David McCallum, the Scottish-born actor who gained popularity as a teen heartthrob in the 1960s series The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and later as the unique medical examiner in the hit show NCIS, has passed away at the age of 90. He died on Monday from natural causes, surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital, according to CBS. “He was a true Renaissance man—he had a deep fascination for science and culture, which he turned into knowledge,” his son Peter said in a statement. “For instance, he had the ability to conduct a symphony orchestra and perform an autopsy, thanks to his extensive studies for his role on NCIS.”
McCallum, the son of musicians, received training at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He appeared in notable films such as A Night to Remember, The Great Escape, and The Greatest Story Ever Told. However, it was his role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. that made him a household name and a heartthrob among teenagers in the mid-’60s. The success of James Bond books and films had sparked a trend, with secret agents appearing on both the big and small screens. In fact, Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, contributed ideas to the development of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. as stated in Jon Heitland’s The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Book. The show, which premiered in 1964, starred Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, an agent in a secretive, high-tech team of crimefighters for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement.
Despite the backdrop of the Cold War, the agency had an international staff, with McCallum playing the role of Illya Kuryakin, Solo’s Russian sidekick. At first, the role was relatively minor, and McCallum mentioned in 1998 that he had never heard the term “sidekick” before. The show received mixed reviews initially but eventually gained popularity. By 1965, Illya had become a full partner to Vaughn’s character, and both actors were mobbed during personal appearances. The series ran until 1968. McCallum returned to television in 2003 in another show featuring an agency identified by its acronyms—CBS’ NCIS. He portrayed Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a scholarly pathologist for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service, an agency responsible for crimes involving the Navy or the Marines.
McCallum admitted that he initially thought Ducky, who wore glasses and a bow tie and had a penchant for attractive women, “looked a little silly, but it was great fun to do.” He considered Mallard his favorite role after Julius Caesar, as stated in the New York Times. McCallum was fully engrossed in the character, studying with pathologists and observing autopsies. He became so knowledgeable that the show’s writers sought his technical advice. Before landing the role, he was uncertain if he would ever move on from his U.N.C.L.E. character. “It’s been 30 years, but I can’t escape him,” McCallum told the Times in 1998. “Illya Kuryakin is with me 24 hours a day.” (Read more obituary stories.)
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
