For years, fans of NCIS were puzzled by the gradual disappearance of David McCallum, who portrayed the brilliant and eccentric Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Once a staple of the show’s core cast, McCallum’s appearances began to dwindle season after season. While CBS remained vague about his reduced screen time, the real reason behind his absence has now come to light — and it’s more personal than anyone expected.

It turns out that McCallum made a conscious decision to step back in order to spend more time with his family and enjoy a quieter life after decades in the spotlight. While he still held deep affection for the show and his castmates, the intense filming schedule and long hours began to take a toll. He reportedly requested a limited role so he could strike a better balance between his passion for acting and his personal well-being — a move the producers fully respected.

Although fans missed seeing Ducky’s signature bow ties and sage wisdom on a weekly basis, many understood and supported McCallum’s choice. His legacy within the NCIS universe remains untouchable, and the episodes he did return for were treated with the reverence they deserved. While he may have disappeared from the screen, David McCallum’s impact on the series and its fans remains as strong as ever.