The world mourns the recent passing of “NCIS” star David McCallum at 90. Known for iconic roles in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, McCallum’s lasting legacy includes his decades-spanning portrayal of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the CBS procedural. Unlike his co-star Mark Harmon, who received a proper sendoff in 2021, McCallum continued sporadic appearances in the latest season, making his final turn in the Season 20 finale, “Black Sky.” Despite the small role, he imparts crucial information to key characters. McCallum’s presence on “NCIS” had diminished in recent years, with only four appearances in Season 20. His last substantial involvement was in Season 16 (2018-2019). Reflecting on this continuity, McCallum noted the strangeness of persisting on the show as others departed in a November 2022 interview with Radio Times.
