After 22 years on the air, NCIS has officially closed a major chapter in its history by saying goodbye to its last remaining original cast member. With the loss of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, portrayed by the late David McCallum, the show now moves forward without any of its founding characters from the 2003 pilot. Ducky wasn’t just the team’s chief medical examiner—he was the heart and soul of the squad, offering wisdom, kindness, and quirky charm that fans adored from day one.

David McCallum’s presence on the series was unmatched. Even as other key characters like Gibbs, Abby, and Tony made their exits over the years, Ducky stayed on, becoming a comforting constant for loyal viewers. His passing was not only a loss for the show but for the entire NCIS community who saw him as a cherished grandfather figure onscreen.

Now, with the original cast gone, NCIS steps into a new era, led by a fresh generation of agents. While their stories continue to evolve, the legacy built by the originals remains the foundation of the series. And no matter how many new faces come and go, fans will never forget where it all began.