SB.. David McCallum Reflected on ‘NCIS’ and Co-Star Cote de Pablo Before His Passing

David McCallum, the iconic actor best known for portraying Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS, passed away on September 25, 2023, at the age of 90. Over a career spanning more than sixty years, he became a beloved figure in both classic and contemporary television.

McCallum first gained international fame in the 1960s through his role as Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.. Decades later, he became a key cast member of NCIS, one of the most successful American TV franchises of all time.

Career and Personal Background

Born in Scotland, McCallum came from a family of musicians. Although he initially studied at the Royal Academy of Music, he later transitioned to acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His passion for the arts extended beyond performance, with personal interests in science, history, and literature.

His portrayal of Dr. Mallard on NCIS was marked by depth and credibility. To prepare for the role, McCallum undertook extensive research into forensic pathology, striving to make the character’s expertise realistic and grounded in actual science.

Relationship with the NCIS Cast

Joining NCIS at its launch in 2003, McCallum remained with the show for 20 seasons. His professionalism and mentorship were frequently acknowledged by cast and crew, and he played a central role in shaping the tone of the series.

One of the standout co-stars during McCallum’s time on the show was Cote de Pablo, who portrayed Ziva David, an agent with a Mossad background. Her performance became a major asset to the series, with her character developing strong bonds with other team members.

Reaction to Cote de Pablo’s Departure

In 2013, de Pablo made the decision to leave the show. Her exit was unexpected and prompted considerable reaction from both fans and colleagues. McCallum expressed difficulty in understanding the reasons behind her departure, noting the impact it had on the show’s production. According to public interviews, he found the situation disruptive, especially given the prominence of her character at the time.

De Pablo’s exit required quick rewrites of the first few episodes of that season and placed additional pressure on the production team. McCallum reportedly viewed the changes as a significant challenge to the show’s continuity and storytelling.

Cote de Pablo’s Perspective

Following her exit, Cote de Pablo offered her reasoning in various interviews. She stated that her departure was not due to financial disagreements but rather due to creative concerns about the direction of her character. De Pablo emphasized that she wanted the character of Ziva David to be portrayed with depth, dignity, and consistency. She returned briefly to NCIS in 2019 and 2020 for a few episodes and noted that her return was contingent upon the writing and story arcs being respectful to the legacy of the character.

Professionalism Despite Differences

Although McCallum and de Pablo had differing views on her decision, both continued to speak positively about their experiences on NCIS. McCallum remained an integral part of the series, continuing to appear until 2023. His work was widely respected, and colleagues described him as a dedicated professional and a gracious presence on set.

NCIS producers and network representatives issued official statements after his death, recognizing his long-standing contributions to the show and his positive influence on everyone he worked with.

The Impact of McCallum’s Work

McCallum’s portrayal of Dr. Mallard brought a unique mix of wisdom, empathy, and eccentric charm to the procedural drama. He helped ground the show with a sense of humanity, and his presence added a touch of levity and insight to even the most serious episodes.

His character became one of the longest-running in the series, contributing to the show’s continued popularity across international markets and streaming platforms.

Legacy

Though McCallum and de Pablo took different paths during their time on NCIS, both left a significant mark on the series. Their performances, individually and together, played a role in shaping NCIS into one of the most enduring franchises in modern television.

David McCallum’s life and career are remembered for their depth, professionalism, and long-term dedication to storytelling. His commitment to the role of Dr. Mallard, and his thoughtful approach to acting, will continue to influence viewers and aspiring performers for years to come.