David McCallum, Known For 'NCIS' And 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.', Passes Away At 90
Image Source: American Profile
David McCallum, star of 1960s spy drama The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and a long-running supporting role on NCIS, died Monday, September 25, in New York City at age 90. His death was due to natural causes. He is survived by his wife, Katherine McCallum, two sons, a daughter, and eight grandchildren.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 19, 1933, David Keith McCallum’s parents were musical people. His father was first violinist for the London Philharmonic. His mother was a cellist. It seemed that McCallum would follow in their footsteps, and for a time he did. At the Royal Academy of Music, he studied for a career, training on the oboe. He would later leave the Royal Academy of Music to enroll at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, having also pursued acting during his teens. His first acting role was on the BBC radio play Whom the Gods Love, Die Young at 13 years old, McCallum soon appeared in repertory theatre performances.
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Before becoming a star in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., McCallum had several roles in the 1950s, making his first television appearance in the BBC mini-series adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s The Rose and the Ring as Prince Giglio. His first regular role was in the miniseries Our Mutual Friend as Eugene Rayburn. In moving to the United States in 1961, he landed roles in films such as Freud and The Great Escape, along with TV shows such as Perry Mason and The Outer Limits.
Image Source: IMDB
Though his role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. was originally a lot smaller, the chemistry he shared with co-star Robert Vaughn saw that role expanded. The fame the series brought him catapulted his career, which would eventually land him the role of Dr. Donald Mallard on NCIS in 2003. During these later years of his career, he put his voice talent to work with various animated shows such as Ben 10, and also videogames such as Diablo III: Reaper of Souls.
McCallum’s son, Peter, has stated that “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.” That, “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 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.”
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