McCallum Dies at 90 Surrounded by Family: ‘True Renaissance Man’

“NCIS” star David McCallum has died aged 90, surrounded by family.McCallum’s family is mourning their kind, cool, patient, loving husband, father, and grandfather.The actor has left behind his wife of 56 years, Katherine Carpenter.

Actor David McCallum has died aged 90. McCallum passed away on September 25, 2023, at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. He died of natural causes surrounded by family.

McCallum is famously known for playing Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on “NCIS.” He also became a teen heartthrob in the 1960s when he starred in the hit series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” The Scottish-born actor also featured in other great films such as “The Greatest Story Ever Told” and “A Night to Remember.”

CBS announced McCallum’s death in a statement and described him as “a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world.” The statement further said that the actor “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.”

McCallum was a dad to five kids: Paul, Jason, Valentine, Peter, and Sophie. In a statement on behalf of the family, Peter said their father was “the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father.” He also described McCallum as a “true renaissance man” who was rivetted by science and culture and turned these into his passions.

McCallum went on to date Carpenter, with whom he exchanged vows at New York’s Lutheran Church on September 16, 1967.

Peter added that McCallum always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and that he had a special bond with each of them. The actor’s son also revealed that when they got back from the hospital, he asked his mom, Katherine Carpenter, 79, if she was okay.

Carpenter answered that she was fine but that she wished she could grow old with McCallum as much as they were both in their older years. Peter noted that he was stunned by the honesty in his mother’s response. He said his mom’s emotions showed how beautiful and vibrant their relationship was and that “somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old.”

Carpenter and McCallum were married for 56 years. The two met in 1965 during a photo shoot for the TV series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” At this time, McCallum was still married to his first wife, Jill Ireland.

Jill Ireland and David McCallum smiling after their wedding at a registry office in London on May 13, 1957 | Source: Getty Images

McCallum’s Love and Loss in Life
McCallum and Ireland, who tied the knot in 1957, adopted three children during their marriage: Paul, Jason, and Valentine. Ireland ended up divorcing McCallum in 1967 after he found out she had an affair with his co-star on “The Great Escape,” Charles Bronson. Ireland passed away in 1990.

Katherine Carpenter and David McCallum at their wedding in New York City on September 16, 1967 | Source: Getty Images

David McCallum at the Monte Carlo Television Festival in Monte Carlo, Monaco on June 10, 2009 | Source: Getty Images

McCallum went on to date Carpenter, with whom he exchanged vows at New York’s Lutheran Church on September 16, 1967. The two share a son, Peter, and daughter, Sophie. McCallum is survived by four children, as his adopted son Jason died in 1989 from an accidental drug overdose.

Jill Ireland and Jason McCallum attend a cocktail party in Beverly Hills, California, in 1979 | Source: Getty Images

The actor never came to terms with the loss of Jason. He described the pain as real and the death of his son as an ache that easily turns to anger. McCallum has a great relationship with his two other adopted sons, as well as his biological ones.

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As of 2016, the actor was a grandfather of eight grandkids .McCallum said his grandkids don’t call him grandpa because it makes him feel old. Instead, they call him granddaddy or sometimes “grand-ducky.”

Katherine Carpenter and David McCallum at The Paley Center for Media in New York City on May 3, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

David McCallum and Katherine Carpenter at the Monte Carlo Television Festival in Monte Carlo, Monaco on June 10, 2009 | Source: Getty Images

McCallum was happy with the loving home life he created for himself and his family. He was grateful for his long career in Hollywood. “I have no regrets. I’ve had a magnificent life all the way,” he had said.

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