The beloved actor David McCallum, who gained renewed international popularity for his iconic role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, has sadly passed away at the age of 90.
According to the BBC, Mr McCallum died of natural causes in New York on Monday. His family also shared a statement by recalling Mr McCallum as a “true renaissance man.” Further stating, “He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self,” his son Peter McCallum said.
“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,” Peter McCallum added.
Additionally, CBS also shared their condolences in a statement, quote:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. 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. We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto, as well as the brilliant stories he often shared from a life well-lived. Our hearts go out to his wife Katherine and his entire family, and all those who knew and loved David.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. 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… pic.twitter.com/1UgOz7pQ8g
— The NCISverse (@ncisverse) September 25, 2023
McCallum was born on September 19, 1933, in Glasgow, and was the second of two sons of orchestral violinist David McCallum Sr. and Dorothy (née Dorman), a cellist. At the age of 13, he began doing boy voices for the BBC radio repertory company. Also involved in local amateur drama, at age 17, he appeared as Oberon in an open-air production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Play and Pageant Union.
McCallum’s remarkable talent and captivating portrayal of the beloved character touched the hearts of millions of viewers worldwide. That’s not it! The Scottish-born actor and musician gained wide recognition in the 1960s for playing secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the television series The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
With his distinctive charm and unwavering dedication to his craft, McCallum left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, earning him a well-deserved place in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike which will certainly not be forgotten.
At last, many NCIS actors with whom the actor shared the screen for the last few years have also expressed their grief with this sudden loss. Wilmer Valderrama who plays Nicholas Torres in NCIS, recently shared a picture of himself with McCallum on the show’s set, quoting, “David, what an immense honor it was to share the screen with you. Your professionalism and ability to effortlessly take every one of us on a journey through your art will be felt forever. I will miss you, my friend.”
On the other hand, Emily Wickersham also added on her Instagram story: “Had the pleasure of working with David for many years and he was the utmost professional and a true legend.”
View this post on Instagram
Diona Reasonover who plays NCIS Forensic Specialist Kasie Hines also shared a post, quote, “Every time I was on set with David, it was a true masterclass. His wit alone was unmatched. I’m immensely grateful to have shared the screen with such a legend. I learned so much. Thank you, David.”
Last but not the least, Brian Dietzen who plays Dr. Jimmy Palmer wrote an emotional heartfelt post on Instagram with a part of the note quoting, “He lived to be 90 years old, was a part of multiple hit tv shows, movies, broadway shows, and wrote a couple novels, all while raising a loving family. Thank you David. Love you my friend. I’ll miss you. Sending all my love to the McCallum family today.”
View this post on Instagram