Talented actor David McCallum sadly passed away this week on Monday, September 25, leaving fans of the series devastated. He was 90.
McCallum is perhaps most famously known to younger audiences for his long-running role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the smash-hit show NCIS.
Though, many won’t realize that McCallum had been a feature in show business for more than seven decades, and had acted alongside some of the greatest entertainers of all time.
Having been in Scotland in 1933, McCallum moved to the US in 1961 to pursue his dreams of becoming a serious actor.
Early success – The Man From U.N.C.L.E
Soon after relocating to America, McCallum was cast as Illya Kuryakin in the television hit show The Man From U.N.C.L.E, and success came fast. He was nominated for two Emmy Awards for his performance.
The Man From U.N.C.L.E ended up being a huge hit, and McCallum stayed on the show for four years and a total of 105 episodes.
Over the years, the show had many big celebrities appearing as guest stars, including Joan Collins, Kurt Russell, Sonny and Cher, and Joan Crawford. For McCallum, this was always a special bonus. He revealed in 2010 that he was starstruck every time.
Working on NCIS
While McCallum may have been a massive star and a fan favorite throughout the 1960s, but he also managed to garner the support of a younger crowd thanks to his performance on NCIS. In 2003, he appeared on the hit show for the first time as Ducky – and he never left.
“I was working with Jim Dale on Park Avenue back in 2002 when I got a call from my agent asking me if I was interested in auditioning for the role of a lecherous doctor in a new medical drama,” McCallum recalled.
“I thought to myself, ‘Why not?’”
The rest is clearly history.
Statement on David McCallum’s death
McCallum’s death was confirmed to Fox News earlier this week in a statement that revealed he passed away of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
“David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. 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,” the statement read.
McCallum is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Katherine Carpenter, and his five children (from a prior marriage as well as his marriage to Carpenter), as well as eight grandchildren.
We are sending our condolences to David McCallum’s family, friends, and fans at this difficult time.
If you enjoyed learning more about David McCallum’s life and legacy, you may be interested in reading about his and his wife’s sweet love story.
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