I have always been a fan of David McCallum, the legendary actor who played Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the hit show NCIS.
He was one of the reasons why I started watching the show, and I loved his witty and wise character.
He was also a talented director, writer, and musician, and he had a long and successful career in Hollywood.
That’s why I was devastated when I heard the news that he had passed away at the age of 90.
What has happened to David McCallum? How did he die? And how did his co-stars and fans react to his death?
In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about what has happened to David McCallum.
David McCallum’s Cause of Death
According to a statement from his family, David McCallum died of natural causes surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
He had been suffering from some health issues in the past few years, and he had decided to retire from acting after the 20th season of NCIS.
He had filmed his last episode in July 2023, and it was aired in September 2023 as a tribute to him.
His son, Peter McCallum, wrote a touching statement about his father, saying, “He was the kindest, coolest, most patient, and loving father.
He always put family before self.
David McCallum looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren and had a unique bond with each of them.
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.”
David McCallum’s Career and Legacy
David McCallum was born in Scotland, and he began his acting career in the UK, appearing in several TV shows and movies, such as A Night to Remember and The Great Escape.
He moved to the US in the 1960s, and he became a star with his role as Illya Kuryakin, a Russian spy, in the popular series The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
He earned two Emmy nominations for his performance, and he also starred in a spin-off movie, The Spy with My Face.
David McCallum continued to work in various genres and mediums, such as The Outer Limits, The Invisible Man, and Sapphire & Steel.
He also ventured into directing, writing, and composing, and he published two novels, Once a Crooked Man and The Goodbye Man.
He also recorded several albums, and he played the oboe, piano, and guitar.
David McCallum joined the cast of NCIS in 2003, playing Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, the chief medical examiner and a friend of the team leader, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
He became a fan favorite, and he appeared in over 400 episodes of the show.
He also directed two episodes of the show, and he wrote a book based on his character, titled NCIS: Ducky’s Diaries.
David McCallum was honored with several awards and recognitions, such as the AFI Life Achievement Award, the Legion of Honor, and the Order of the British Empire. He was also inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum, his three sons, Paul, Valentine, and Peter, his daughter, Sophie, and his eight grandchildren.
David McCallum’s Co-Stars and Fans’ Reactions
David McCallum’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from his co-stars and fans.
The executive producers of NCIS, Steven D. Binder and David North, issued a statement, saying
“For over twenty years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard. 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.”
