Scottish actor David McCallum, renowned for his portrayal of medical examiner Doctor Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard in the CBS series ‘NCIS’ has passed away.
CBS confirmed the news in an email to NBC News that McCallum peacefully died from natural causes on Monday at the age of 90.
Peter McCallum, the actor’s son, issued a statement on behalf of the family, warmly describing his father’s dedication to fostering strong connections with his family, his acting career, and his pursuit of knowledge.
“He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren,” his statement reads in part.
Peter also recalled how his mother and the actor’s wife, Katherine Carpenter, expressed a desire to have had more time with the actor.
“After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep,” he wrote. “Her answer was simply, ‘Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together.’ She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old.”
McCallum and Carpenter were married for 56 years until his passing.
CBS reflected on the actor’s life and career expressing sadness at the actors passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years,” their statement reads.
“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.”
The NCIS actor was born in 1933 to a renowned violinist and a cellist mother. McCallum studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. His early roles included radio and theatrical performances.
McCallum moved to the United States in 1961, where he secured the role of secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the television spy series ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ He was initially conceived as a minor one, with his character delivering only two lines; however, producers soon expanded his role in the series, and McCallum became a co-star to actor Robert Vaughn. McCallum ultimately received nominations for a Golden Globe and two Emmy Awards for his role in the series.
In the 90s, he made guest appearances in shows like ‘Law & Order’ and ‘Sex and the City’ . He joined the cast of ‘NCIS’ in 2003 The actor also appeared in the 2009 film ‘Wonder Woman’ starring Gal Gadot and portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in the 2015 animated superhero movie “Batman vs. Robin.”
In addition to his wife, David McCallum is survived by his sons, Paul McCallum, Valentine McCallum, and Peter McCallum, and his daughter, Sophie McCallum, as well as eight grandchildren.