David McCallum, the star behind the role of Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on "NCIS" since 2003, has died at 90. He enjoyed every part of his journey in Hollywood. But outside of acting, McCallum was a family man who was married for 56 years to his wife, Katherine Carpenter.
David McCallum on "NCIS" in 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Renowned actor David McCallum was announced dead on Monday. He had a long career in Hollywood, and one of his long-standing roles was on the hit investigative show "NCIS."
His family released a statement, assuring fans that the "NCIS" star died peacefully from natural causes, surrounded by his family at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
David McCallum on "NCIS" in 2022 | Source: Getty Images
His family will remember him as a selfless man dedicated to his brood, and his "NCIS producers" as "a legend" and a man who honored his craft. McCallum had just celebrated his 90th birthday on September 19, 2023.
McCallum might have played medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on "NCIS" since 2003, but the actor built a name for himself in "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." where he played the Soviet spy Illya Kuryakin.
David McCallum on "NCIS" in 2020 | Source: Getty Images
However, the actor did not think his role on the show would gain him fame. McCallum was just grateful that he had a job that helped him pay his bills, especially since it was not the biggest part.
McCallum also opened up about how he adjusted to the world of Hollywood. At first, fame was the one thing he did not like about the acting industry. "I was a little sad in the beginning that I lost my privacy," he confessed. But he was grateful for the life that his job afforded him.
David McCallum in Los Angeles in 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, McCallum said he did not have fans he could not handle. His fans came to him to simply share their appreciation for his work.
David McCallum’s Life Outside of Acting
McCallum has sustained a long career, but alongside the fame, the actor always prioritized his marriage with his wife of over five decades, Katherine Carpenter.
David McCallum and his wife Katherine Carpenter in Monaco in 2009 | Source: Getty Images
The two shared a close relationship and kept their marriage strong by working as a team. "Katherine and I are two halves of a whole. We work well together, and when problems come along, we solve them," the actor gushed.
In 2016, when the couple celebrated their 49th anniversary, McCallum shared a sweet photo of him and Carpenter on the train. For their big 50th anniversary, they celebrated with a special dinner, and the "NCIS" actor commemorated the milestone with another picture.
Although only the top half of their outfits were visible, Carpenter wore what looked like a white dress and cinched it in with a large black belt. She had a statement crystal necklace and let down her short hair. McCallum wore a checkered shirt with a black cardigan over it.
McCallum and his wife, who had just hit 56 years of marriage before he passed on, were also big on spending time with family. One of their children, Peter, shared a photo of the family enjoying the outdoors with their pets and grandchildren.
David McCallum's Last Photo Upload
Besides being a family man, the 90-year-old liked sharing some interesting conversations he had with people. The last photo he shared on his Facebook page was in 2022.
McCallum posted a photo of him and Bryan Stern, the creator of Project Dynamo, an organization raising awareness about what was happening in Ukraine.
Although the actor was promoting his friend's website, fans were shocked at how good he still looked at 90 years old. People said he still "looked very young." "Looking good, Ducky!" remarked one commenter.
Comments about David McCallum | Source: Facebook.com/David McCallum
Comments about David McCallum | Source: Facebook.com/David McCallum
Comments about David McCallum | Source: Facebook.com/David McCallum
Comments about David McCallum | Source: Facebook.com/David McCallum
Comments about David McCallum | Source: Facebook.com/David McCallum
Although the actor was much older, fans did not forget to credit him for his acting talents. He also had fans who always shared positive comments about his photos.
After spending decades on people's screens, McCallum did not regret stepping into Hollywood. If anything, he only had good things to say about his experience as an actor.
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