CBS’s hit drama series, NCIS, will honor late actor David McCallum (NCIS: New Orleans, The Man From U.N.C.L.E.) on February 19 in a special tribute episode, according to Deadline. This episode will explain the absence of his character, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Another actor on the show, Brian Dietzen (From Justin to Kelly, NCIS: Hawai’i), who plays Dr. Jimmy Palmer in the series, co-wrote the episode.
Initially reported by TV Line, the episode was also written by Executive Producer Scott Williams (Bones, Third Watch).
“Everyone at NCIS felt it was important to do an episode that honors such a legendary actor, not to mention a dear friend,” NCIS co-showrunners/executive producers Steven D. Binder (The Dead Zone, Totally Baked) and David North (Rizzoli & Isles, Scorpion) said in a statement given to TVLine. “In the episode, the team will learn of Ducky’s passing and reflect on their memories of him as they grieve. And true to Ducky’s meticulous and compassionate nature, even after he’s gone, he still manages to solve one last crime with the team.”
The showrunners also stated, “there will also be a very touching and special moment you won’t want to miss.”
McCallum passed away on September 25 at the age of 90. He was a fan favorite on the series and the last remaining original character on the show. His character was described as an outlandish yet efficient investigator with a skill for psychological profiling for 20 years.
“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” said North and Binder at the time of his passing. “But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From Day 1, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.”
NCIS season 21 is set to premiere on Feb.12.