David McCallum, Renowned Actor from ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘NCIS,’ Passes Away at 90

David McCallum, the iconic actor who gained fame as a teenage sensation in the 1960s TV series “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and later captivated audiences as the peculiar forensic pathologist in the long-running show “NCIS,” has passed away at the age of 90.

CBS announced that McCallum succumbed to natural causes on Monday, in the presence of his family, at the New York Presbyterian Hospital.

“David was an exceptionally talented actor and writer, admired globally. His remarkable life has left an indelible legacy that will continue to be cherished through his family and his extensive body of work in film and television,” CBS stated.

Originally from Scotland, McCallum had already made an impression in films such as “A Night to Remember,” “The Great Escape,” and “The Greatest Story Ever Told” where he portrayed Judas. However, it was his role in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” that turned him into a household name during the 1960s.

The series emerged in the wake of the James Bond phenomenon and even saw input from Bond creator Ian Fleming. Premiering in 1964, the show featured Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo, leading a covert international organization known by the acronym U.N.C.L.E. McCallum portrayed Illya Kuryakin, Solo’s Russian colleague.

Initially a minor role, McCallum noted in a 1998 interview that the term “sidekick” was new to him. However, the show gained traction, particularly among young female viewers enchanted by McCallum’s good looks and complex character. By 1965, Illya was promoted to equal standing with Vaughn’s character. The duo was even overwhelmed by fans during public events.

The series concluded its run in 1968 but saw a revival in a 1983 TV movie, “The Return of the Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” where the agents were summoned from retirement for a new mission.

In 2003, McCallum resurfaced on television in CBS’ “NCIS,” portraying Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a scholarly medical examiner with the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. To prepare for the role, McCallum observed real-life autopsies at the Los Angeles coroner’s office.

Lauren Holly, his co-star, expressed her condolences via X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, “You were the epitome of kindness. Thank you for being you.” The upcoming 20th-anniversary “NCIS” marathon will feature an “in memoriam” tribute to honor McCallum.

Over the years, McCallum received three Emmy nominations, two for his work in “U.N.C.L.E.” and one for a 1969 Hallmark Hall of Fame production, “Teacher, Teacher.”

Born in Glasgow in 1933 to a family of musicians, McCallum moved to London at a young age where he studied oboe at the Royal Academy of Music before shifting his focus to acting. After a stint in the military, he resumed his acting career and eventually moved to the United States where he became a longtime citizen.

McCallum was married twice, first to actress Jill Ireland and then to Katherine Carpenter, a former model. He is survived by three sons from his first marriage—Paul, Jason, and Valentine—and a son and daughter from his second marriage, Peter and Sophie.

Peter McCallum noted in a statement, “My father was a true polymath, deeply interested in science and culture, a man who could conduct an orchestra and even perform an autopsy, thanks to his thorough research for his role in NCIS.”

Reflecting on his career in 2007, McCallum commented, “I’ve always believed that the more effort you put in, the more luck comes your way. I’m a strong believer in serendipity, but I also know that dedication to your craft is the best way to make your mark on the world.”

The principal writer of this obituary was Bob Thomas, a veteran journalist with Big Big News, who passed away in 2014.

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More about David McCallum Obituary

• David McCallum’s IMDb Profile
• The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Series Overview
• CBS’ Official Statement on David McCallum’s Passing
• Emmy Awards: David McCallum Nominations
• NCIS Series Information
• Lauren Holly’s Tribute on X (formerly Twitter)
• Hallmark Hall of Fame: Teacher, Teacher Overview
• Royal Academy of Music Alumni
• Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Alumni
• Big Big News Obituaries Archive