David McCallum is a Scottish actor and musician who has had a long and successful career in both television and film.
He was born on September 19, 1933, in Glasgow, Scotland.
McCallum began his acting career in the 1950s and has since appeared in numerous TV shows, movies and stage productions.
One of McCallum’s most famous roles was as Illya Kuryakin in the 1960s TV series The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
He also played the role of Dr. Donald Ducky Mallard in the long-running TV series, NCIS, from 2003 to 2021.
In addition to his acting career, McCallum is also a talented musician and has released several albums over the years.
McCallum has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry with several awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy nomination for his role in NCIS.
He continues to act and perform music, and his work has left a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
David McCallum early life
McCallum grew up in a family of musicians, with his father being the first violinist for the London Philharmonic Orchestra and his mother being a cellist.
He himself showed an early interest in music and began playing the oboe at a young age.
During World War II, McCallum and his family moved to London, where he attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
After completing his studies, he began his acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in various stage productions and television shows.
Who is David McCallum’s wife?
McCallum was married to Katherine Carpenter, a former actress and model, for more than 50 years.
They have two children together, a son named Peter and a daughter named Sophie.
Carpenter reportedly works with her husband on philanthropic projects, including helping with the United States Marine Corps.
Her father was a Marine who served in the Battle of Iwo Jima, and her brother was killed in the Vietnam War.
McCallum and Carpenter met in 1965 during a New York photo shoot for Man from U.N.C.L.E, which McCallum and co-star Robert Vaughn were part of.
Carpenter was just 21 years old at the time, while McCallum was 11 years older than her; they became acquainted soon after getting to know each other during the photoshoot.
David McCallum career
McCallum’s breakthrough role came in 1964 when he was cast as the Russian spy Illya Kuryakin in the hit television series, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
The show was a huge success and made McCallum a household name; he played the role for four seasons and received two Emmy nominations for his performance.
After The Man from U.N.C.L.E. ended in 1968, McCallum continued to work in television, film, and theater.
He appeared in a number of popular TV shows, including Colditz, Sapphire & Steel and NCIS, where he played the role of Dr. Donald Ducky Mallard for 18 seasons.
In addition to his acting career, McCallum is also a talented musician.
He began playing the oboe as a child and later learned to play the guitar, piano, and drums. He has released several albums over the years, including Music: A Part of Me and McCallum.
Throughout his career, McCallum has received numerous awards and honors for his work in the entertainment industry.
In 2016, he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama.
Until his death, McCallum worked in the entertainment industry and is considered one of the most respected and talented actors of his generation.
His career has spanned over six decades, and he has left an indelible mark on the world of television, film and music.
David McCallum’s death
McCallum died on September 25, 2023, at the age of 90.
He died of natural causes while surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
The news of McCallum’s death has been met with sadness and condolences from fans and colleagues alike.
Many took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to the actor.
Fans shared their favorite memories of McCallum’s performances and expressed their gratitude for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Several of McCallum’s co-stars and colleagues also shared their condolences and memories of working with him.
NCIS showrunner Steven D. Binder described McCallum as “a true legend and a consummate professional”.
Mark Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, said in a statement that McCallum was “a dear friend and a wonderful actor”.