David McCallum, a ‘NCIS’ legend, has been a part of the CBS show since its inception. His performance as Russian spy Ilya Kuryakin in “The Man From UNCLE” earned him a leading role in the investigation series.
McCallum passed away peacefully of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital at 90, surrounded by his family on Monday.
In a statement, Peter, his son, expressed the family’s grief. Peter praised his father’s selflessness and emphasized his deep love for his role as a grandfather.
Prior to “NCIS,” McCallum appeared in films such as “Great Escape,” in which he co-starred with Charles Bronson.
The film evoked unpleasant memories because it was the setting for his ex-wife Jill Ireland and Bronson’s love affair.
Despite his wife leaving him for a famous actor, McCallum handled the situation well. He said he never hated Bronson and tried not to dwell on the negative for too long, but it was difficult and painful because he and Ireland had three children.
According to reports, Bronson told McCallum that he would marry her, but McCallum had no recollection of those words. Bronson and Ireland were married until she died in 1990.
The model succumbed to breast cancer at 54. Despite the challenge of becoming a single father to three children, McCallum eventually found happiness.
David McCallum found new love, which helped him overcome yet another setback.
After losing his wife to Bronson in 1963, McCallum fell in love with Katherine Carpenter during a photo shoot for “The Man From UNCLE” in 1965. Carpenter was one of the models, and McCallum was performing alongside Robert Vaughn.
The 21-year-old model and McCallum, 11 years her senior, publicly revealed their relationship shortly after meeting. Despite McCallum’s legal marriage to Ireland, he showcased his new love during the publicity tour for “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” After a few years of dating, they married in 1967, following McCallum’s divorce from Ireland. Married for over 56 years, they had two children, Peter and Sophie.
The death of his 27-year-old son, Jason, from an accidental overdose, was the worst event in McCallum’s life in 1989. He avoided discussing the tragedy for years, but in 2010, he expressed regret for not being there to help him at the time.
Following his divorce from Ireland, McCallum relocated from California, where his children resided, to New York, resulting in less contact with Jason. McCallum acknowledged that Jason became entangled with the wrong crowds and succumbed to the “drug culture,” despite his mother’s efforts to help him. McCallum chose to focus on the cherished memories of his son rather than dwelling on “what if” scenarios.
Jason was expecting a child before his death, and his son Tony is now a living memory and legacy. McCallum thanked his wife for her support during this difficult time.
David McCallum was a grandfather eager to share his acting knowledge.
McCallum, a proud grandfather, passed away at 90. His children pursued various careers. Val, from his marriage with Ireland, is a musician in Los Angeles.
His brother Paul is a photographer in California. Peter, from his marriage with Carpenter, is an advertising executive. Sophie initially worked in real estate but now focuses on raising her children.
McCallum, an eight-grandfather, was eager to share acting tips with his grandchildren. He expressed his desire to continue appearing on ‘NCIS’ for as long as he possibly could.
McCallum preferred not to be called “grandpa” by his grandchildren, opting for “granddaddy.” Playfully, they occasionally teased him by using “grand-ducky,” inspired by his “NCIS” character, Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard, a nickname he didn’t mind.
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