“NCIS: Origins” did not need to look far for the perfect actor to play young Donald “Ducky” Mallard in a Season 2 tribute to David McCallum, who portrayed the eccentric medical examiner on the flagship “NCIS” for 20 seasons.
British actor Adam Campbell played Ducky four times on “NCIS” in flashbacks before McCallum died in September 2023.
Campbell, 45, returns as the fledgling Ducky in the 1990s-set “Origins” prequel series, appearing in the Oct. 28 episode (CBS, 9 ET/PT). He even wears McCallum’s famed fedora to go with Ducky’s trademark bowtie.
‘NCIS’ has paid tribute to David McCallum, now it’s ‘Origins’ turn
“NCIS” honored the beloved McCallum in Season 21 with the February 2024 episode “The Stories We Leave Behind.” Co-written by Brian Dietzen, who plays Ducky’s protégé Dr. Jimmy Palmer, that episode featured a surprise return by “NCIS” star Michael Weatherly (now starring in “NCIS: Tony & Ziva”).
In the mic-drop moment, Weatherly’s Special Agent Tony DiNozzo helped Palmer tie a bowtie in the autopsy room before Ducky’s memorial service. You couldn’t ask for a better tribute, except that Ducky’s closest TV confidante, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, couldn’t make a return. Producers cited scheduling conflicts.
In the upcoming “Origins” tribute, Ducky (Campbell) meets Gibbs, now played in the prequel series by Austin Stowell. The characters’ encounter at Camp Pendleton training ground fits into “NCIS” canon, as carefully monitored by the “Origins” executive producer team of David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal.
“We know that Gibbs and Ducky first crossed paths in 1980 and then again 12 years later in Camp Pendleton,” says Monreal. “So we’re really adhering to the mothership’s canon here.”
Besides introducing the hat, the episode also reveals why Ducky always refers to Gibbs by his middle name, Jethro. (Hint: Think English agriculturist Jethro Tull.) In “NCIS,” Ducky was the only team member with the clout to pull off calling the boss the informal moniker.
David McCallum’s music is featured in ‘Origins’ tribute, including ‘The Edge’
The episode features talented musician McCallum’s instrumental music, including “The Edge,” which is the episode’s title. McCallum took particular pride in “The Edge” being sampled by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg for their 2000 hit song “The Next Episode.”
“Once on the ‘NCIS’ set, I was wearing a Snoop Dog shirt, and (McCallum) hugged me,” recalls North, who worked as an “NCIS” writer and executive producer. “He said to me, ‘Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre have been very good to me. They sampled “The Edge” and got a No. 1 hit and that’s pretty cool.’ “
McCallum’s version of “Yesterday” plays during the montage dedication that ends the episode.
Adam Campbell had McCallum’s blessing and encouragement from Mark Harmon
Campbell says that fellow Royal Academy of Dramatic Art graduate McCallum never told him how to play the young Ducky character.
“But he did give pointers on Ducky characteristics,” Campbell says of the character who stayed upbeat in the “NCIS” morgue. “He said always try to find the comedy and the lightness of the moment. Don’t be afraid to find things amusing, even if they’re grotesque.”
North and Monreal said it was a no-brainer bringing Campbell back for the tribute.
“Adam embodies the character so well, and plays such great homage to David McCallum,” says North. “And the late great David thought Adam was phenomenal.”
Harmon, an “Origins” executive producer and series narrator, sent Campbell a note welcoming him aboard.
“Mark wrote me to wish me all the best on the set,” says Campbell. “He said, ‘There’s going to be some new faces that you haven’t met before, but all of them will be happy you’re here, and maybe even David M. himself.’ “
