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David McCallum didn’t just play a legend onNCIS; he lived like one. The late actor, known for his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, had a work ethic so unshakable it left a lasting mark on his co-stars. His commitment to work pushed others to step up their game.
OneNCISstar, in particular, walked away permanently changed, driven to “do more” after witnessing McCallum’s ironclad approach. Because when Ducky set the bar, everyone else had to reach higher.
David McCallum’s legacy: The work ethic that truly inspired Wilmer Valderrama
David McCallumset the bar high onNCIS, and his ironclad work ethic left a lasting mark, especially on Wilmer Valderrama. TheNCISstar reflected on howMcCallum’s dedication never wavered, even in his final scenes. Valderrama recalled (viaThe Wrap),
He would not forget one single line. This guy would come in and be so off-book [and] say all this medical stuff. All the way to his last scene … It reminded me that we always have to do more.
McCallum, who played the beloved Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard since Season 1, passed away peacefully at 90 on September 25. But his influence endured.
Valderrama, who joined the show in Season 14, admired McCallum. Theveteran actor commuted weeklyfrom New York and still came in completely off-book, rattling off complex medical jargon like it was second nature.
CBS Made a Desperate Attempt to Stop David McCallum From Leaving NCIS After Refusing to Cast Him Years Ago
The Season 20 finale, which aired in May, marked McCallum’s last episode. Earlier in the year, his role shifted from chief medical examiner to NCIS historian, handing off casework to Brian Dietzen’s Jimmy Palmer.
Now, the show’s latest episode,The Stories We Leave Behind, pays tribute to the man behind Ducky, blending fiction with reality as the team mourns their beloved colleague.
Valderrama described filming the episode as surreal. He said,
I’m sitting here and I’m getting goosebumps because I’ve never been in a situation where a character on the show has to play real life. We had to mirror the reality of life and the fact that he was really gone …
Brian Dietzen, who co-wrote the tribute, ensured it captured McCallum’s essence. Valderrama added,
It’s humorous, it’s beautiful, it’s fun and it’s tragic. You’re going to go through memory lane with him and you’re going to see the best of him, the most influential part of him and the reason why he was so instrumental to the legacy of ‘NCIS’ … It’s really emotional.
From his legendary commitment to hisunforgettable presence, David McCallum’s impact onNCISremains undeniable. His legacy’s a reminder to always do more.
David McCallum almost lost hisNCISrole until the creator put his foot down
NCISfans adoredDavid McCallum as Ducky,but his casting almost didn’t happen. Studio execs reportedly pushed back, dismissing him as an old character actor. ButNCIScreator Don Bellisario wasn’t having it. He told the studio (viaThe Express),
Don 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.
That settled it — McCallum was in. And as director James Whitmore Jr. put it, David McCallum is gold. Former CBS casting head Peter Golden believed the hesitation stemmed from McCallum’s British roots. He recalled,
I think it was because David McCallum was British. The feeling was, ‘Can you do that? ‘ This was such an American show.
McCallum himself had no clue about the behind-the-scenes drama. He landed the role after a meeting with Bellisario — then got the call while fixing a flat tire. His reaction?“Well then, I’m gonna go get a car that works.”Classic Ducky.
NCISis available to watch on Hulu and Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
