David McCallum Worked Less on ‘NCIS’ To Spend More Time With His Family Before His Death At The Age of 90

David McCallum, who portrayed Ducky on NCIS for nearly two decades, d1ed at the age of 90, and his appearances on the hit show had become less frequent in recent years.

David McCallum was the longest-serving member of NCIS, and one of the show’s founding cast members.

Ducky, played by David, has appeared in less episodes since 2018, leaving viewers to speculate if he might be the next character to quit the program.

Prior to his d3ath at the age of 90, David explained that he wanted to spend more time with his family, which included his wife, children, six grandchildren, and their cat, Nickie.

“I am delighted to say that I have reached an agreement with CBS for Dr. Donald Mallard to stay with NCIS for Season 16,” he posted on Facebook at the time.

“Once again, the schedule will be constrained. That arrangement will enable me to spend more time with Katherine, our children, six grandchildren, and Nickie.”

David also said that he opted to stand down from the part because he believed Ducky was becoming “redundant” after being on it since the show’s inception in 2003.

Ducky stepped aside as chief medical examiner in March 2018 to make way for his assistant, Jimmy Palmer, played by Brian Dietzen.

“Now that he’s retired, I realized the character was becoming a little redundant,” he explained.

They responded, “No, we’d like to make you the historian so you’re still a part of the show,” when I sort of opted to leave the program.

David d1ed of natural causes on Monday morning in New York at the age of 90.

“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 current NCIS Seven executive producers D. Binder and David North.

“But, as much as his fans adored him, those who worked alongside David adored him even more.

“He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never missed an opportunity to crack a joke.”

“It was an honor to work with him from the start, and he never let us down.” He was, simply put, a legend. He was also a member of the family and will be greatly missed.”

One of McCallum’s four children, Peter McCallum, described his father as “the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father” in a touching tribute.

“When I returned from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep,” he added.

“Her response was simply, ‘Yes.’” But I wish we could have grown old together.’ She is 79 years old, and her father is 90.

The sincerity of their sentiment demonstrates how vibrant their lovely relationship and daily lives were, as well as how, although being 90 years old, Daddy never aged.

Katherine McCallum, McCallum’s wife of 56 years, survives him.