David McCallum Signs Two-Year Extension With NCIS
David McCallum will return to NCIS for a 10th season next fall, and an 11th the year after that if the series continues on CBS. The original cast member agreed to a new, two-year contract this week.
McCallum is one of four original cast members whose contracts are up at the end of this season, along with Michael Weatherly, Pauley Perrette and Sean Murray (who joined during the first season).
During the quartet’s previous renegotiation two years ago, McCallum again was the first to reach a new agreement at the end of April. Talks with the other three stretched past the upfronts into June.
There is indication of that scenario happening again this year, with Weatherly, Perrette and Murray all in various stages of new negotiations. All ultimately re-signed then, of course, and are expected to again.
The rest of the cast, including leading man and executive producer Mark Harmon, is already under contract through the conclusion of NCIS Season 10, which was recently announced by CBS.
The Scottish-born McCallum, 78, has been a TV institution for decades, most notably in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Sapphire & Steel, and now our beloved Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on NCIS.
Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.
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February 21st, 2013 11:06 AM
I am so glad about ducky. Would not want like having him dead. My daughter has a five minute memory because of surgery and we watch NCIS shows over and over and over but it makes her happy and as for Gibbs love interest he needs to have redheads pick him up and leave everyone guessing they do not need any outside help to make the show good. He needs his personal life to be a mystery.If my daughter had her way your show would be on 7-24 it gets a bit much sometimes because we only have one TV but it works for her. Any way thank you for filling my daughters life...
February 5th, 2013 8:59 AM
I can't be sure but ducky was walking a long a beach it looked like he had a heart attack what happened there? Has he decided to leave the show? I watch the show but missed something and can not find who is still on the show I even buy the season dvd thank you Linda c
January 6th, 2013 9:37 PM
It's about time they added Mr.Palmer as a regular cast, this year he is in the credits instead of after the show starts and they add Brian Dietzen. He has been around just as long or longer in a supporting role for Ducky. Kudos to NCIS!
November 15th, 2012 7:22 PM
You guys are all losers......Jamie Lee is brilliant and Col Mann was boring boring boring ......Jamie Lee is an excellent addition and balances Gibbs in an awesome way
October 5th, 2012 8:41 PM
I have had a crush on David McCallum since The Man from U.N.C.L.E. NCIS is my favorite show, and has been since the beginning!
September 27th, 2012 12:10 AM
I just saw Ducky's heart attack episode last night and was devastated, believing he'd been killed off. So very, very glad to see this "spoiler" and know that my very favourite character will "survive". I fell in love with David in 1970 and I love it that he is still a wonderful actor in a fantastic series.
September 20th, 2012 6:46 AM
I know ducky survives the heart attack, however very worried that the heart attack was a result of the phone call ducky receives informing him that Jimmy Palmer is killed in the explosion at NCIS headquarters.
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September 17th, 2012 9:18 AM
David McCallum aka Illya Kuryakin was Robert Vaughn's side kick; however, Illya was undoubtedly the real man from UNCLE indeed! I'm glad he recovers in the 10th season of NCIS.
September 5th, 2012 8:08 PM
That was NOT nice!! Should he need to renew his contract & opts out- have him do a whirlwind love affair & he runs off & marries!
August 25th, 2012 8:24 PM
Thank you for not killing Ducky off. He adds one of the best characters to the cast. The Army Lt. Col. should should be brought back for a romantic interest for Jerhro. Jamie Lee is a minus and should be dropped from the show. You have an excellent cast and shouldn't carry anyone who detracts from the show.