{"id":85857,"date":"2023-12-21T09:08:54","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T09:08:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovieandtv.com\/?p=85857"},"modified":"2023-12-21T09:08:54","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T09:08:54","slug":"ncis-to-honour-late-star-and-dear-friend-david-mccallum-when-show-returns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovieandtv.com\/tv\/ncis-to-honour-late-star-and-dear-friend-david-mccallum-when-show-returns\/","title":{"rendered":"NCIS to honour late star and ‘dear friend’ David McCallum when show returns"},"content":{"rendered":"

Joan Collins Pays Tribute To David Mccallum On Good Morning Britain<\/h3>\n

NCIS showrunners Steven D Binder and David North have shared the CBS series\u2019 plans to pay tribute to the late David McCallum upon its return.<\/p>\n

McCallum, who passed away in September from natural causes, celebrated his 90th birthday just six days before his death, leading to an outpouring of grief.<\/p>\n

The beloved actor portrayed Dr Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard in more than 450 episodes, spanning the entirety of the show’s 20 seasons.<\/p>\n

In an interview with TV Line, showrunners Steven D Binder and David North disclosed that a special episode dedicated to remembering their \u201cdear friend\u201d is in the works for February.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone at NCIS felt it was important to do an episode that honours such a legendary actor, not to mention a dear friend,\u201d Binder and North revealed.<\/p>\n

Read more:\u00a0NCIS Sydney’s Olivia Swann starred in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the episode, the team will learn of Ducky\u2019s passing and reflect on their memories of him as they grieve,\u201d the pair continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd true to Ducky\u2019s meticulous and compassionate nature, even after he\u2019s gone, he still manages to solve one last crime with the team.\u201d<\/p>\n

The showrunners also confirmed that Brian Dietzen, the actor portraying Ducky’s protege Jimmy Palmer in the series, is collaborating with executive producer Scott Williams in co-writing the dedicated episode.<\/p>\n

While the showrunners refrained from confirming any surprise cameos, they offered a hint, saying: \u201cThere will also be a very touching and special moment you won\u2019t want to miss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scheduled to air on CBS on February 19, the episode follows the season 21 premiere, set for February 12.<\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

The showrunnners also paid tribute to the late actor back in September, when news of his death emerged.<\/p>\n

They said in a statement: “For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald \u2018Ducky\u2019 Mallard.<\/p>\n

“But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more.<\/p>\n

“He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke.<\/p>\n

“From day one, it was an honour 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.\u201d<\/p>\n