David McCallum, the Scottish actor and musician who rose to fame in the 1960s as a secret agent in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and later played a medical examiner in NCIS, passed away on September 25, 2023, at the age of 90. He died of natural causes surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital, according to CBS.
A versatile and prolific career
McCallum was born in Glasgow on September 19, 1933, to parents who were classical musicians. He began his acting career doing boy voices for BBC Radio in 1947 and taking bit parts in British films from the late 1950s. His first major role was as junior RMS Titanic radio operator Harold Bride in A Night to Remember (1958), a film about the sinking of the Titanic.
He gained international recognition in 1964 when he was cast as Illya Kuryakin, a mysterious Soviet agent, in the spy series The Man from U.N.C.L.E., opposite Robert Vaughn. The show was a huge hit and made McCallum a teen idol, receiving more fan mail than Elvis Presley at one point. He received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his performance and also recorded four albums for Capitol Records with producer David Axelrod.
After the show ended in 1968, McCallum continued to work in television and film, appearing in shows such as Colditz (1972-1974), The Invisible Man (1975-1976), and Sapphire & Steel (1979-1982). He also had roles in films such as The Great Escape (1963), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), and King Solomon’s Mines (1985).
In 2003, he joined the cast of NCIS, a crime drama about a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He played Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a quirky and eccentric medical examiner who often shared his insights and anecdotes with his colleagues. He became a fan favorite and remained on the show for 20 seasons until his death.
A legacy of warmth and humor
McCallum was married twice and had five children, including actor Val McCallum. He was also a grandfather and a great-grandfather. He was known for his kindness, coolness, patience, and love of family. He was also interested in science and culture and had a passion for music.
His son Peter McCallum said in a statement: “He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He was a true renaissance man – he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS.”
His co-stars and colleagues also paid tribute to him, praising his talent, professionalism, and generosity. The NCIS account said on social media: “We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto. He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away.”
Conclusion
David McCallum was a gifted actor and musician who entertained and inspired millions of people around the world with his diverse and memorable roles. David McCallum, the Scottish actor and musician who rose to fame in the 1960s as a secret agent in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and later played a medical examiner in NCIS, passed away on September 25, 2023, at the age of 90.
He was also a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who touched many lives with his kindness and wisdom. He will be dearly missed by his fans and his family, but his work and his spirit will live on. Rest in peace, David McCallum. You were a legend and no one did it better.