At the age of 90, David McCallum passed away on September 25, 2023, from natural causes. Surrounded by relatives, McCallum died away at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Just one week has passed since he turned ninety. Actor McCallum gained notoriety for his portrayal of Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the popular television series “NCIS.” Additionally, he played the lead in “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”, for which he was nominated for an Emmy.
McCallum has left behind his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum. He is also survived by his four kids, Paul McCallum, Valentine McCallum, Peter McCallum, and Sophie McCallum. McCallum lost one of his sons, Jason McCallum, in 1989. The father of five has also left behind his eight grandchildren, Whit McCallum, Julia McCallum, George McCallum, Luca de Sanctis, Alessandro de Sanctis, Stella McCallum, Iain de Sanctis, and Gavin McCallum.
Several of McCallum’s friends and co-stars have sent their condolences to the actor’s family as they mourn their loving and kind husband, father, and grandfather. McCallum’s longtime “NCIS” star, Mark Harmon, sent his tribute.
Harmon’s Tribute to McCallum
In a statement, Harmon praised McCallum for leading a long, rich, and wonderful life. The actor stated that he was amazed by McCallum when he first met him and that he and his co-stars were happy to have left their mark next to him. Harmon stated, “My condolences go out to Katherine and his family.”
McCallum was born in Glasgow, UK, while Harmon was born in Pennsylvania, USA. After meeting in 2003, Harmon—a former Marine—and McCallum—a gregarious, outgoing, and perceptive individual—became close friends.
The “NCIS” team has also shared their tribute on X, noting that McCallum’s “legacy will forever live on” via his family and the characters he played on-screen.”
When Harmon met McCallum, the actor told his more experienced counterpart he couldn’t believe he was shaking McCallum’s hand. The two met during the shooting of the 2003 “JAG” episode “Ice Queen,” which acted as the back-door pilot for “NCIS.”
The pair’s friendship in real life extended on-screen in “NCIS,” where they solved countless cases together and supported each other during tragic occasions such as kidnappings, plagues, and deaths of colleagues.
Now, following the passing of his friend, Harmon has shared his condolences to McCallum’s family and friends in mourning. Other friends and colleagues of McCallum have also shared their tributes after the actor’s death.
Other Tributes from McCallum’s Friends and Co-Stars
Brian Kelly Dietzen, who played Dr. Jimmy Palmer on “NCIS,” has described McCallum in his tribute as a wonderful father and husband. Dietzen, who shared his tribute on Instagram, called McCallum a “screen legend,” “dear friend,” and “mentor.” McCallum’s co-star Wilmer Eduardo Valderrama, who played Special Agent Nick Torres on “NCIS,” has also celebrated his friend upon his passing. Valderrama said on Instagram that it was an immense honor for him to share a screen with a professional like McCallum.
Actress Emily Wickersham, who was Special Agent Eleanor Bishop on “NCIS,” also honored McCallum on her Instagram story by saying the actor was a “professional and true legend” who will be missed.
Lauren Holly, who starred as Special Agent and Director Jenny Shepherd on “NCIS,” said in her tribute on X that McCallum was “the kindest man.” Jon Cryer, the captain of the Navy on “NCIS” Dr. Cyril Taft, also noted in his tribute on X that McCallum was a “witty, joyful, and wonderful” actor.
The cast of “NCIS” has also paid respect to McCallum on X, stating that his family and the fictional characters he portrayed will ensure that his “legacy will forever live on.” McCallum was praised by Michael Weatherly, who portrayed Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo on “NCIS,” as a “fantastic” and “authentic man.”
Executive producers David North and Steven D. Binder of “NCIS” also paid respect to McCallum, referring to him as a “scholar and a gentleman.” Despite McCallum’s passing, his legacy lives on in all of the tributes that have been posted to date. The actor’s co-stars, friends, and family will all sincerely miss him.