David McCallum was a Scottish actor and musician. He was best known for his portrayal of secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the television series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." His illustrious career also featured memorable television roles like Carter in "Colditz" (1972–1974) and Steel in "Sapphire & Steel" (1979–1982). However, it was his role as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, the medical examiner in the American television series "NCIS" starting in 2003, that brought him renewed international fame in the 21st century. Beyond television, McCallum made notable appearances in films, including "The Great Escape" (1963). Sadly, he died of natural causes at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City on 25 September 2023, six days after his 90th birthday.
David McCallum Family
David McCallum, whose full name was David Keith McCallum Jr., was born on September 19, 1933, in Maryhill, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. He held Scottish-American dual nationality and identified with Scottish-White ethnicity. For the last time, David celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023. About his family details, David was the second of two sons born to his parents, with his father, David McCallum Sr., serving as the first violinist for the London Philharmonic, and his mother, Dorothy, being a cellist. Initially residing in London due to his father's role as concertmaster in the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the family later moved back to Scotland during the early years of World War II, where David lived with his mother near Loch Lomond in Gartocharn.
McCallum received his education at University College School before leaving school at 18 for National Service, where he joined the British Army's 3rd Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, eventually achieving the rank of lieutenant in March 1954. Following his military service, he pursued acting studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
David McCallum Acting Career
- In 1951, David McCallum began his career as the assistant stage manager of the Glyndebourne Opera Company, but his journey into acting began earlier with BBC Radio in 1947 and small roles in British films in the late 1950s.
- He caught the eye of the Rank Organisation in 1956 with a James Dean-themed photograph.
- Early film roles included parts in "Robbery Under Arms," "A Night to Remember," and "Violent Playground."
- His American film debut came in "Freud: The Secret Passion," followed by "Billy Budd" and a standout role as Lt. Cmdr. Eric Ashley-Pitt in "The Great Escape."
- McCallum's iconic role as the enigmatic Russian agent Illya Kuryakin in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." catapulted him to fame, making him a pop culture phenomenon during the height of the Cold War.
- Despite his success, McCallum continued to excel in various TV and film projects, earning two Emmy nominations during the show's run.
- McCallum and Vaughn reprised their roles of Kuryakin and Solo in a 1983 TV film, Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E..
- After his role as Illya Kuryakin, McCallum became a familiar face on British TV in shows like "Colditz," "Kidnapped," and "Sapphire & Steel."
- He played the titular character in a U.S. "Invisible Man" series in 1975, performed on the Australian stage, and took on supporting film roles, including the lead in "Sol Madrid" (1968).
- He starred alongside Diana Rigg in "Mother Love" (1989), made '90s guest appearances in U.S. TV series, and narrated documentaries like "Titanic: The Complete Story."
- In 1994, he hosted "Ancient Prophecies," delving into historical connections to apocalyptic prophecies.
- In 2003, McCallum gained fame as Dr. Ducky Mallard in CBS's "NCIS", where he became a forensic expert, attending conventions and considering a technical advisory role. He even lectured on forensics in 2005.
- He extended his contract past his eightieth birthday, becoming the last original cast member when Mark Harmon left in Season 19 (2021).
- Besides his acting career, he also ventured his career in music and writing. In the 1960s, he released four instrumental albums on Capitol Records, including "Music...A Part of Me" and "Music...A Bit More of Me."
- His composition "The Edge" gained fame when sampled by Dr. Dre. McCallum, a classically trained musician, who played various instruments and sang his own compositions. He also recorded H. P. Lovecraft tales in the 1970s.
- In 2016, he published a crime novel entitled "Once a Crooked Man". He stated that a second novel was in progress.
David McCallum Death
David McCallum, renowned for his iconic role in the CBS procedural series "NCIS," has passed away from natural causes at the age of 90. His death occurred on September 25, 2023, at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, just six days after celebrating his 90th birthday. "He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father," his son Peter McCallum wrote in a statement from the family, provided by CBS. "He always put family before self."
"David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world," the network’s statement read. "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."
David McCallum Wife
David McCallum was a married man. His second and last marriage was to Katherine Carpenter on 16 September 1967. Together, they had a son named Peter and a daughter named Sophie, and their family life was reportedly happy until David's passing.
Prior to this marriage, David had tied the knot with his first wife, actress Jill Ireland, on May 11, 1957, in London, United Kingdom. Their initial meeting took place during the filming of the movie Hell Drivers. The couple had three sons together: Paul, Jason, and Valentine (Val). Tragically, Jason, who was adopted, passed away from an accidental drug overdose in 1989. David and Jill's marriage lasted for a decade, and he also had six grandchildren from his children.
David McCallum Net Worth
David McCallum was a highly successful actor with an estimated net worth of $15 million at the time of his passing. He was widely recognized for his iconic roles as secret agent Illya Kuryakin in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." (1964–1968) and as medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in "NCIS" (2003–2023). McCallum's primary source of income was the entertainment industry, including television and film, but he also earned a substantial amount from his music and book endeavors. His annual salary exceeded $1 million and he enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle throughout his career.
David McCallum Eyes
David McCallum was a handsome actor of his era, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 80 kilograms. He had blonde/gray hair, complemented by a pair of blue eyes that added to his charismatic presence. His average body type was accentuated by his stylish glasses, which suited him well. McCallum's attractive personality in movies and TV series garnered him a large and dedicated following.
