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Actor David McCallum Dies at Age 90
Distinguished actor David McCallum, known for his roles in the hit series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and NCIS, passed away at the age of 90. McCallum, who captured the hearts of teenage viewers in the 1960s and continued to captivate audiences with his portrayal of Dr. Donald (Ducky) Mallard, died of natural causes on Monday, surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital. CBS confirmed the news in a statement. Remarkably, McCallum had just celebrated his 90th birthday less than a week ago on September 19.
McCallum was the last original cast member of NCIS, playing the endearing character of Ducky, a bookish medical examiner for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. Introduced in 2003 during the show’s launch, Ducky remained a fan-favorite throughout its impressive 20-season run, which concluded in May 2023.
In recent years, McCallum had adjusted his shooting schedule for NCIS to prioritize spending time with his wife of 56 years, Katherine Carpenter, their children, grandchildren, and beloved cat, Nickie.
Reflecting on his father’s passing, McCallum’s son Peter shared a touching statement from the family: “After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep. Her answer was simply, ‘Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together.’ She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were, and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old.” Peter also praised his father’s character, calling him “the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father” and describing him as a true renaissance man with a passion for science and culture.
Born in Scotland, McCallum rose to fame in the 1960s playing agent Illya Kuryakin in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., a popular TV series that capitalized on the success of James Bond films. McCallum’s enigmatic, intellectual character attracted a strong following, particularly among teenage girls. His co-star Robert Vaughn, who portrayed the main character Napoleon Solo, also gained a significant fan base.
Following The Man From U.N.C.L.E., McCallum continued to work in television, starring in British series like Colditz (1972-1974) and Sapphire & Steel (1979-1982). He also made guest appearances on American shows such as Hart to Hart, Matlock, Murder, She Wrote, Law and Order, and Sex and the City.
However, McCallum found his greatest success in his role as Ducky on NCIS. In an interview, he described it as his “best role ever” and revealed his dedication to the part, including studying forensic medicine, attending autopsies at the L.A. coroner’s office, and speaking at pathologists’ conventions. The enduring popularity of NCIS has made it one of the most-watched shows on television.
Executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North expressed their admiration for McCallum, highlighting his professionalism, sense of humor, and legendary status. They considered it an honor to work with him throughout the series.
Prior to his acting career, McCallum came from a family of musicians and briefly studied the oboe at the Royal Academy of Music. After realizing his limitations in music, he pursued acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Additionally, McCallum ventured into music and recorded four albums with producer David Axelrod, resulting in the iconic song “The Edge,” which was famously sampled by Dr. Dre in “The Next Episode.”
McCallum’s personal life included two marriages. His first marriage to actor Jill Ireland ended in 1967, and he later married Katherine Carpenter. He had five children and eight grandchildren. Tragically, his son Jason passed away from an overdose.
David McCallum’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry will be remembered and cherished. Rest in peace.
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