When Cote de Pablo shocked fans by leaving NCIS ahead of Season 11, viewers weren’t the only ones left searching for answers. The late David McCallum, who portrayed the beloved Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard for two decades, admitted that her departure was something he struggled to understand for years.
McCallum worked closely with de Pablo during some of NCIS‘ most successful seasons, making her sudden exit all the more surprising to the veteran actor.
In interviews following her departure, McCallum revealed that he was genuinely caught off guard by the decision. He said he couldn’t understand why an actress starring in one of television’s biggest global dramas would choose to leave so unexpectedly, especially just before production on a new season was set to begin.
He later reflected that while he remained puzzled by her reasons, he respected that only de Pablo truly knew what had influenced such a major career decision.
For her part, de Pablo has consistently explained that her choice wasn’t about the cast or the fans. Instead, she has said she was unhappy with the direction the writers intended to take Ziva David’s story. According to the actress, she believed the planned storyline didn’t honor the character fans had grown to love, and she wasn’t willing to continue unless the creative direction improved.
That decision forced the NCIS writers to quickly revise their plans. Ziva’s exit was rewritten, and her story eventually evolved in unexpected ways. Years later, viewers learned that the character had survived, paving the way for de Pablo’s dramatic return in Seasons 16 and 17.
Time also appeared to heal any lingering tensions. De Pablo’s return was warmly welcomed by fans, and her reunion with Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo became one of the franchise’s most celebrated storylines. Now, the pair are preparing to share the screen once again in the upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva series, giving longtime fans the continuation they had hoped for after more than a decade.
David McCallum passed away on September 25, 2023, at the age of 90, just days before his 91st birthday. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, cast members, and the NCIS family, who remembered him not only for his iconic portrayal of Ducky but also for the kindness, wisdom, and warmth he brought to everyone around him. The series later honored his legacy with a heartfelt tribute episode celebrating both the actor and the beloved character he brought to life.
Although David McCallum never fully understood what motivated de Pablo’s original departure, his comments reflected admiration for both the actress and the impact she had on NCIS. Looking back today, her exit remains one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history, while her eventual return proved that some stories are simply too important to end forever.