David McCallum, a renowned actor celebrated for his role in the CBS series “NCIS,” has passed away at the age of 90, according to a statement from the network. His son, Peter McCallum, described him as a loving father who prioritized family above all else. The actor’s death was due to natural causes, and he was surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital at the time of his passing.
McCallum’s acting prowess and writing skills were highly regarded, and he was loved by many across the globe, as stated by CBS. His life was filled with remarkable achievements, and his legacy will continue to live on through his family and his extensive body of work in film and television. His warm personality, captivating sense of humor, and fascinating life stories will be greatly missed.
Born in Scotland, McCallum first gained recognition in the United States with his role in the 1960s spy series “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” He played the role of agent Illya Kuryakin alongside Robert Vaughn’s character, the suave spy Napoleon Solo. His performance in the series earned him two Emmy nominations.
Following his success in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” McCallum continued to work steadily in the industry. He appeared in films such as “The Great Escape” and “A Night to Remember,” and also starred in a notable episode of the sci-fi anthology series “The Outer Limits,” titled “The Sixth Finger.” In this episode, he portrayed an ordinary man who undergoes accelerated evolutionary advancement.
In 1975, McCallum returned to the small screen with a leading role in the NBC series “The Invisible Man.” Despite the show’s groundbreaking special effects at the time, it only lasted for one season. His final significant role in television was in the CBS crime procedural “NCIS,” where he played the eccentric and skilled chief medical examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard.
McCallum is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum, their three sons Paul, Valentine, and Peter, their daughter Sophie, and eight grandchildren.