NCIS' Jimmy Palmer star remembers late David McCallum with 'one of a kind' gift story

Brian Dietzen, best known for his role as Jimmy Palmer on NCIS, has shared a touching memory involving his former co-star David McCallum, who played Ducky.

As fans eagerly await the return of NCIS for its 23rd season, Brian Dietzen is set to reprise his beloved role as chief medical examiner Jimmy Palmer.

Before Palmer took the reins, it was Donald "Ducky" Mallard, portrayed by David McCallum, who was at the helm of the CBS show's medical department.

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Following his semi-retirement in 2019, McCallum became the show's part-time historian. Sadly, on Monday, September 25, 2023, the esteemed actor passed away.

Dietzen recently took to Instagram to reminisce about McCallum and share an anecdote involving a unique fan gift.

The 47-year-old actor discovered an action figure of McCallum from his days on the 1960s series The Man From UNCLE while moving house.

Sharing the story, Dietzen posted: "Fun story with this one: a fan sent me this original Man From Uncle toy several years ago. How cool, right?".

He continued, revealing the fan's creativity: "Then I read the letter enclosed and discovered that this person had hand sewn scrubs for the doll so it could be a Jimmy Palmer/Illya Kuryakin mashup.

"Two of their favorite shows in one box!

Dietzen recalled showing the gift to McCallum, who reacted with a hearty "I showed David at the time and he gave one big 'Ha!'

He expressed gratitude, saying: "Well done, and thank you to the creative person behind this one of a kind piece!"

In February 2024, NCIS honoured McCallum with a special episode titled The Stories We Leave Behind, paying homage to the late actor's legacy on the show.

Penned by Dietzen, the episode mournfully reveals Ducky's passing and sees the team tackling one of his unresolved cases.

The instalment was particularly memorable due to a surprise appearance from actor Michael Weatherly, reprising his role as former agent Tony DiNozzo, who returned to bid farewell.

NCIS season 23 is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 14, on CBS.