The Untold Story: How NCIS Wrote Ducky’s Death And The Emotional Tribute Episode

The question of whether Ducky died on *NCIS* is, sadly, one of the most significant and emotional moments in the show's history. As of , the beloved character, Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, has officially passed away in the show's narrative, a direct and heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor who portrayed him for over two decades, David McCallum. The news of McCallum's passing in late 2023 led to a poignant and masterful farewell on-screen, cementing Ducky's legacy as the heart and soul of the NCIS team.

The character's on-screen death was handled with immense care and respect by the creative team, ensuring that Ducky's final episode honored both the fictional Chief Medical Examiner and the iconic Scottish actor. The emotional episode not only provided closure for fans but also brought back a familiar face to mourn the loss of a founding member of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

David McCallum: A Life and Career Profile (1933–2023)

David McCallum was a celebrated Scottish actor and musician whose career spanned over seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on television history with two globally recognized roles: the mysterious Russian agent Illya Kuryakin and the eccentric, story-telling medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard.

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• Full Name: David Keith McCallum Jr.
• Born: September 19, 1933, in Glasgow, Scotland.
• Died: September 25, 2023 (Age 90), in New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City.
• Cause of Death: Natural Causes.
• Spouses: Jill Ireland (m. 1957; div. 1967), Katherine Carpenter (m. 1967).
• Children: Five (Paul, Valentine, Jason, Peter, and Sophie).
• Breakthrough Role (1960s): Illya Kuryakin in the spy series The Man From U.N.C.L.E., a role that made him a global teen idol and a surprise sex symbol.
• Signature Role (2000s): Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in NCIS (2003–2023), the last remaining original cast member on the show.
• Other Notable Work: He was a trained musician (cello) and a published author, releasing his first novel, Once a Crooked Man, in 2016.

The Emotional Farewell: Ducky’s Death on NCIS

The character of Dr. Donald Mallard, affectionately known as Ducky, was a staple of *NCIS* from its very first episode in 2003. He appeared in over 450 episodes, initially as the Chief Medical Examiner and later transitioning to a consulting historian role, allowing the actor to reduce his workload in later seasons.

The on-screen death of Ducky occurred in Season 21, Episode 2, titled "The Stories We Leave Behind," which aired on February 19, 2024. This episode served as a direct and deeply personal tribute to David McCallum following his passing in September 2023.

How Ducky Died in the NCIS Episode

The episode opens with one of the most gut-wrenching scenes in the show's history: Ducky died peacefully in his sleep. His body was discovered by his protégé, and the current Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Jimmy Palmer (played by Brian Dietzen), while Jimmy was checking in on him.

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The scene was intentionally quiet and respectful, reflecting the natural causes of David McCallum’s real-life death. The moment Dr. Palmer has to steel himself to confirm the passing of his mentor, friend, and father figure is a powerful emotional centerpiece for the entire episode. The decision by the creative team was to have Ducky die of natural causes, mirroring the actor's passing, which was a decision not taken lightly but done out of respect for McCallum and his family.

The main plot of the tribute episode revolves around the NCIS team mourning their loss while simultaneously working on one of Ducky’s final, unfinished cases. This narrative choice allowed the team to process their grief in a way that felt authentic to their characters—by working together to honor Ducky's dedication to justice and the truth.

The Return of Tony DiNozzo and The Legacy of the Original Team

One of the most talked-about and significant elements of the farewell episode was the surprise return of a fan-favorite character: Special Agent Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly. Weatherly's unexpected cameo provided a crucial connection to the show's past and the original core team, which included Ducky, Gibbs (Mark Harmon), and Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette).

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A Final Conversation with Tony

The episode concludes with a touching, quiet scene in Ducky's house where Tony DiNozzo meets with Jimmy Palmer. Tony's appearance was a nod to the deep, familial bond forged over two decades of working together. While many fans hoped for a return of Gibbs, the showrunners opted for DiNozzo, whose relationship with Ducky was often one of humorous exasperation mixed with deep affection.

Tony's presence served as a stand-in for all the former NCIS agents who couldn't be there, representing the collective grief of the extended NCIS family. The emotional weight of the scene was palpable, as Tony and Jimmy share a moment of reflection, acknowledging the profound impact Dr. Mallard had on all their lives. It was a perfect, understated moment to say goodbye to a character who was truly a legend.

Beyond the Autopsy: Ducky’s Impact and Topical Authority

Dr. Donald Mallard was more than just a Chief Medical Examiner; he was the historian, the eccentric, and the moral compass of the NCIS team. His long-winded, often tangential stories—or "Ducky's Ditties"—were a beloved hallmark of the character, providing historical context or philosophical musings to the often grim work of the team.

His partnership with Gibbs, a relationship built on mutual respect, deep friendship, and a shared history, was central to the show's early dynamic. Even after Gibbs's departure, Ducky remained a vital link to the team's origins, offering guidance to the next generation of agents, particularly Jimmy Palmer, whom he mentored from a nervous assistant to a confident medical professional.

The legacy of David McCallum, both as Illya Kuryakin and Ducky, is one of versatility and longevity. His passing marked the end of an era for *NCIS*, but the tribute episode, "The Stories We Leave Behind," ensured that the character of Ducky will forever be remembered as a kind, brilliant, and irreplaceable member of the NCIS family. The episode was a fitting sendoff for a legendary actor and a beloved character, reminding everyone that the stories we leave behind truly define us.