British Spy And ‘NCIS’ Actor Dies At 90

Angela George

Actor David McCallum’s breakout role was in the TV spy series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” He acted in 105 episodes of the drama from 1964 through 1968. More recently, he is known for his role as Donald Mallard on the show “NCIS.” He acted in a total of 457 episodes starting in 2003 and worked steadily through this year, 2023.

Douglas Jones for LOOK Magazine

Now comes the sad news that McCallum has died at the age of 90 years old. NCIS shared the sad news on their Facebook page. The post includes a picture of McCallum along with the explanation, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years.”

NCIS went on to praise McCallum for his talent and his warm personality. The post continues, “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. We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto, as well as the brilliant stories he often shared from a life well-lived.”

McCallum was born in 1933 in Glasgow, Scotland. He died on September 25, 2023, in New York City. His cause of death was natural causes.

Photographer:Friedman-Abeles, New York

Upon hearing the news of his death, his NCIS co-star Michael Weatherly shared a tribute to the late actor on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “David McCallum made every moment count, in life and on set. Let’s raise a jug and celebrate a funny fantastic authentic man.” 

Weatherly shared a picture signed by McCallum and explained, “I’ve only got 3 autographs. Connery, Tony Bennett and McCallum. I felt the same way as Steve McQueen in this picture from The Great Escape: Wow! It’s David McCallum!”

McCallum was married twice. He had three children with his first wife, late actress Jill Ireland. The couple divorced in 1967 after 10 years of marriage. He remarried the same year. He had two children with his second wife, Katherine Eaton Carpenter, and they stayed married until his death. He is survived by Carpenter and his children.

Rest in peace.