After watching David McCallum entertain viewers with years of dedication to solving naval-based crimes as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, some “NCIS” fans may be wondering how old the long-standing persona in the show is and what could be found from the launch of an investigation into the matter regarding the actor’s age as well.
David McCallum was born on September 19, 1933, and has been adding over 130 credits to his resume since 1953, like the 1963 classic “The Great Escape,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” series, the show “Sapphire and Steel,” and more recently, the voice of Alfred Pennyworth in several DC animated films and Professor Paradox in an assortment of “Ben 10” titles. But arguably, one of his most notable accomplishments is the role of Ducky, who has shown up in a few entries of “JAG,” the New Orleans “NCIS” spin-off, and the most “NCIS” episodes of any cast member. It’s no secret the character has been around for a noticeably long period of time, but as far as how old Dr. Mallard is, the show has never definitively divulged information regarding his age. It is just generally assumed that he has been around just as long as the person that plays him, which would put him at the age of 89 at the time of writing.
While many people have come and gone from the long-running CBS series, Ducky has been a force to be reckoned with when called upon in the “NCIS” universe, and after watching him put his skills to the test repeatedly in the line of duty, some might be curious to know how much longer the good doctor will stay in the fight to uphold naval justice.
Duck’y days on NCIS may be coming to an end soon
Michael Yarish/CBS
While many would like to see Ducky helping “NCIS” solve crimes for the next 20 seasons, it seems like his tour of duty may be close to completion, and the impressive career he has put together over the years might also be on the verge of coming to a close.
Toward the end of 2022, when the 20th season was airing episodes, David McCallum offered some insight into his future plans with “NCIS.” “I have two shows left on this contract,” McCallum said in an interview with Radio Times. “I’ll be going out to shoot it, health permitting, if and when they need me.” And when it came to the topic of when the actor himself would walk away from the profession for good, McCallum didn’t rush to make any assumptions on the matter, simply adding, “Retirement is a work in progress, shall we say!”
While no end date has been set in stone, it seems clear McCallum will play Ducky for as long as he can. Even though it will be sad to see him go at some point, many will take relief knowing he has made many great memories since he first got the role of Ducky. “After auditioning for both Paramount and CBS the call from my agent telling me that I got the part of ‘Ducky’ is my favorite moment. Since then, there have been hundreds,” the actor wrote in response to a fan question.
Donald “Ducky” Mallard most certainly made his presence known to fans on the series, and no matter what his fate is, there is no denying that his excellent record of service with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service will be revered by many for years to come.
