David McCallum passed away. He had played Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS for almost twenty years. He was 90. McCallum, who had featured in the final two episodes of NCIS’s 20th season via remote appearance last spring, passed dead of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
The current executive producers of NCIS, Seven D. Binder and David North, stated in a statement,
“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,”
“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.”
One of McCallum’s four children, Peter McCallum, referred to his father as “the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father,” and he added, “He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge.”
Because of his extensive preparation for his part on NCIS, he could direct a symphony orchestra and, in a pinch, even perform an autopsy. He also leaves behind Katherine, his wife of 56 years.
“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.”
“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.”
‘If you don’t, we’re not making the program,’ Don [Bellisario], one of the creators of NCIS, reportedly remarked. He actually meant it that much. The production company embraced the idea, because David McCallum is, of course, priceless.
After NCIS star Mark Harmon left the show at the beginning of Season 19, McCallum was the only remaining original cast member. An “In memoriam” card honoring McCallum will air during tonight’s 20th anniversary special of NCIS on CBS.
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