- David McCallum died early in the morning on September 25 at the age of 90.
- McCallum was known for a sweeping television career.
- He was particularly beloved for his performance in ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘NCIS.’
On September 25, actor David McCallum died. The Glasgow native was 90 years old when he passed away early in the morning on Monday while staying in New York. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine, as well as his four children and eight grandchildren.
McCallum began his acting career back in 1947 and went on to appear in several popular shows and films. He is most prominently remembered as the quiet yet steadfast agent Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and the well-traveled, talkative medical examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard in NCIS.
David McCallum dominated television
McCallum was born on September 19, 1933, in Maryhill, Scotland. He traveled between there and London throughout his youth and began acting in theatre productions at 17. After a brief hiatus during which he was conscripted into the National Service, McCallum attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, with Joan Collins as a classmate. His early on-screen career would be dominated by films such as Robbery Under Arms (1957), A Night to Remember (1958), and Violent Playground (1958).
RELATED: Before ‘NCIS’ David McCallum Won Hearts As Illya Kuryakin
The ’60s would represent his big transition to television, first and most prominently with The Man from U.N.C.L.E., in which he starred opposite Robert Vaughn for four years; Vaughn would predecease him in 2016.
Other esteemed television credits would follow, including Please Don’t Eat the Daisies and a part in the main cast of Colditz and Sapphire & Steel. His television career would continue to flourish with work in As the World Turns, Babylon 5, Murder, She Wrote, Law & Order, and eventually JAG, the precursor to NCIS. McCallum would stay on the latter show for twenty years.
The world bids a legend goodbye
David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Let’s raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man. I’ve only got 3 autographs. Connery, Tony Bennett and McCallum. I felt the same way as Steve McQueen in this picture from The Great Escape: Wow! It’s David… pic.twitter.com/ve6hFvFkQD
— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) September 25, 2023
For however long McCallum stayed on NCIS, his castmates would regard him not just as a colleague but as a hero. Michael Weatherly, who co-starred along McCallum as Tony DiNozzo, reacted to news of his passing on Twitter by saying, “David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Let’s raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man.”
He continued, “I’ve only got 3 autographs. Connery, Tony Bennett and McCallum. I felt the same way as Steve McQueen in this picture from The Great Escape: Wow! It’s David McCallum! No one did it better. We were lucky to have him bring us Ducky. Let’s send all the love in the world to his beautiful family. Rest In Peace David.”
RIP David McCallum. You were the kindest man. Thank you for being you. 🙏🏻💔 #NCIS #JennyandDucky pic.twitter.com/u7cguYwjtM
— Lauren Holly (@LaurenHolly) September 25, 2023
He was also remembered by Lauren Holly, known as Jenny Shepherd through much of NCIS. “RIP David McCallum,” she mourned. “You were the kindest man. Thank you for being you.”
The scheduled NCIS 20-year marathon on Monday now includes a tribute card honoring his memory.
Rest in peace, David McCallum.
