Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
NCIShas remained one of the most loved and watched procedural dramas for over two decades. The audiences love how the characters solve cases and the camaraderie between them. Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard played by David McCallum was one of the most adored individuals on the show.
He brilliantly played the role of an eccentric yet brilliant Chief Medical Examiner, and he was a staple in the show. But many fans might not know the story behind casting one of the most treasured characters on the show.
David McCallum was almost not cast as Ducky onNCIS
Becoming Ducky onNCISwasn’t a cakewalk forDavid McCallum, even though he seemed to be such a natural fit for the role. According toThe Hollywood Reporter,the studio was hesitant to have him on the show, and James Whitmore Jr. one of the directors recalled:
When they cast David McCallum as Ducky, the studio said, ‘No way, we’re not casting this old character actor in the role.’ And Don [Bellisario] said, ‘If you don’t, we’re not doing the show.’ He was that serious about it.
McCallum being British seemed to be a hurdle since the show was American but after being cast,the actor turned out to be a great and irreplaceable asset. His character would provide forensic insights and knowledge about human anatomy, psychology, and history.
“They must like the NCIS people over there”: Pauley Perrette Claimed DC’s Obsession With NCIS Is How David McCallum, Mark Harmon Played Major Roles
Moreover, his eccentric persona and tendency to often start narrating anecdotes mid-autopsy made him a fan-favorite. He was also a close confidant of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and their friendship of trust and mutual respect was one of the show’s highlights.
CBSdid not want to let go of David McCallum
Throughout his tenure as the medical examiner, Ducky became central to some of the most important and emotional moments inNCIS.Surviving a heart attack, revealing his past struggles, and his dynamic with other characters made the audience appreciate him the most. In an interview withTelevision Academy, David McCallum revealed how CBS didn’t want to let him go.
Well, Don [Bellisario, creator of NCIS] insisted on that hat. He said, “He’s got to wear a hat.” I said, “We’re shooting in two minutes.” He said, “Well, get a hat.” So I went up to wardrobe and I found that [stone-colored Fedora-shaped safari hat], which is still, twenty years later, Ducky’s hat.
Now Ducky is retired. I decided to leave the show, and they said, “No, we’d like to make you the historian,” which was very gratifying because it meant that CBS liked that I was around.
He took on the role of historian in the show and McCallum’s Ducky continued to stay involved in the series, as he documented past cases and mentored young agents. His appearances decreased over time, but whenever he was on the screen, the actor’s presence carried emotional weight and nostalgia.
You can watchNCISon Paramount+.
Sonika Kamble
Articles Published :1196
Sonika Kamble is an entertainment writer at Fandomwire, covering everything from timeless classics to newly released movies. With over 1000+ articles published, she delves into breakdowns, think pieces, speculations, and more.She enjoys connecting the dots and covering newfound angles about characters, scenes, and themes from movies directed by Scorsese, Fincher, Tarantino, Linklater, and other exceptional filmmakers.
More from Sonika Kamble
Honey Don’t! Cast: Is Chris Evans Playing a Villain in Margaret Qualley’s Upcoming August 22 Release
VMAs 2025 Sees Sabrina Carpenter Join Sombr and More: Song Predictions
Nobody 3 Can Turn Bob Odenkirk Into Walter White After Director’s Breaking Bad Tease
Recommended
New ‘Harry Potter’ BTS Image Reveals Nick Frost’s Shockingly Perfect Look as Hagrid
Upload Season 4: How Many Episodes Will the Final Season Have?
Japan’s 10 Most-Watched Anime of 2025: Naruto Not Even in Top 5
18 Years Later, 47%-rated Mark Wahlberg Action Blockbuster Is Still Conquering Streaming
Ne Zha Ending Explained: How The Major Deaths Set Up Ne Zha 2?
When Is Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black: Season 2 Releasing?
David McCallumNCIS
