David McCallum, 'NCIS' actor, dead at 90
Actor known for roles in 'The Man From U.N.C.L.E.' and 'The Greatest Story Ever Told'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}David McCallum, who portrayed medical examiner "Ducky" on "NCIS," died on Monday. He was 90.
McCallum's representative confirmed his death to Fox News Digital. He died of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
"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," CBS said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
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"NCIS" star David McCallum died Monday in New York. He was 90. (CBS Photos)
McCallum was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sept. 19, 1933, and studied at the Royal Academy of Music. He switched gears into acting after receiving a positive response from performing Shakespeare's "King John" at a local theater group.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He moved to the states in the '60s 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."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}McCallum starred in more than 400 episodes of the hit CBS show "NCIS." (CBS Photo Archive)
Mark Harmon worked alongside David McCallum for years on "NCIS." (CBS Photo Archives)
His character was known for being somewhat eccentric but also for being a highly skilled investigator and close confidante to Mark Harmon's Jethro Gibbs.
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"For over twenty years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky' Mallard," said "NCIS" executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North in a statement.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. 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."
A previously announced 20th anniversary "NCIS" marathon will now include an "In memoriam" card in remembrance of McCallum, according to the network.
McCallum portrayed Chief Medical Examiner Donald "Ducky" Mallard on "NCIS" for 20 years. (CBS Photo Archives)
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.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}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.'"
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In lieu of flowers, David's family asks that donations be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.