I’m David McCallum. I play Ducky on the hit TV show NCIS and my debut mystery novel, "Once a Crooked Man", hits shelves next week. AMA!

Has Mark Harmon ever played a practical joke on you?. Since I have heard he is a major jokster

Mark Harmon knows I am not the type to be toyed with.

Have you witnessed any of his shenanigans around the set?

What shenanigans?

Any insight as to why Côte De Pablo left NCIS?

Edit: sorry to those who I've spoiled it for, I never told you how her character leaves, just that she does. Plus you have more seasons afterwards! Semper fi!

Also, did not expect to be second highest in the thread.

At the time I was astonished when Cote left, but in retrospect, it seems that she was not up to handling the demands that the character put upon her. I still don't understand her deeper motives.

What did you think of The Man from UNCLE remake?

Good workman like, Guy Ritchie movie in no way mirrored what Robert, Leo and I did in the 60s.

As an aspiring British actor, you're one of my idols to watch on TV every week. You have such a strong character, and even manage to make waffling on both funny and fascinating. What has been your biggest struggle as an actor so far? As in, what scene was the trickiest for you to perform?

I learned early on that any dialogue that involves convoluted medical jargon, demands that I know exactly what I am talking about. This can usually be found in Stedman's medical dictionary.

What has been your favorite moment ncis so far?

After auditioning for both Paramount and CBS the call from my agent telling me that I got the part of "Ducky" is my favorite moment. Since then, there have been hundreds!

What do you think of "The Next Episode," the Dr. Dre song that samples your recording of "The Edge?"

David Axelrod wrote "The Edge" which was one of the tracks on my album which he produced.

Hello David! Love NCIS and love Ducky!

If you could have been on any other TV show within the past 10 years, what show would it be and why is it Breaking Bad?

Homeland!

1)Do you in your own life have as many stories to tell as Ducky has in the show?

2)Do you and Brian Dietzen (Jimmy for those who dont know) have the same good relationship on the Set as you do in the show? I just love your synergy!

I get on extremely well with Brian and I have traveled extensively. I am sure I could come up with a story or two.

What has been your favorite place youve traveled to this far? Have you ever been to Hamburg, Germany (my hometown) ?

I don't have favorites. I did a movie in Hamburg called "Hauser's Memory". We ate every night at a restaurant by the Opera House called La Grotta Azzura.

Hi David and welcome! Many years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a musician by the name of Val McCallum, who said he was your son. He was touring with Vonda Sheppard - so this was back in the Allie McBeal years. How is his career going? He slipped us comp tickets to a House of Blues show in Cambridge, MA. So he's righteous by my book!

He is currently touring and playing with Jackson Browne.

What are you reading right now? What's your favorite book?

I am currently reading an English translation of the Koran. I don't have favorites in anything, but books by Richard Feynman are a delight.

My wife loves you in NCIS. I enjoy your performances in The Invisible Man and The Great Escape! Would you please say hello to my wife Jo?

Hello Jo!

Have you seen the movie "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." yet? Were you ever asked for your input on how the Illya Kuryakin character should be played?

I have seen the movie. They never contacted me at any time.

Thank you for taking the time to reply!

Thank you!

I'll pick your book up and give it a read. I love me a good mystery.

Did you do any research for the role on NCIS with the Coroner/Medical Examiner or something similar?

I have done extensive research for Doctor Mallard.

What did you have for breakfast?

A cup of decaf tea, a slice of toast and marmalade, and a glass of milk to take my morning pills.

Did you ever do any martial arts or combat training for U.N.C.L.E. (or other roles)? Your research in Stedman's sounds like fun, did you do any research for the novel?

Yes to both your questions. I do a lot of research.

So I am currently rewatching NCIS on Netflix, in season six there is and episode where your character cries due to the fact he could have saved a young kid when he was in the RAMC ( Royal Army Medical Corps, I think), what tactics did you use to cry on cue?

Did you have any special training for your role as medical examiner or forensic psychologist on the show?

Thanks for stopping by Reddit!

After man years as an amateur actor, I joined Equity in 1946. My repertoire includes tears when necessary.

Hello! Have you ever kept anything from the set or a certain episode? Do you have a favorite episode? Thank you for your time. I love Ducky!

Occasionally, On set they have a lot of old books from the prop hiring company. I have to admit I have upon occasion found one that was fascinating.

Is it possible to get a sign copy of your book?

I will be at Barnes and Noble in Los Angeles on January 21st signing books! Otherwise you can go to my Facebook page for a signed book plate.

Hello Ducky!

I just started watching NCIS because my Girlfriend would always have it on. I am now a fan!

Question: Who messes up the most when filming? Also is Gibbs really that badass in real life?

Everyone has an occasional lapse but we forgive them!

On an episode of NCIS you and a young girl with Scottish parents were singing Scotland the Brave and you mentioned Kirkcaldy, my home town.

If you have been here, what do you think if it and where is your favourite place back home to visit?

Yes I have been to Kirkcaldy, but I don't remember much about it. Sorry.

Do you ever work with practicing medical examiners to keep up Ducky's skills? What kind of feedback have you gotten from the profession regarding your portrayal?

I have stood beside pathologists as they performed the autopsy so that I could learn the job first hand. The human body is miraculous.

Did McGee help you out at all, Ducky? ;)

Jokes aside, I'm very excited to read the book! What was your favorite part of the writing process?

I have no favorites. It was all a pleasure.

Hey David,

While my grandfather was still alive, him and I would talk about NCIS when we had dinner together. I remember the episodes we would talk about the most were the Ducky-centric ones, as he was born and raised in Scotland (later moved to Canada) and it was no secret Ducky was his favourite.

Just wanted to say thanks, you've done some great work on the show and that I'll certainly be picking up your book! :)

What is your elevator pitch to get someone to read the book?

You're most welcome.

Hi David. Thanks for doing this. You're TOTALLY awesome!

My question for you is, how does doing a voice for an animated show compare to on screen performing and would you do it again if the opportunity was brought up?

Many thanks x

Recording for animated shows allows me to over act outrageously. That's always a pleasure!

I can imagine the guys in the recording studio have a lot of fun then. Thank you for answering my question and thanks for doing the signed book plates. I eagerly await the arrival of my copy on Thursday. Hopefully won't get scolded for 2nd question but do you think you'll ever write a memoir? Thanks again x

I constantly get asked to write my memoir, but I could only do it with a ghost writer. Perhaps one day...

What drew you to the role of a U.S. Navy medical examiner, of all things?

I was asked to play Ducky. I auditioned for Paramount and CBS and I got the part! I think Don Bellisario had something to do with all of this!

I see your book is about an actor...any bit of your real-life experiences thrown in there?

Yes. One or Two.

Greetings from Germany, Mr McCallum, big fan of NCIS for over 10 years now. Have you ever been to Germany and if so, where? How did you like it?

I have been to many places in Germany. My brother Iain McCallum was the British Council Representative to West Germany.

Hello David! I still have the poster of illya from my girlhood days. As much as I enjoy NCIS, I was always think of you in that role first. Love to see that "young Ducky" wears a lot of turtlenecks and that there are frequent sotto voce references to that role in NCIS :D Does your new book share any anecdotes from those times?

There is no connection anywhere between 'Once a Crooked Man' and the MFU.

Dogs or cats?

Cats!

Nice to see you do a IAMA! I'm always pleased to see Ducky filled NCIS episodes. I got 2 questions for you.

First, Ducky isn't the digital/tech-person, but do you know your way around the internet, Reddit, smartphones and computers? And did you write your book with a typewriter or a computer?

Second, I hope we can enjoy NCIS and Ducky for a long time, but maybe one day NCIS stops, or you want to quit (and write more books) and/or your character is written off (all would be sad days). But how would you like to see the end of Ducky?

I was thinking Ducky is talking to his room, no deads this time, more a "if the walls could talk"-speech. Puts on his coat on and turns of the lights. Or Ducky dies (shot while working or something like that) and all the agents come to do Ducky to talk to him, while he is laying on his table. Or maybe you would prefer a totall different way? Again I think I speak for a lot of people, we really hope we can enjoy you on NCIS for a very long time!

Yes, to everything! Thank you,

Are you King of the British?

No. I am a hard working commoner.

Any memories from VR.5? It seemed like a show a bit ahead of its time.

Many good memories. I was sorry that it was short lived.

Do you ever intend on releasing more music?

That would be nice but is totally impractical.

In reading about MFU, I saw that the actor who played Mr Waverly was "older" and his real age wasn't exactly revealed to the network, for fear he wouldn't be hired. I find it a sweet full-circle kind of thing that you are now of "an age" yourself and in a prime time hit TV series. Did you think you'd be acting this long and do you see more actors your age still working?

I never thought I would live this long!

So tell us a little bit about your book?

Not possible! You have to read it!

Hi David, I'm Karen. Do you have any memories of working with Gloria Stavers from 16 Magazine?

No, I'm afraid I don't.

That's ok, you've met a million people since then! She took some great photos of you for 16. Have a wonderful day David.

You too!

Are Ducky's anecdotes entirely scripted or do you get any creative license when he goes off on one of his stories? Or even disappointed when you get cut off mid flow? I know I certainly do...

Entirely scripted although I embellished the Scottish stories.

What part have you always wanted to be cast as?

No, I've done them all!

Who would it be a dream come true to work with, and who influenced you to start acting?

No one influenced me in the beginning. There are several actors and actresses that would be a pleasure with whom to work but they must remain anonymous!

Can you tell us about your experiences working on the UK show Cluedo please?

All I remember is an old country house, but where and when I have no recollection!

Hello, David. So excited to read your book! Would you consider doing a book tour?

I believe the publisher's have plans in the future, but I have nothing planned at the moment.

Dear Mr. McCallum, Is there any way that someone from Europe could get a signed book from you, delivered all the way to Hungary? :) Thank you very much and have a nice day! :)

Please go to my Facebook page to get a signed book plate!

What was your inspiration or reasons for writing a novel?

It was an exercise in teaching myself how to write. I never intended for it to be published. What has happened of late is a surprising pleasure.

In case you don't answer my other question, here's a couple:

What is your favourite:

NCIS episode? Bow tie worn by Ducky? On-screen relationship? As cast member may be very tricky to chose just one!

I don't have favorites!

What is is your faith and how large a role does it play in your life?

A strict sense of values and respect for others, and the determination to do the best I can for family, friends and acquaintances.

Are you worried your father is going to brutally murder you and you won't be back for land before time 2?

Only on Tuesdays.

There rain in Los Angeles?!?!?!?!?! I live in Los Angeles, but currently home in Texas over break.

Okay. Question for you: What was the best story you told to a corpse?

I have no favorites! I think they have all been pretty good. We have great writers.

Any running gags or Easter eggs that the writers have established in the show?

No.

You watch Breaking Bad? I like sushi, do you like sushi?

No, I do not watch Breaking Bad.

Would you say you live by any of Gibbs' rules in real life?

I have my own rules, thank you very much!

What is your favorite kind of lotion?

I don't have favorites!

Do you have any stories from the making of Dogs?

No.

NCIS was one of my favourite shows when I was younger ! I learned a few things thanks to the countless anecdotes from your character.

Do you have a favourite anecdote / life story from Ducky ? Or something that you enjoyed learning for the occasion ?

I don't have favorites!

Wow, that was quick. Thanks for taking your time to answer and have a good day !

You too!

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I am busy doing NCIS. That's enough for now.

Favourite NCIS episode?

I don't have favorites.