Since the show’s backdoor JAG pilot, in which he created the character of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, McCallum has been a mainstay on CBS’s successful program. He then made the switch to the flagship series, where he played Ducky in more than 450 episodes dating all the way back to the first season, making him the cast member with the longest run.
It is nearly guaranteed that the program will farewell his character in a really moving tribute because it is difficult to fathom the show without him. Although the strategy for how the program will deal with McCallum’s passing has not been revealed, it is anticipated that the forthcoming season would pay tribute to McCallum and his role.
When the show begins to craft its sendoff, we can only hope the show will find a way to bring back some of McCallum’s many former costars as we’ll be truly disappointed if these former stars aren’t part of that tribute.
Emily Wickersham as Ellie Bishop
For eight seasons, Bishop was a staple on the show working alongside the team including Ducky. She was one of the rare characters who was around both to work alongside Ducky in his role as M.E. and during his time as NCIS historian. The two shared many scenes together over the years forming a unique connection, which is
Given she left the team on less-than-good terms as part of her cover story for an undercover op, bringing Bishop back into the fold might be a difficult task to pull off. However, the show could always have her attend Ducky’s memorial from afar in a nod to their history and as a way to honor her late friend and former colleague.
Michael Weatherly as Anthony DiNozzo
We can’t conceive a scenario where Michael Weatherly isn’t one of the actors that CBS should absolutely be bringing up to take part in Ducky’s farewell tribute. As two of the four original cast members who helped launch the show through JAG, Weatherly and McCallum collaborated on the project for 13 years.
Although it was probably not in this exact situation, we are aware that Weatherly has indicated interest in coming back to the show, and it would be appropriate for DiNozzo to eventually make an appearance as part of Ducky’s eventual sendoff. And there’s one particular person we’d want to see follow him…
Cote de Pablo as Ziva David
Of course, if DiNozzo returns for Ducky’s sendoff there is no one we’d rather see by his side than Cote de Pablo’s Agent Ziva David. Like Weatherly, de Pablo played opposite David McCallum for many years on NCIS with their characters sharing many amazing moments together over the years.
Getting to see the former agents return to mourn the loss of their friend and celebrate his life alongside their NCIS family would be a truly magical and emotional moment for fans. While it might not be the way we’d expect a Tiva reunion to play out, we just can’t imagine a world in which Tony and Ziva aren’t part of the show’s tribute to Ducky.
Maria Bello as Jack Sloane
Maria Bello’s forensic psychologist Jack Sloane might not have been around quite as long as the other names on this list, but don’t discount the impact she had on the show. Jack was a key piece of the puzzle and an amazing part of the team during her three seasons on the show, bringing a unique perspective to the team.
Given that McCallum could essentially play off of anyone and bring out the best in his scene mates, it’s not surprising that this viewpoint resulted in many incredible moments between Jack and Ducky. It makes sense that Jack would be present to celebrate Ducky’s incredible journey to NCIS historian since she was present when he made the move.
Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs
If there is one person we cannot imagine not being involved with NCIS‘s tribute to David McCallum it’s Mark Harmon. From the very beginning, the dynamic relationship between Harmon’s Agent Gibbs and McCallum’s Ducky was one of the most impactful and important relationships in the entire show.
The two characters were more than just colleagues, they were family. The two characters went through countless highs and lows, but their friendship and the admiration they shared for one another never wavered.
Gibbs was never one to let his emotions show, but the love he had for Ducky is far too strong to compel him not to return to attend the character’s memorial. To celebrate Ducky without Gibbs simply wouldn’t feel right as we cannot imagine any scenario in which Gibbs wouldn’t show up for his dear friend of so many years. Nor can we not imagine Harmon making a return to honor his late friend and costar. Why we can’t imagine Ducky’s sendoff happening without an appearance from Bishop.
Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto
If there is one person, aside from Gibbs, without whom we could not fathom paying homage to Ducky, it would be former NCIS forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. Abby and Ducky always have a really special relationship that grew their mutual respect and care for one another all the way back in the first season of the program. They were fan favorites due to their humorous banter and shared love of resolving crimes, and their relationship was evident throughout the entire series.
We can’t think of a more appropriate way for Abby to return than by reuniting with her NCIS family to honor her late friend and celebrate the legacy McCallum leaves behind. McCallum was one of the core cast members who were present for Pauley Perrette’s sendoff from the show when she left after 15 seasons on the show.