David McCallum, ‘Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ & ‘NCIS’ Star, Dies at 90

“NCIS” star David McCallum, who became famous playing mercurial Russian spy Illya Kuryakin on “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” in the ’60s, died Monday at the age of 90.

McCallum died of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

CBS, home of “NCIS,” announced his passing, tweeting, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. 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. Our hearts go out to his wife Katherine and his entire family, and all those who knew and loved David.”

In a statement, his son Peter told Variety, “He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.

“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,’” his son continued.

“After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was okay before she went to sleep. Her answer was simply, ‘Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together.’ She is 79, and dad just turned 90. The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were, and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old.”

McCallum was born September 19, 1933, in Glasgow, Scotland, where he studied music and acting, earning his Actors’ Equity card in 1946.

Though equally adept on the stage — as in a 1999 production of “Amadeus” on Broadway, or as the star of “Julius Caesar” for Shakespeare in the Park in NYC in 2000 — he was, first and foremost, a television institution.

Cast as Illya on “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” in 1964 opposite Robert Vaughn, his character became a national obsession, reportedly garnering McCallum more fan mail than any star in MGM history. Four seasons and two Emmy nominations later, he began the hard work of moving beyond the indelible role.

“It’s been 30 years,” McCallum told The New York Times in 1998, “but I can’t escape him. Illya Kuryakin is there 24 hours a day.”

He appeared in numerous TV guest spots, including “Perry Mason” (1964) and “The Outer Limits” (1963 & 1964), and was a regular on such shows as the U.K.’s “Colditz” (1972-1974), “The Invisible Man” (1975-1976) and “Trainer” (1991-1992).

In 2003, he was cast as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on “NCIS,” a part he stuck with for 20 years, until his death. His passing will be acknowledged on the show.

“I was in awe when I first met him,” his “NCIS” co-star Mark Harmon said in a statement to TVLine, “and all of us on the show were honored to have toed a mark opposite him.”

Among his film work: “A Night to Remember” (1958), “Freud: The Secret Passion” (1962), “Billy Budd” (1962), “The Great Escape” (1963), “The Greatest Story Ever Told” (1965), and “The Watcher in the Woods” (1980).

He lent his distinctive voice to such animated projects as “Batman: Gotham Knight” (2008), “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” (2009), and a half dozen episodes of “Ben 10: Omniverse” (2013-2014).

McCallum was wed for 10 years to actress Jill Ireland, a union that ended in divorce. She died in 1990.

He was remarried after his divorce to Katherine Carpenter, his wife of over 55 years, who survives him. He is survived by his two children with her and his three children with Ireland, as well as by six grandkids.