Is Ducky Really Leaving ‘NCIS’? Details on David McCallum’s Changing Role
Spoiler Alert
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Season 16 Episode 17 of NCIS. ]
UPDATED (3/27/2019):
In NCIS‘ March 26 episode, “Silent Service,” Ducky’s (David McCallum) continued to map out his retirement plans and it seemed the beloved character was gearing up to say goodbye for good.
Luckily for the show’s many fans, this isn’t the end for the medical examiner — just a new chapter.
(Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS)
In the episode, Ducky notices the team acting strange, causing him to worry that they’re throwing him a surprise going away party. Instead, it’s so much better.
Vance (Rocky Carroll) proceeds to highlight the benefits of department historians, explaining that the FBI and CIA both have their own in-house historians to preserve the history of the organizations. And as Vance steps out of the way of the door he’s standing in front of, we see a name plate with Ducky’s name and the title “Historian.”
So what did Ducky say to the job offer? He asked if he’s free to come and go as he pleases, and once that concession was made, he was all-in. Yay, Ducky will remain a part of NCIS, just in a limited capacity.
ORIGINAL STORY (3/13/2019):
Just as NCIS fans were beginning to settle into the new rhythm without Pauley Perrette‘s Abby around, a development in the most recent episode, March 12’s “Bears and Cubs,” now has them worried about the future of David McCallum’s Ducky.
The character, who has been a part of the show since its beginning, essentially revealed that his future no longer includes NCIS. In two separate scenes, medical examiner Ducky shared his intentions to depart. The first instance was an exchange between himself and Robert Wagner‘s Anthony DiNozzo Sr., who listened as Ducky voiced his opinion about leaving the team for retirement.
Jimmy (Brian Dietzen) seemed to convince the 85-year-old otherwise, telling him that he should stay on with NCIS, but that wasn’t the end of Ducky’s decision. At the episode’s end, he spoke candidly to Gibbs (Mark Harmon) about his thoughts, as he says, “My future will no longer include NCIS.” But Ducky does provide reasoning, explaining to Gibbs that it’s time Jimmy took over as medical examiner.
So, will he really be leaving the show? It’s likely, as the actor’s current contract covers Season 16 only. McCallum’s been working in a limited capacity on the series this year as he did during Season 15, and considering his age, now could be the perfect time to wrap up his story. Sad as it is for fans, the news is not entirely surprising, as viewers speculated about the next star to exit the long-running show.
Further proof about McCallum’s contract was shared in a Facebook post by the actor in April 2018, in which he wrote, “I am delighted to say that I have reached an agreement with CBS for Dr. Donald Mallard to stay with NCIS for Season 16. Once again it will be a limited schedule. That arrangement will allow me to spend time with Katherine, our children, six grandsons and Nickie, pictured below!”
And due to this sentiment shared last year, it makes sense if the actor chooses not to return, as he probably would like to spend even more time with his family, although no official word form the actor has confirmed this.
Of course, fans had plenty to say following the big reveal from Ducky, and we’ve included a few of them below. And don’t miss what’s next for Ducky as the actor’s likely to return before the season is over.
(Credit: Michael Yarish/CBS)
Ducky! You ALWAYS have a place at @NCIS_CBS 😭
— Emma Cleveland (@ClevelandEm) March 13, 2019
DON’T DO IT, DUCKY!!! #NCIS pic.twitter.com/Gr6zw9iMQh
— Jake Sundall (@JakeSundall) March 13, 2019
No Ducky no! #NCIS Going to miss him! pic.twitter.com/kA2JXRk0mx
— Erica Bell (@Castingcallvip) March 13, 2019
I’m not ready to say goodbye to Ducky! #NCIS pic.twitter.com/t6QQIX2JZF
— Jarred Braxton (@JBraxt29) March 13, 2019
Tony Abby ducky #ncis pic.twitter.com/Ja0UqeFDAr
— i (@innieminniej) March 13, 2019
NOOOOOOO!!!!! DUCKY!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭 #NCIS pic.twitter.com/53viE5snMz
— Ashleyღ (@docandjohn4ever) March 13, 2019
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Comments are closed on this story.
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P
Kate to Tony "I wonder what Ducky looked like when he was younger"
Tony ponders the question as Gibbs walks through the scene and says "Illya Kuryakin". Leaving Kate and Tony even more puzzled.
It was from that scene forward that my affection for NCIS solidified.14
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P
I'll be as sad as anyone to see Ducky retire, but I've been an admirer of David McCallum since he played Illya Kuryakin beginning 1964.
After 55 years on our screens, I'd say that he has earned his retirement…4
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O
Dear Sir,
I have had the great pleasure of watching on the Man From UNCLE and also your whole career until now. You are awesome. Please enjoy your family in retirement.4
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B
I met David years ago at the beach club his wife's family and mine have been members for years.. The summer after the NCIS pilot during episodes of JAG, David was wearing an NCIS sweatshirt at the beach and I told him I enjoyed the pilot episodes and was happy it got picked up as a series.. I laugh as I remember telling him that if it lasts as long as JAG, that will be great.. it sure has and more!!
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R
Dear Ducky... please take CASEY with you when you leave. No matter how hard she tries, her character just does not fit!! Unfortunately, the producers are trying to replace ABBY with a similar ABBY Character, which is impossible!!
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O
Goodbye Duckie,
You will always be one of my favorites of the show. You English attitude and quest for life will always be an inspiration for me and many other who have enjoyed the show. My you find many more rewards ahead of you and live long and be well.
LasVegasBartender
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B
He’s Scottish, not English.
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G
Loved the stories that Duckie's character tells. No one can do that like he does. Do not turn Jimmy into a mini Duckie. You get to be a Duckie with years of experience and age.
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P
did he have a limited part in the show not because of age, but because he was supportive of Pauley Perrette?
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G
yes its time for ducky to retire..but PLEASE dont give Jimmy a bigger role..he's horrible
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R
I think Palmer has grown a lot in this role. I'd like him to be a little less silly at times, but I think he's getting there.
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G
The writers write the lines and make him silly. They need to stop it. I do like that they have allowed the character to become stronger. He needs that respect from Gibbs.
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R
Agreed. I also hated the way the writers had DiNozzo constantly making fun of McGee, even after four or five years. And Gibbs would join in occasionally, too, calling McGee "elf-lord." That's not a respectful situation, especially for a boss to say that. The writers on this show can be really horrible--they tend to write women really badly--or at least they did. Bishop has come a long way so that she's now pretty much a standard character, but up until that point, there were no female characters that weren't written strangely. Except maybe Kate.
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