David McCallum, a renowned actor best remembered for his role as Illya Kuryakin in the 1960s television series “The Man from UNCLE,” has passed away at the age of 90. His portrayal of the secret agent Kuryakin positioned him as a sex symbol of that era. With a Beatles-esque haircut and a penchant for black turtleneck sweaters, McCallum’s character contrasted with that of Robert Vaughn’s Napoleon Solo, another main figure in the series. While Solo was sociable and easygoing, Kuryakin was depicted as reserved and intellectual.
McCallum’s role as Kuryakin came at a time when the James Bond film frenzy had captivated US audiences, who had grown accustomed to laidback heroes battling formidable adversaries. Before his success with “The Man from UNCLE,” McCallum had been recognized for roles in several films and TV series. He was once under the influence of James Dean, evident in his portrayal of a young punk in a heist film. McCallum later married his co-star from the same film, and they subsequently played romantic leads in “Robbery Under Arms,” a film shot predominantly in Australia. The couple frequently featured in fan magazines during that period.
McCallum’s versatility as an actor was showcased when he transitioned from playing a juvenile delinquent gang-leader in “Violent Playground” to more conventional supporting roles. Examples include his parts as radio operators in “A Night to Remember” and “The Long and the Short and the Tall.”
In the 2000s, defying the evident signs of aging, McCallum embraced the character of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the television series “NCIS.” As the chief medical examiner, his character followed the Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents’ cases. For this role, McCallum immersed himself in studying pathology and even observed autopsies. His dedication to the show was unwavering, as he remained a consistent cast member throughout all 20 seasons, even up to this year.
Reflecting on his younger appearance in one of the “NCIS” episodes, another character was asked about Ducky’s younger looks. The answer, fittingly, was “Illya Kuryakin.”
David McCallum is survived by his wife, Katherine, their children, Peter and Sophie, and two sons, Val and Paul, from a previous marriage. His third son with Ireland, Jason, passed away in 1989.
Born on 19th September 1933, David Keith McCallum’s significant contributions to the entertainment industry spanned several decades, ensuring his legacy as one of the most prominent figures in television history.
