According to Deadline, Emmy-nominated David McCallum (The Man from U.N.C.L.E., NCIS) passed away at age ninety. It is reported that he passed from natural causes, and his death was peaceful. He passed away at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York City where he was surrounded by his loved ones.
McCallum gained a great deal of recognition for his acting roles, including two Emmy Awards nominations for The Man from U.N.C.L.E. As Deadline notes, in addition to acting, McCallum orchestrated musical records and was a writer. In 2016, he published a novel titled Once a Crooked Man: A Novel.
According to Deadline, upon news of his passing, many individuals paid tribute to McCallum.
The executive producers of NCIS Steven D. Binder (Eating L.A., Totally Baked) and David J. North (Scorpion, Rizzoli & Isles) shared a few words about McCallum who played Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard on NCIS.
They stated, “For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard. But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From Day 1, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.”
CBS Studios, which produced NCIS, stated, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. 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.”
The studio continued, “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.”
Fellow actor Michael Weatherly (Bull, Dark Angel), who played Anthony DiNozzo on NCIS, made a post on X/Twitter with his condolences. He wrote, “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 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. Rest In Peace David.” His post can be viewed below.
Weatherly reiterated the family’s wishes, stating in another post on X/Twitter, “In lieu of flowers, McCallum’s family asks that donations be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation at https://t.co/vP4dKeahtC.” His post can be viewed below.
Deadline notes that McCallum’s son Peter McCallum also made a statement. He explained on behalf of the McCallum family, “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 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.”
Peter McCallum continued, “After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep. 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.”