Beloved Actor David McCallum Passes Away at 90: Remembering His Roles in NCIS and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

 

Beloved Actor David McCallum Passes Away at 90: Remembering His Roles in NCIS and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

David McCallum, the iconic British actor who gained fame for his portrayal of a secret agent in the 1960s spy drama "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," has passed away at the age of 90.

More recently, McCallum was celebrated for his enduring role as a medical examiner on the immensely popular CBS series, "NCIS."

In a heartfelt statement, the official "NCIS" social media account conveyed their condolences, saying, "We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto."

McCallum, originally hailing from Scotland, also left his mark in television with appearances in shows like "Colditz" and "Sapphire & Steel."

In a tribute to the late actor, the "NCIS" team expressed, "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's portrayal of the enigmatic Russian agent Illya Kuryakin in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." garnered him immense popularity and made him one of the most prominent TV stars of the era. The series concluded in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

Four years later, he assumed the role of an RAF officer in the BBC series "Colditz," set in a World War Two prisoner of war camp.

Towards the end of the 1970s, he teamed up with Joanna Lumley in "Sapphire & Steel," portraying time-traveling agents tasked with safeguarding the fabric of time itself.

McCallum's talents extended to the big screen, with notable appearances in films such as "The Great Escape," "The Greatest Story Ever Told," and "A Night to Remember."

He also made memorable guest appearances on TV series like "Perry Mason" and "The Outer Limits."

Born in Glasgow to parents who were classical musicians, McCallum initially pursued a career in music before venturing into acting.

In a statement released by CBS, his son Peter McCallum shared, "He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. 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."

McCallum's "NCIS" co-star Michael Weatherly paid tribute by sharing a signed photo of McCallum alongside Steve McQueen in "The Great Escape," writing, "David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Let's raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man...No one did it better."

Wilmer Valderrama, another "NCIS" actor, expressed his immense honor at sharing the screen with McCallum, noting the actor's professionalism and ability to captivate audiences.

Emily Wickersham, on her Instagram story, recalled her experience of working with David McCallum over the years and praised him as the utmost professional and a true legend.

McCallum's journey in "NCIS" began with a role in the show "JAG," which eventually led to the creation of the "NCIS" spin-off. "NCIS" went on to spawn several successful spin-off series, including "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "NCIS: New Orleans."

Additionally, McCallum lent his voice to children's cartoons and video games, expanding his impact across different entertainment mediums.