David McCallum, who won the hearts of NCIS fans with his portrayal of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, nearly didn’t get the role that would define his career. The Scottish actor, who played the beloved medical examiner from the series’ backdoor pilot until his passing in 2023, faced significant resistance from studio executives in the beginning.
Former NCIS director James Whitmore Jr. revealed that producer Don Bellisario had to fight to keep McCallum on board. The studio was initially hesitant, with executives dismissing McCallum as too old for the part. “When they cast David McCallum as Ducky, the studio said, ‘No way, we’re not casting this old character actor in the role,’” Whitmore explained. However, Bellisario stood firm, telling them, “If you don’t, we’re not doing the show.” His persistence paid off, with McCallum ultimately becoming one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Peter Golden, CBS’s former head of casting, speculated that part of the hesitation stemmed from McCallum’s British background. “I think it was because David McCallum was British. The feeling was, ‘Can you do that?’ This was such an American show,” he said.
McCallum himself reflected on his experience landing the role during an appearance at The Television Academy Foundation. After being invited to audition, he met with Bellisario, who later put his arm around McCallum and said, “David.” At that moment, McCallum realized he might have the charm they were seeking.
The actor’s memory of receiving the news that he’d secured the role was unforgettable. While fixing a flat tire in Los Angeles, McCallum got the call. Laughing, he joked, “Well then, I’m gonna go get a car that works.”
Following McCallum’s death in 2023, NCIS honored him and his character in an emotional episode titled The Stories We Leave Behind, which explored one of Ducky’s unresolved cases. Executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North released a heartfelt statement, praising McCallum’s legacy:
“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard. But as much as his fans loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him even more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke.”
David McCallum’s legacy as Ducky will forever remain an integral part of NCIS history—a testament to his incredible talent and the unwavering belief of Don Bellisario in his casting.
