The tributes have begun to pour in for NCIS veteran David McCallum, who died this morning at 90 in New York.
McCallum was the last remaining original cast member on CBS’ NCIS. He played Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard, an eccentric but highly efficient investigator with a knack for psychological profiling, for two decades.
In a statement provided to Deadline, longtime NCIS star Mark Harmon said, “David lived a great, full, long life. I was in awe when I first met him and all of us on the show were honored to have toed a mark opposite him. My condolences go out to Katherine and his family.”
Former NCIS colleague Michael Weatherly wrote on X that “David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Let’s raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man. I’ve only got 3 autographs. Connery, Tony Bennett and McCallum. I felt the same way as Steve McQueen in this picture from The Great Escape: Wow! It’s David McCallum! No one did it better. We were lucky to have him bring us Ducky. Let’s send all the love in the world to his beautiful family. Rest In Peace David.”
Lauren Holly, who played Jenny Shepherd on NCIS from 2005 to 2015, weighed in by saying, “RIP David McCallum. You were the kindest man. Thank you for being you.”
Another Duckie remembered McCallum on X today: Jon Cryer.
“Devastating to hear as a fan. And worse as someone lucky enough to have worked with him,” said Cryer, who played Duckie in the 1986 film Pretty in Pink. “I’m so grateful I had the chance. A witty, joyful and wonderful actor. He was the guy Duckie called “Ducky” My sincerest condolences to his friends and family.”
Former CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl said McCallum was a “terrific actor and fine man. Honored he graced our network for so many years.”
McCallum’s extensive TV series credits also include The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Invisible Man, The Education of Max Bickford, Sapphire and Steel, Colditz, Motherlove, Kidnapped, and episodes of The Outer Limits, Law & Order and Sex and the City.
Keep refreshing for more tributes…
