Who plays ducky on ncis

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The cast of “NCIS” has seen a lot of turnover since debuting its pilot episode so many years ago. However, nearly two decades later, one cast member continues to make occasional returns, much to the delight of fans. Sean Murray and Brian Dietzen are two of the three remaining original season one cast members. They continue to hold prominent roles within the series. However, it’s “NCIS” former medical examiner, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, played by David McCallum, that continues to bring joy to fans with each appearance. And, despite the actor’s age, each Ducky appearance is nothing short of dynamic.

David McCallum and Ducky Mallard are Both Well Beyond Retirement Age

There are a lot of noteworthy milestones marking “NCIS” star David McCallum’s career. However, what makes his role even more commendable is that the actor and character are well past retirement age. According to Express, Ducky’s age is never actually detailed within the series. Although, the outlet does state it’s likely David McCallum and his “NCIS” character are, roughly, about the same age.

Currently, David McCallum is 88 years old, which means that, while many actors at his age have opted for retirement, the Ducky star kicked off his role on “NCIS” already beyond the age of retiring.

The pilot episode of “NCIS,” “Yankee White,” debuted nearly two decades ago, in 2003. There, we meet the iconic Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, before we become introduced to Dr. Mallard just moments later. At that time, David McCallum was already 70 years old.

Just like his “NCIS” character then, it seems David McCallum has no plans on slowing down. While he’s opted for a recurring, rather than regular, role on the series, we can at least expect one more season 19 appearance from Ducky Mallard when the “NCIS” finale, “Bird of a Feather,” airs next Monday.

‘NCIS’ Star Brian Dietzen Teases the Details of Ducky’s Return

For years, Ducky has remained a fan-favorite character within the “NCIS” universe for his gentle nature, his kind words, and his unique relationship with the dead. However, more importantly, it’s the bond he shares with current “NCIS” medical examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer that further contributes to the popularity of McCallum’s character.

Now, following the penultimate episode of “NCIS” season 19, which threw the spotlight on Palmer and Special Agent Jessica Knight, his actor, Brian Dietzen teased fans with some of the details of David McCallum’s return.

During an interview with TVLine, the “NCIS” star said, “We don’t get to have Palmer and Ducky in tons of scenes together for the episode because they’re not working together so much anymore.”

That said, he did tease, “we do get to see them together in a scene that I think is just wonderful.”

Of his “NCIS” costar, Dietzen said, “It’s just always so great to have David come back and it’s wonderful to see how great that guy is at his job. I love working with him and it’s always a treat.”

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Season eighteen of “NCIS” offered viewers a rare glimpse into the past when “NCIS” officer Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Ducky Mallard (David McCallum) first met. 

According to a recent Express article, fans loved seeing how these two teammates originally met. However, the article stated, fans were eager to learn more about Donald (Ducky) Mallard; as well as the man who plays him, David McCallum.

“NCIS” Actor First Found Fame On Classic 1964 Television Show

David Callum attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. The Scottish actor began his acting career in 1947. Express reports that some of Donald McCallums earliest roles were films such as “Whom the Gods Love,” “Die Young,” “Violent Playground,” and “The Great Escape.”

In 1964, the actor found his first big television role playing Illya Kuryakin in “The Man from UNCLE.” 

In 2003, David McCallum entered our homes as the loveable medical examiner when he took on the role of Ducky on NCIS. McCallum actually first made an appearance as the Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the series “JAG.” 

According to the Express article, fans have wondered how long McCallum will continue with his “NCIS” role. 

“Given McCallum’s age, some fans have begun to wonder if Ducky might leave any time soon,” the publication reported. “There have been a number of allusions to this in the show so far but McCallum still seems to be keen to play the role.”

McCallum’s character on “NCIS” has been with the team since the show’s 2003 premiere. 

Donald (Ducky) Mallard is a retired doctor and was the official Medical Examiner for the “NCIS” Major Case Response Team. This team is led by Gibbs. One of Ducky’s most important roles on the “NCIS” team is that of profiler. Ducky is often the one to compose the psychological profile of many suspects and criminals encountered on the show. 

Ducky has also held the role of NCIS Historian. 

In the recent article, Express noted that Ducky’s change of roles on the “NCIS” team did make some viewers question how long he would remain on the team. 

“In the past few seasons, he has had a change in roles,” the Express article noted. “Leaving his permanent position as the lead medical examiner.” 

The article went on to note that since Donald “Ducky” Mallard is now the “NCIS” team’s lead historian, McCallum has the opportunity to come in and out of the story each season.