Brian Dietzen and the late David McCallum shared a close 20-year friendship that began in 2004 when they met on the set of NCIS. McCallum, who played Donald “Ducky” Mallard, took the younger actor under his wing as Dietzen transitioned into his role as Dr. Jimmy Palmer. Over the years, Dietzen often expressed his gratitude and admiration for McCallum, who passed away in September 2023 at age 90. As a tribute to their bond, Dietzen wrote a special episode in honor of McCallum, which aired in February 2024.
How Brian Dietzen and David McCallum First Crossed Paths
Brian Dietzen and David McCallum initially met on Brian’s first day at NCIS. While their first encounter was professional, their relationship quickly developed into a great friendship over time.
Brian recalled that he was originally booked for just one day on the show, but his on-screen chemistry with David led to more scenes together. As they continued working, their bond grew, mirroring the close relationship between their characters, Jimmy and Ducky. David became a mentor to Brian, offering advice, sharing praise, and even calling after episodes aired to discuss their scenes.
Off camera, their friendship grew stronger. They frequently went on character research trips, charitable activities, and even golfed together. Brian cherished David’s sense of humour and adventurous attitude, recalling that their time together was filled with laughter and mutual respect.
The Last Conversation Between Brian Dietzen and David McCallum
Brian Dietzen shared that he was fortunate to have had a final conversation with David McCallum just days before his passing. Speaking on McCallum’s 90th birthday, September 19, 2023, Dietzen recalled how they chatted, and McCallum was coherent and engaged during their talk. McCallum passed away on September 25, 2023, and Dietzen expressed his gratitude for having had that last meaningful conversation, calling it “really wonderful.”
Brian Dietzen’s Heartfelt Final Tribute to His Dear Friend, David McCallum
Following David McCallum’s death, Brian Dietzen was thrilled to create a tribute episode for his late friend. In a co-written piece with Scott Williams, Dietzen described how the chance felt right and important, calling it a privilege. He found the writing process cathartic, despite the fact that it was an unconventional approach to deal with his sadness.
In an interview with Variety, Dietzen explained that the episode explored themes of loss and legacy, reflecting McCallum’s NCIS character, Ducky, who was known for telling memorable stories. The episode, titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” was designed to honor McCallum’s life and legacy, emphasizing that the stories we share and leave behind are what ultimately define us.
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