David McCallum, star of NCIS, passes away at 90: A legacy remembered

David McCallum, the celebrated Scottish actor known for his iconic roles in television series like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and NCIS, on Monday passed away at the age of 90. His family issued a statement confirming the news that he died of natural causes. 

David's son Peter paid a rich tribute, describing him as the "kindest, coolest, most patient, and loving father." In the statement, he issued on behalf of the family, he noted, "He (David McCallum) 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."

David McCallum rich artistic legacy

Peter also briefly discussed his father's career spanned over six decades, and his contributions to the world of arts. “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," he added. 

Besides achieving significant success in films and television, David McCallum was also an accomplished stage actor. In the early 1960s, McCallum made his transition to television and he caught his first major break by essaying the role of Illya Kuryakin, a secret agent in the hit TV series The Man from U.N.C.L.E. And the rest, as they say, is history. 

His portrayal of Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, the quirky and wise medical examiner in NCIS further elevated his stardom. He was also known for his roles in movies like The Great Escape, Billy Budd, Freud: The Secret Passion, Mosquito Squadron and The Watcher in the Woods to name a few. 

“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," Peter noted in his statement.