Actor David McCallum, Star of ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘NCIS,’ Dies at 90
David McCallum, known for his role in the hit series ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ in the 1960s and as the eccentric medical examiner in ‘NCIS’ later in his career, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023 at the age of 90. The Scottish-born actor died of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from CBS.
McCallum first gained fame as a teen heartthrob in the 1960s series ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’, where he played Illya Kuryakin, the Russian sidekick to Robert Vaughn’s Napoleon Solo. The show, which premiered in 1964, became a cultural phenomenon, particularly among teenage girls who were captivated by McCallum’s good looks and enigmatic character. The series ran until 1968 and earned McCallum two Emmy nominations.
Following the success of ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’, McCallum appeared in various films and TV shows, including ‘A Night to Remember’, ‘The Great Escape’, and an episode of ‘Murder, She Wrote’. In 2003, he returned to television as Dr. Donald Mallard, aka “Ducky,” in the long-running CBS series ‘NCIS’, alongside Mark Harmon. McCallum took the role seriously, even spending time in a Los Angeles coroner’s office to gain insight into his character’s profession.
Throughout his career, McCallum demonstrated his versatility as an actor, appearing in both serious dramas and science fiction series. He was a true Renaissance man, as his son Peter McCallum described him, with a fascination for science and culture. In addition to his acting career, McCallum was also a musician. He played the oboe and has conducted symphony orchestras.
David McCallum is survived by his wife Katherine Carpenter and their son and daughter, as well as his three sons from his previous marriage. His legacy as a gifted actor and beloved entertainer will live on through his family and the numerous hours of film and television that he left behind.
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