David McCallum, renowned actor from TV series ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘NCIS,’ passes away at the age of 90.
Renowned Actor David McCallum, Star of “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and “NCIS,” Passes Away at 90
Beloved actor David McCallum, who captured hearts as a teen heartthrob in the 1960s with his role in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and later as the quirky medical examiner in the hit series “NCIS,” has left us at the age of 90.
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McCallum peacefully passed away from natural causes while surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital, as confirmed by CBS in a statement.
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CBS conveyed their profound sentiments, stating, “David was an exceptionally talented actor and accomplished author, cherished by admirers worldwide. He lived an extraordinary life, and his enduring legacy will forever endure through his family and the countless hours of film and television that will remain eternally etched in our memories.”
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Hailing from Scotland, McCallum had already left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, gracing the silver screen with his presence in memorable films like “A Night to Remember” (a portrayal of the Titanic tragedy), “The Great Escape,” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told” (where he portrayed Judas). Nevertheless, it was his involvement in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” during the mid-’60s that propelled him to the pinnacle of stardom.
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This iconic show, which premiered in 1964, starred Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, an agent in a covert, high-tech crime-fighting squad known as the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.). Despite the backdrop of the Cold War, the agency featured an international team, with McCallum playing Illya Kuryakin, Solo’s Russian partner.
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Initially, McCallum’s role was modest, and he confessed in a 1998 interview that he had never even heard the term “sidekick” before. However, the show gained momentum, especially with teenage girls who were drawn to McCallum’s good looks and his enigmatic, intellectual character. By 1965, Illya became Solo’s equal partner, and both stars were mobbed by fans during personal appearances.
The series thrived until 1968, and it enjoyed a nostalgic revival in 1983 when Vaughn and McCallum reunited for a TV movie titled “The Return of the Man From U.N.C.L.E.” In this special feature, the agents were enticed out of retirement to once again embark on a mission to save the world.
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McCallum later marked his television comeback in 2003 with another series rich in initials, CBS’ “NCIS.” In this production, he skillfully portrayed the character of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a erudite pathologist working for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service, a division tasked with handling crimes related to the Navy and Marines. Mark Harmon played the role of the NCIS boss alongside McCallum.
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Despite his initial reservations about Ducky’s appearance, McCallum took the role seriously, even spending time in the Los Angeles coroner’s office to gain insights into autopsy procedures.
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Lauren Holly, his co-star, shared her sorrow on social media, expressing, “You were the most compassionate person. Thank you for being yourself.” In remembrance of McCallum, the previously scheduled 20th-anniversary NCIS marathon on Monday night featured a special “in memoriam” card.
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The show gradually built its audience, eventually becoming one of the top 10 series. While working on NCIS, McCallum, who lived in New York, stayed in a one-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica.
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“He exemplified the qualities of a scholar and a gentleman, consistently emanating grace, professionalism, and an unwavering sense of humor.” Collaborating with him right from the beginning was a true privilege, and he consistently surpassed our expectations. He was undoubtedly a legend,” stated NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North.
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McCallum earned two Emmy nominations for his work on “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and received a third for his role as an educator struggling with alcoholism in a 1969 Hallmark Hall of Fame drama titled “Teacher, Teacher.”
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In 1975, he took on the title role in the short-lived science fiction series “The Invisible Man.” From 1979 to 1982, he played Steel in the British science fiction series “Sapphire and Steel.” Throughout his career, McCallum made guest appearances on numerous TV shows, including “Murder, She Wrote” and “Sex and the City.”
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He also ventured onto Broadway in 1968, appearing in a comedy titled “The Flip Side.” In 1999, he participated in a revival of “Amadeus,” sharing the stage with actors Michael Sheen and David Suchet. Additionally, McCallum was involved in various off-Broadway productions.
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While McCallum spent much of his career in the U.S. from the 1960s onward, he remained a devoted American citizen. In 2003, he told The Associated Press, “I have always loved the freedom of this country and everything it stands for. And I live here, and I like to vote here.”
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Born in Glasgow in 1933 to musician parents, his father played the violin while his mother played the cello. When he was just three years old, his family relocated to London, where David Sr. showcased his musical talents as a member of both the London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic orchestras.
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Young David initially trained as an oboist at the Royal Academy of Music but shifted to theater after realizing he wasn’t proficient enough. He briefly studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art but encountered difficulties securing roles due to his physical appearance. Reflecting on this period in a 2009 interview, he remarked, “I was a small, emaciated blond with a caved chest, so there weren’t an awful lot of parts for me.”
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After serving in the military, McCallum returned to London and began to find work in live television and films. In 1957, he appeared alongside actress Jill Ireland in “Robbery Under Arms,” an adventure set in early Australia. The two married that same year.
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In 1963, McCallum was featured in the star-studded cast of “The Great Escape,” forming a friendship with fellow actor Charles Bronson, who also appeared in the film. Ireland eventually fell in love with Bronson, leading to her divorce from McCallum in 1967. She went on to marry Bronson in 1968.
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McCallum, however, found enduring happiness with Katherine Carpenter, a former model whom he married, marking a joyous 42 years of marriage.
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He was a father to three sons, Paul, Jason, and Valentine, from his first marriage. Additionally, he had a son and a daughter, Peter and Sophie, from his second marriage. Tragically, Jason met an untimely end due to an overdose.
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In a poignant statement, Peter McCallum fondly recalled his father as “a true Renaissance man” who harbored a profound passion for science and culture, channeling his interests into profound knowledge. Peter added, “He personified the traits of a scholar and a gentleman, consistently radiating grace, professionalism, and an unwavering sense of humor.”
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In 2007, while immersed in his work on “NCIS,” McCallum shared his life philosophy, stating, “I’ve always believed that the harder I work, the luckier I get. I have faith in serendipitous occurrences, but I also believe that dedicating oneself to one’s craft is the surest path to success in this journey called life.”
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David Keith McCallum leaves behind a lasting legacy as a versatile and accomplished actor, a dedicated family man, and a cherished figure in the hearts of many.
