What Happened to Ducky on NCIS? Did Ducky From NCIS Die in Real Life?

In the TV show "NCIS," Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard's character's departure is marked by an emotional tribute episode, "The Stories We Leave Behind," where the team reflects on his legacy and solves one last case in his honor.

by Kavitha

Updated Feb 13, 2024

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What Happened to Ducky on NCIS? Did Ducky From NCIS Die in Real Life?
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What Happened to Ducky on NCIS?

In the TV show "NCIS," David McCallum's character, Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, had his last appearance in the Season 20 finale titled "Black Sky," which aired on May 22, 2023. However, his formal goodbye was in Season 21, Episode 2, called "The Stories We Leave Behind." This episode, co-written by McCallum's co-star Brian Dietzen, honored Ducky's legacy.

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In "The Stories We Leave Behind," the NCIS team investigates one of Ducky's unfinished cases, unknowingly diving into a mystery that was important to him. As they work on the case, they reminisce about their memories of Ducky and pay tribute to his character. The episode was designed to honor McCallum's legendary acting career and his beloved role on the show.

Ducky's passing is acknowledged in the episode, allowing the characters to reflect on their time with him and the impact he had on their lives. Despite his absence, Ducky's compassionate nature continues to guide the team, as he helps solve one last crime even after his passing. The episode concludes with a touching and special moment dedicated to Ducky's memory, ensuring that he will always be remembered fondly by the NCIS team and viewers alike.

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Who was David McCallum?

David McCallum was a famous Scottish actor and musician. He was born on September 19, 1933, in Glasgow, Scotland. He became well-known in the 1960s for his role as secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the TV show called "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." He also played roles in other TV series like "Colditz" and "Sapphire & Steel."

In 2003, he became popular again for playing Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in the TV series "NCIS." He acted in this show for 20 seasons until he passed away. Apart from TV, McCallum also appeared in movies like "The Great Escape" in 1963. He was married twice and had five children. David McCallum passed away on September 25, 2023, in New York City, USA, at the age of 90.

Full Name

David Keith McCallum

Date of Birth

September 19, 1933

Place of Birth

Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland

Date of Death

September 25, 2023

Age at Death

90 years old

Occupation

Actor, Musician, Author

Known For

- Illya Kuryakin in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."

- Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in "NCIS"

Spouses

- Jill Ireland (m. 1957–div. 1967)

- Katherine Carpenter (m. 1967–2023)

Children

Net Worth

$15 million

David McCallum Career

David McCallum had a diverse career in acting, music, and even writing. He started as an assistant stage manager for the Glyndebourne Opera Company in 1951. McCallum began acting on BBC Radio in 1947 and got his first acting roles in British films in the late 1950s. He gained recognition with roles in movies like "A Night to Remember" and "The Great Escape."

His big break came with the TV series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." in the 1960s, where he played the Russian agent Illya Kuryakin. This role made him a popular figure and earned him two Emmy nominations. McCallum continued to act in various TV shows and movies, including the TV series "NCIS," where he played Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard for 20 seasons, becoming one of the show's most beloved characters.

Aside from acting, McCallum was also a musician. He recorded several albums in the 1960s, showcasing his talent as a classically trained musician. He even composed some original pieces for these albums.

Later in his career, McCallum ventured into writing, publishing a crime novel called "Once a Crooked Man" in 2016. He continued to work in entertainment until his passing in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to various forms of art and entertainment.

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David McCallum Net Worth

At the time of his passing, David McCallum, the Scottish actor, musician, and author, had a net worth of $15 million. He earned this through his successful career in acting, music, and writing. McCallum became famous for his roles in TV shows like "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "NCIS." For his work on "NCIS," he was paid $175,000 per episode.

Throughout his career, McCallum appeared in over 130 movies and TV shows, including notable films like "The Great Escape" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." He also released several music albums and even wrote a crime novel titled "Once a Crooked Man." David McCallum's contributions to entertainment left a lasting impact, and his net worth reflected his achievements in the industry.

Did Ducky From NCIS Die in Real Life?

Yes, David McCallum, the actor who played Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on the TV show "NCIS," passed away in real life. He died at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City on September 25, 2023. McCallum was 90 years old at the time of his death. While his character, Ducky, remained alive in the show's storyline, the actor who portrayed him sadly passed away. David McCallum's death marked the end of an era for "NCIS" fans, as he had been a beloved member of the cast for 20 seasons.



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What Happened to Ducky on NCIS? - FAQs

1. Who was David McCallum?

David McCallum was a Scottish actor, musician, and author best known for his roles as Illya Kuryakin in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in "NCIS."

2. What happened to Ducky on NCIS?

Ducky's character had his last appearance in the Season 20 finale and his formal goodbye in Season 21, Episode 2, where the NCIS team honored his legacy by investigating one of his unfinished cases.

3. What was David McCallum's career like?

McCallum had a diverse career spanning acting, music, and writing, starring in numerous TV shows and movies, recording albums, and publishing a crime novel titled "Once a Crooked Man."

4. What was David McCallum's net worth?  

At the time of his death, David McCallum had a net worth of $15 million, earned through his successful career in acting, music, and writing.

5. Did Ducky from NCIS die in real life?  

Yes, David McCallum, the actor who portrayed Ducky on "NCIS," passed away in real life on September 25, 2023, at the age of 90.

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