Losing a longtime colleague is an incredibly difficult experience, especially when you’ve worked together for many years, as Mark Harmon and David McCallum did on NCIS.

Mark Harmon, deeply affected by the news of David McCallum’s passing, has finally broken his silence to share his thoughts on this sad event. To find out what Harmon said about his beloved former co-star, keep reading.

David McCallum was a favorite among fans after his appearance on the show. Sadly, earlier this week, Fox News confirmed that McCallum passed away at New York Presbyterian Hospital due to natural causes.

David, a talented actor and playwright, was cherished by people worldwide. According to reports, his legacy will continue through his family and the countless hours of film and television he left behind.

He is survived by his wife of over sixty years, Katherine Carpenter, as well as five children from a previous marriage, two children with Carpenter, and eight grandchildren.

Following the news of his passing, condolences poured in. NCIS executive producers, Steven D. Binder and David North, released a statement expressing their deepest sympathies during this challenging time.

“For more than twenty years, David McCallum has endeared himself to audiences all over the world by playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic character of Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” the statement read. “But those who worked closely with David loved him even more than his fans did, despite how much his fans adored him. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always kind, highly professional, and never missed an opportunity to crack a joke. It was an honor to work with him from the very beginning, and he consistently delivered on his promises. He was a true legend. As a member of the family, he will be greatly missed.”

David McCallum recently made a cameo appearance in the final two episodes of the twentieth season of NCIS, where his presence was met with immense gratitude.

CBS also released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and grateful that CBS was his home for so many years. David was a superb actor and writer, admired globally. His legacy will live on through his family and the extensive body of work he left behind. His warm personality, great sense of humor, and captivating stories about a life well-lived brightened every room or studio he entered.”

Mark Harmon, who co-starred with McCallum, also shared his thoughts. “David lived a great, full, and long life,” Harmon remarked. “When I first met him, I was in awe, and all of us on the show were proud to have worked alongside him. It was a privilege to represent him.” Harmon extended his heartfelt condolences to Katherine and the McCallum family, acknowledging the pain of losing such a beloved figure.