hearts go out to his wife Katherine and his entire family, and all those who knew and loved David.”
Peter McCallum, who was one of McCallum’s four children, called his dad “the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father,” adding, “He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and — if needed — could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS.
McCallum is also survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum.
“After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep,” Peter added. “Her answer was simply, ‘Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together.’ She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were, and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old.”
In a 20th anniversary NCIS oral history published by THR, director James Whitmore Jr. recalled of McCallum’s casting back in 2003, “The studio said, ‘No way, we’re not casting this old character actor in the role.’ And [NCIS co-creator] Don [Bellisario] said, ‘If you don’t, we’re not doing the show.’ He was that serious about it. The studio went with it, and of course, David McCallum is gold.”
Tonight’s 20th anniversary-themed NCIS marathon on CBS will now now include an “In memoriam” card in remembrance of McCallum.