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NCISalmost hit a dead end before it truly took off. And the reason was David McCallum’s Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Back in the early days, creator Donald Bellisario drew a hard line. McCallum’s casting as the quirky, bowtie-loving medical examiner was so essential that Bellisario threatened to pull the plug entirely if it didn’t happen.
For a show that became a procedural juggernaut, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Ducky, after all, was the heartbeat Bellisario refused to compromise on.
No Ducky, noNCIS: How David McCallum’s casting almost sank the show
Back in the earlyNCISdays,David McCallum’s Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard nearly didn’t make the cut. And creator Donald Bellisario was ready to cancel the entire show if McCallum didn’t get the role.
The drama started when the studio pushed back on McCallum’s casting. They weren’t sold on the old character actor. But Bellisario wasn’t having it. Past director James Whitmore Jr. reportedly declared toThe Hollywood Reporter:
When they cast David McCallum as Ducky, the studio said, ‘No way, we’re not casting this old character actor in the role.’
In response, Bellisario threatened to cancelNCIS.Whitmore Jr. continued,
‘If you don’t, we’re not doing the show.’ He was that serious about it. The studio went with it, and of course, David McCallum is gold.
McCallum brought a unique charm to Ducky. Even skeptics at CBS couldn’t argue after his audition. According to former casting head Peter Golden, McCallum’s performance was “undeniable,” despite initial concerns about his British background clashing with the show’s American essence.
The actor himself once shared his memorable audition journey. From tilting the camera for realism (imagine staring at a “dead body”) to meeting Bellisario, McCallum had a knack for leaving an impression. The clincher? Getting the call that he landed the role while fixing a flat tire in L.A. Classic Ducky energy.
David McCallum Left NCIS Because Ducky Was “Becoming a little redundant”
Many seasons later, McCallum became one of NCIS’ most beloved characters, even outlasting Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Turns out, Bellisario’s belief in his “gold” pick wasn’t just loyalty; it was genius.
David McCallum: From cult classics toNCISlegend
David McCallum’sTV legacy stretches far beyond. Before hisNCISrenaissance, McCallum captivated audiences inThe Man from U.N.C.L.E., a cult classic canceled after four seasons. His brooding yet dynamic talent also shone inA Night to RememberandThe Great Escape.
McCallum’s charm translated to guest spots on hits likeMurder, She WroteandBabylon 5, plus leadingSapphire and Steel, a British sci-fi gem. ButNCISgave him lasting fame. Co-star Brian Dietzen called him a “scene-stealer” with an unmatched love for adventure.
Without McCallum’s brilliance, and a producer’s stubborn belief in him,NCISmight never have aired. A fitting legacy for a TV icon.
He Wasn’t Mark Harmon or Michael Weatherly but One Actor, Who Was in Over 300 Episodes, Quitting NCIS Really Hit Fans Hard
NCISis available to watch on Hulu & Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
