David McCallum, the actor who gained fame as a teen heartthrob in the 1960s series "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." and later as a quirky medical examiner in "NCIS," has passed away at the age of 90. McCallum died of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital, as confirmed by CBS.
Born in Scotland, McCallum initially appeared in notable films like "A Night to Remember," "The Great Escape," and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." However, it was his role as Illya Kuryakin in "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." that catapulted him to stardom in the mid-'60s. The show, which began in 1964, starred McCallum alongside Robert Vaughn as secret agents working for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.). McCallum's character, Illya, initially had a smaller role but became a full partner alongside Vaughn's character, and both actors gained immense popularity, particularly among teenage girls.
Following "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," McCallum returned to television in 2003 with another series featuring an agency represented by initials: CBS' "NCIS." In "NCIS," he portrayed Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, a bookish pathologist for the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. McCallum took the role seriously, spending time in the Los Angeles coroner's office to understand the intricacies of autopsies.
"NCIS" became a hit series, gradually building its audience to become one of the top 10 shows. McCallum's portrayal of Ducky earned him recognition and accolades.
McCallum's career spanned beyond television, with appearances on Broadway, in off-Broadway productions, and in various TV shows, including "Murder, She Wrote" and "Sex and the City." He also appeared in films and gained acclaim for his work.
David McCallum was not only known for his acting but also for his love of the United States, where he became a citizen. He appreciated the freedom and values the country stood for and was actively engaged in civic life.
Born in Glasgow in 1933, McCallum came from a family of musicians. Initially trained in the oboe at the Royal Academy of Music, he eventually pursued a career in theater and television after a brief period of military service. His first marriage to actress Jill Ireland ended in divorce, and he later married Katherine Carpenter, with whom he enjoyed a long and happy marriage. He had children from both marriages.
McCallum was remembered not only for his diverse acting career but also for his multifaceted interests, which included science and culture. His son, Peter McCallum, described him as a "true Renaissance man" who turned his passions into knowledge. In addition to his work on screen, David McCallum conducted a symphony orchestra and conducted autopsies, drawing on his extensive studies for his role on "NCIS."