The upcoming episode of NCIS season 21 is set to be a heartfelt tribute to the beloved character of Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard, portrayed by the late David McCallum. McCallum, an original cast member of NCIS, passed away in September 2020 at the age of 90. Having portrayed Ducky for two decades, McCallum left an indelible mark on the show and its fans.
In an interview with TV Insider, actor Brian Dietzen, who plays Dr. Jimmy Palmer and also co-wrote the episode with executive producer Scott Williams, hinted at the significance of the upcoming tribute. When asked about the involvement of former NCIS cast members in the episode, Dietzen's response alluded to the honoring of Ducky's connection with various characters, particularly with Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon.
