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The Stories We Leave Behind: Inside David McCallum's Emotional Final NCIS Episode

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The question of David McCallum's last "NCIS" episode was answered with a profound and deeply emotional tribute that aired earlier this year. As of December 20, 2025, the final on-screen farewell to Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard took place in the second episode of Season 21, a moving installment that honored both the beloved character and the legendary actor who brought him to life for two decades. The episode, titled "The Stories We Leave Behind," provided a fitting, heartfelt, and ultimately peaceful conclusion to one of television's most enduring characters, following McCallum's passing in September 2023.

The tribute episode became one of the most talked-about moments in the show's history, not only confirming the end of Ducky's journey but also featuring a surprise return that cemented the bond between the original NCIS family. Fans who had followed the Chief Medical Examiner-turned-NCIS Historian since the pilot episode in 2003 were given a chance to mourn alongside the on-screen team, marking the departure of the last remaining original cast member from the series.

David McCallum: A Life in Television and Film

David Keith McCallum Jr. was a towering figure in television, with a career that spanned over seven decades, yet he is perhaps best known to modern audiences as the eccentric and brilliant Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 19, 1933, McCallum was the son of two musicians: David McCallum Sr., a renowned violinist, and Dorothy Dorman, a cellist.

His early career was marked by significant film roles, showcasing his versatility. He appeared in the 1958 film *A Night to Remember*, about the sinking of the Titanic, and gained international recognition for his role as the captured British officer, Lt. Cmdr. Eric Ashley-Pitt, in the classic 1963 war film *The Great Escape*.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Global Stardom

McCallum achieved true global stardom in the mid-1960s as the mysterious and reserved Russian secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the spy series *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* His character, the intellectual counterpart to Robert Vaughn's Napoleon Solo, became a cultural phenomenon, leading to what was dubbed "Illya-mania." The role earned him two Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Laurel Award in 1966, establishing him as a major international celebrity. The fan adoration for Kuryakin was so intense that McCallum reportedly needed police escorts for public appearances.

The NCIS Era: Ducky Mallard

In 2003, McCallum returned to the forefront of television with *NCIS*, taking on the role of Dr. Donald Mallard. Ducky quickly became a fan favorite, known for his bow ties, his philosophical musings, his encyclopedic knowledge of history, and his tendency to talk to the deceased while performing autopsies. His on-screen partnership with Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs was the emotional bedrock of the show for years. McCallum remained the last original cast member, appearing in all 20 seasons, a testament to his dedication and the character's enduring appeal.

David McCallum's Personal Details

  • Full Name: David Keith McCallum Jr.
  • Born: September 19, 1933, Glasgow, Scotland
  • Died: September 25, 2023, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, U.S.
  • Cause of Death: Natural causes, peacefully, surrounded by family.
  • Spouses: Jill Ireland (m. 1957; div. 1967), Katherine Carpenter (m. 1967)
  • Children: Five (Paul, Valentine, Jason, Peter, Sophie)
  • Key Roles: Illya Kuryakin (*The Man from U.N.C.L.E.*), Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard (*NCIS*)

"The Stories We Leave Behind": Ducky's Final NCIS Episode

The episode that served as David McCallum's final farewell was Season 21, Episode 2, titled "The Stories We Leave Behind." It aired on February 19, 2024, approximately five months after the actor’s death. The episode was not a typical case-of-the-week installment; it was a carefully crafted, deeply personal tribute that focused entirely on the legacy of Dr. Mallard and his impact on the NCIS team.

The Circumstances of Ducky's Death

The episode opens with one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the show's history. Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) arrives at Ducky's home to pick him up for a scheduled meeting, only to discover that Dr. Mallard had passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes. This gentle, non-violent passing was a deliberate choice by the showrunners, Steven D. Binder and David North, allowing the focus to remain on the character's life and the team's grief, rather than a dramatic, case-related death.

The team, led by Alden Parker, immediately shifts from their current case to honoring Ducky. The synopsis confirmed that the agents found comfort in working on one of Ducky’s old, cold cases, allowing his spirit and investigative wisdom to guide them one last time. This narrative device perfectly captured Ducky's role as the NCIS Historian in later seasons, ensuring his final "case" was one he cared about deeply: a young man seeking to clear his mother's name.

The Emotional Impact and The Surprise Cameo

The emotional weight of "The Stories We Leave Behind" was amplified by the involvement of the cast both on-screen and behind the scenes. The episode was co-written by Brian Dietzen, who plays Chief Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer, Ducky’s longtime protégé. Dietzen, who worked closely with McCallum for two decades, poured his personal grief and respect for his mentor into the script, making the farewell feel authentic and deeply personal for the entire *NCIS* family.

The Return of Tony DiNozzo

The episode's most significant and moving moment came in its final seconds: the surprise return of former Senior Field Agent Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly. Weatherly's return had been kept a secret, making the reveal a powerful moment for long-time fans. Tony arrives at Ducky's house to pay his respects, finding Jimmy Palmer there, still grappling with his mentor’s passing.

Tony’s presence served as a poignant reminder of the original team’s bond. He tells Jimmy, "You're not alone," a line that resonated with the audience and the cast, acknowledging that the NCIS family extends beyond the current members. Tony then encourages Jimmy to attend Ducky’s wake, and the two walk out together, leaving Ducky’s untouched office as the camera lingers on his iconic bow tie and a photo of McCallum and Weatherly together.

McCallum's True Final Scene (Filmed)

While "The Stories We Leave Behind" was Ducky's on-screen death, David McCallum’s last filmed appearance on *NCIS* was actually in Season 20, as he had transitioned to a recurring role in his final years, appearing remotely in only a handful of episodes per season. His final scene with Mark Harmon (Leroy Jethro Gibbs) occurred much earlier, in Season 19, Episode 4, "Great Wide Open," where Gibbs decides to stay in Alaska. This was a bittersweet farewell for the two actors, who had shared a close friendship and professional partnership for nearly 20 years.

The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Donald Mallard

The tribute episode was a masterclass in honoring a television icon. The outpouring of fan emotion and the critical praise for "The Stories We Leave Behind" underscored David McCallum’s profound impact. His portrayal of Dr. Donald Mallard was more than just a procedural role; Ducky was the show’s conscience, its historian, and the surrogate father figure to many on the team, particularly Jimmy Palmer and Gibbs.

As executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North stated, the episode was designed to reflect the real-life grief of the cast and crew, who loved McCallum as much as the fans loved Ducky. His legacy is the embodiment of the NCIS family spirit: a blend of intelligence, eccentricity, and unwavering loyalty. David McCallum may have passed, but the stories he left behind, both as the legendary Illya Kuryakin and the unforgettable Dr. Donald Mallard, ensure his place in television history is secure.

david mccallum last ncis episode
david mccallum last ncis episode

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