NCIS star David McCallum has died aged 90

Michael Weatherly led tributes to co-star David McCallum, who broke hearts in the 1960s in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., and had a career renaissance as ‘Ducky’ in the hit series NCIS.

British actor David McCallum, star of the hit series NCIS, has died at the age of 90.

McCallum, who broke hearts in the 1960s spy series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. before a late-career renaissance in the procedural crime drama as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, died of natural causes.

David McCallum in the 1960, when he broke hearts in the spy thriller, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Picture: Supplied

McCallum had a career renaissance as “Ducky” in the hit crime drama, NCIS. Picture: AFP

NCIS co-star Michael Weatherly led tributes to the Scottish-born actor, he made every moment count “in life and on set”.

“Let’s raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man. I’ve only got 3 autographs. Connery, Tony Bennett and McCallum. I felt the same way as Steve McQueen in this picture from The Great Escape: Wow!” he said in a social media post.

“It’s David McCallum! No one did it better. We were lucky to have him bring us Ducky. Let’s send all the love in the world to his beautiful family.”

David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Let’s raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man. I’ve only got 3 autographs. Connery, Tony Bennett and McCallum. I felt the same way as Steve McQueen in this picture from The Great Escape: Wow! It’s David… pic.twitter.com/ve6hFvFkQD

— Michael Weatherly (@M_Weatherly) September 25, 2023

Son Peter McCallum said his father was surrounded by family at a New York hospital when he passed on Monday, local time.

“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, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations,” he said in a statement.

The success of NCIS led to spin-offs in cities around the world. Picture: Supplied

McCallum died of natural caused surrounded by family. Picture: Supplied

“He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS.”

After training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, McCallum appeared alongside an all-star cast in the epic 1963 war flick “The Great Escape,” with luminaries who included Steve McQueen, James Garner, Charles Bronson and Donald Pleasence.

But it was his casting the following year as enigmatic Russian agent Illya Kuryakin in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” opposite Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo that cemented his fame.

With a luxuriant mop of blond hair and turtleneck sweaters, McCallum was a Beatles-era heart-throb who, the New York Times reported, was mobbed by students in Louisiana in 1965.

The show lasted only four years, but the character followed McCallum for life. “It’s been 30 years, but I can’t escape him,” he told The New York Times in 1998. “Illya Kuryakin is there 24 hours a day.”

With AFP

Originally published as NCIS star David McCallum has died aged 90