What role did Adam Campbell play in NCIS?

Adam Campbell played a younger version of the character Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on the NCIS series.

How did Campbell's portrayal of Ducky compare to the original actor, David McCallum?

Campbell received guidance from McCallum, the actor who originated the Ducky role, on how to approach the character. McCallum advised Campbell not to simply mimic his performance.

What happened to the Ducky character on NCIS?

After the passing of actor David McCallum in 2023, NCIS aired a tribute episode to honor both McCallum and the Ducky character, who was said to have passed away in his sleep. Ducky's old office is now the Dr. Donald Mallard Memorial Multi-Purpose Room on the show.

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NCIS Prequel Brings Back Beloved Character in Younger Years

1 Nov

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Summary

Adam Campbell reprised Ducky role 4 times on NCIS before joining prequel
Met late David McCallum, who originated Ducky, before McCallum's passing
Ducky's office now a memorial room on NCIS after character's death

NCIS Prequel Brings Back Beloved Character in Younger Years

In 2014, actor Adam Campbell guest starred as a younger version of the beloved NCIS character Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in the show's 12th season. He went on to reprise the role three more times on the main NCIS series before returning to it earlier this week on the prequel series NCIS: Origins.

Prior to the premiere of "The Edge" episode on the 2025 TV schedule, Campbell spoke about his experience taking on the iconic Ducky character. He revealed that he had multiple encounters with the late David McCallum, who originated the role of Ducky on the show. McCallum, who passed away in September 2023, provided Campbell with guidance on how to approach the character.

Despite Ducky's passing on the show, which was honored with a tribute episode, Campbell's portrayal of the character in his younger years continues. NCIS: Origins is set in 1992, providing an 11-year gap between Campbell's appearances and the events that led to Ducky's introduction alongside Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Tony DiNozzo, and Abby Sciuto in the JAG episodes that served as the NCIS backdoor pilot. Fans can look forward to seeing more of Campbell's take on the beloved medical examiner in the prequel series.

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