Emmy-nominated David McCallum, best known for his roles as Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard in “NCIS” and as agent Illya Kuryakin in the original “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” series, has died. He was 90.
The actor reportedly passed away peacefully this morning from natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by family. A previously announced 20th anniversary NCIS marathon will now include an ‘In Memoriam’ card in remembrance of him.
The Glasgow-born McCallum was the last remaining original cast member on CBS’ “NCIS” portraying the eccentric but efficient Chief Medical Examiner Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard.
He served as a regular for the first fifteen seasons and recurring for the past five, his final on-screen appearance being in the fourth episode of the twentieth season in October last year.
In the early 1960s, McCallum was cast in the role of Illya Kuryakin in the TV series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and ended up with a co-starring role alongside Robert Vaughn. Another famed role was in the cult British supernatural sci-fi series “Sapphire and Steel” where he co-starred with Joanna Lumley.
He also appeared in numerous movies including memorable turns in “The Great Escape,” “A Night to Remember,” “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” “Mosquito Squadron” and “Billy Budd”.
Notable TV work included “Colditz,” “The Invisible Man,” “The Education of Max Bickford,” “Kidnapped,” “The Outer Limits” an “Sex and the City” along with the telemovie “Teacher, Teacher”.
He also narrated nealy three dozen books, lent his voice to characters on several animated series including hit “Ben 10”. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum, along with three sons and a daughter.
Source: Deadline
