Actor David McCallum, who played medical examiner “Ducky” on “NCIS,” died at 90 years old of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital, according to his representative. In a statement, CBS said, “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.”
McCallum was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 19, 1933, and studied at the Royal Academy of Music. After receiving a positive response from performing Shakespeare’s “King John” at a local theater group, he switched gears to acting. In the 1960s, he moved to the United States and was cast for a bit part in the TV series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”
His chemistry with Robert Vaughn turned the role into a co-starring show, where he earned two Emmy Award nominations and Golden Globe nods. McCallum’s success continued into film roles, including the Biblical drama “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” “The Great Escape,” “Mosquito Squadron,” “Freud,” and “A Night to Remember.” McCallum portrayed Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the police procedural drama “NCIS.”
His character was known for being somewhat eccentric and a highly skilled investigator and close confidante to Mark Harmon’s Jethro Gibbs. In a statement, “NCIS” executive producers David North and Steven D. Binder said, “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.”
The statement continued, “He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional and never one to pass up a joke. From day one, 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.” According to the network, a previously announced 20th anniversary “NCIS” marathon will now include an “In memoriam” card to remember McCallum.
David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum; his sons, Paul McCallum, Valentine McCallum and Peter McCallum; his daughter, Sophie McCallum, and his eight grandchildren.
His son, Paul, spoke on behalf of the family and said, “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 added, “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.'”
Instead of flowers, David’s family asks that donations be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.