At the age of 90, renowned actor David McCallum passed away. He was most recognized for his work on the CBS procedural “NCIS,” where he played Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. According to CBS, the actor passed away at New York Presbyterian Hospital while being attended by family and the cause of death was listed as natural causes.
McCallum’s son, Peter McCallum, expressed sincere emotions about his father in a statement on behalf of the family, characterizing him as a caring and devoted father who always prioritized family. He emphasized his father’s special relationship with his grandchildren, especially Whit, his youngest, with whom he had in-depth philosophical discussions.
Additionally, the statement depicted McCallum as a genuine Renaissance guy who had a strong interest in both science and culture. His wide range of interests and activities, from leading symphonic orchestras to mastering autopsy techniques for his role on “NCIS,” revealed his lifelong commitment to learning new things.
Steven D. Binder and David North, executive producers of NCIS, recalled their interactions with McCallum as a scholar and a gentleman. They stressed his renown in the entertainment business, professionalism, and sense of humor. Co-stars and colleagues who worked with McCallum treated him as family and mourn his departure.
By honoring McCallum’s career as a talented author and actor, CBS recognized his widespread appeal. They emphasized his contributions to television and film to ensure that his influence will be felt for years to come. McCallum was remembered for his friendliness, sense of humor, and interesting tales from his full life.
An “In Memoriam” card will be included in the upcoming CBS “NCIS” 20th anniversary marathon in memory of David McCallum.
His acting career began in the UK, where David McCallum attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and participated in repertory theater. In 1961, after immigrating to America, he had his big break when he was cast as Illya Kuryakin in “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” He received two Emmy nominations for his performance as well as a Golden Globe nomination.
McCallum talked about moving to the United States and having lunch with actor Charlie Bronson, which led to a chance meeting and the actor’s well-known performance in “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” McCallum was in awe of the grandeur of MGM Studios and the chance that had presented itself despite his early unemployment and financial difficulties.
In the television series “NCIS,” McCallum portrayed Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard, a cherished figure who served as a father figure to the team of detectives. He described how the character’s distinctive appearance—including his hat—came to be established and expressed his happiness at being chosen to serve as the show’s historian when his character retired.
Along with his work in television, McCallum has also acted in a number of movies and TV shows, such as “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” “The Great Escape,” “Mosquito Squadron,” “Billy Budd,” “Freud,” and “A Night to Remember.” He has dabbled in voice acting for the Disney Toon series “The Replacements.”
Off-screen, McCallum showcased his musical abilities by releasing three albums of original compositions and instrumental adaptations. Additionally, he dabbled in writing and released the book “Once a Crooked Man” in 2016.
There are no immediate plans for a memorial ceremony, but one will be arranged in the future as a celebration of life. The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation accepts contributions.
His eight grandchildren are Julia McCallum, Luca de Sanctis, Iain de Sanctis, Stella McCallum, Gavin McCallum, George McCallum, Alessandro de Sanctis, and Whit McCallum. David McCallum is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum, his sons Paul, Valentine, and Peter McCallum, his daughter Sophie McCallum, and their eight grandchildren.
