Beloved 'NCIS' Star Dies

David McCallum

NCIS fan favorite David McCallum died this morning at New York Presbyterian Hospital of natural causes. He was 90, having celebrated his birthday last week.

McCallum, who was the last remaining original cast member of NCIS, has played Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard since the show’s first airing on Sept. 23, 2003.

“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” said NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North. “But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke. From day one, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.”

McCallum’s passing comes on CBS’ official “NCIS Day,” which will feature a mini-marathon tonight beginning at 8 p.m. It will now include an “In memoriam” card in tribute to its lost cast member.

Related: CBS Declares 'NCIS Day' in Honor of the Series' 20 Years on Air

The official NCISverse Twitter site also expressed its loss, writing: "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.”

Born in Glasglow, Scotland on Sept. 19, 1933, McCallum studied at the Royal Academy of Music prior to switching to acting. He then did a stint at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and launched his acting career in the U.K. in 1946.

But America’s introduction to the Scottish actor was in the role of Russian spy Illya Kuryakin in the TV series The Man from U.N.C.L.E., which earned him two Emmy nominations. He also appeared in The Education of Max Bickford, Sapphire and Steel, Colditz, Motherlove, Kidnapped, and episodes of The Outer Limits, Law & Order and Sex and the City.

His film credits include The Greatest Story Ever Told, The Great Escape, Mosquito Squadron, Billy Budd, Freud and A Night to Remember.

McCallum received a third Emmy nomination for the TV movie Teacher, Teacher.

Related: Can You Imagine Harrison Ford or Jennifer Aniston as the Stars of NCIS?

In 2015 McCallum’s mystery novel Once a Crooked Man was published.

Callum, who was previously married to Jill Ireland, is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum, his sons Paul, Valentine and Peter, his daughter Sophie, and eight grandchildren.

“He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father,” Peter McCallum said in a statement on behalf of the family. “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.”

In lieu of flowers, McCallum’s family asks that donations be made to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation at https://www.mcsf.org.

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