In a heartfelt homage to the late David McCallum, who portrayed the beloved Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on “NCIS,” the iconic procedural series bid farewell to its longest-standing original cast member in a poignant episode titled “The Stories We Leave Behind.” Co-written by Brian Dietzen, who has portrayed Dr. Jimmy Palmer for two decades, the episode served as a touching tribute to McCallum’s legacy and celebrated his profound impact on the show and its audience.
McCallum, renowned for his role in the 1960s series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” passed away on September 25 at the age of 90, leaving behind a storied career and a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Ducky Mallard endeared him to fans around the world, making his departure from the show a poignant moment for viewers and colleagues alike.
Speaking to USA TODAY, Dietzen expressed the significance of honoring McCallum’s remarkable contributions to “NCIS” and commemorating his life both on and off-screen. “We wanted to honor a life well-lived, 60 years in this business and 20 years on our show,” Dietzen remarked. “This allows fans to grieve with us. We’ve all experienced this loss.”
Dietzen, who spoke at McCallum’s memorial service in January and maintained close contact with McCallum’s wife, emphasized the profound impact of McCallum’s passing on both his television family and his real-life loved ones. Despite the grief, Dietzen found solace in McCallum’s rich legacy and the myriad lives he touched throughout his 90 years.
The episode, “The Stories We Leave Behind,” centered on Ducky’s final moments and his enduring legacy, weaving together past and present as the NCIS team grappled with his loss. Dietzen revealed that it was important for Ducky to solve one last case with the team, emphasizing the character’s indelible mark on the show’s narrative and his pivotal role in the lives of his colleagues.
As the episode unfolded, viewers were treated to a surprise appearance by Michael Weatherly, who reprised his role as Special Agent Tony DiNozzo. Weatherly’s return provided a poignant moment of closure and nostalgia, offering fans a chance to reminisce about the dynamic partnership between DiNozzo and Ducky.
Dietzen highlighted the significance of Weatherly’s cameo and the emotional resonance of his portrayal of DiNozzo, complete with a spot-on impression of McCallum’s iconic accent and mannerisms. The episode’s final moments, featuring Jimmy Palmer turning off the lights in Ducky’s autopsy room, served as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of McCallum’s legacy and the importance of the stories we leave behind.
In paying tribute to David McCallum, “NCIS” not only celebrated the life and legacy of a beloved actor but also provided a cathartic outlet for fans and colleagues to mourn, reminisce, and ultimately celebrate the profound impact of Ducky Mallard on the hearts and minds of viewers worldwide.
