While fans of NCIS are celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the show’s premiere on CBS on “NCIS Day,” some sad news comes to those who watch the mothership series: TV legend David McCallum, who played Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the show for over 20 years, has passed away at age 90. He died of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
“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,” Executive Producers Steven D. Binder and David North said in a statement.
“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,” they continued.
David McCallum first became known to American TV audiences for his role as Ilya Kuryakin on The Man From U.N.C.L.E. in the 1960s; he also starred with Joanna Lumley in the British series Sapphire & Steel.
Tonight’s NCIS marathon on CBS will include an “In Memoriam” title card in memory of Mr. McCallum.
