The cause of death of David McCallum, best known for starring in the 1960s spy drama The Man From U.N.C.L.E and being one of the original cast members on NCIS, has been revealed.
The Scottish-born actor sadly died aged 90 on Monday (September 25) at New York Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by his family, according to BBC News.
Peter McCallum, the beloved star's son, issued a heartbreaking statement on behalf of his family about his father’s death, revealing that he had passed away of natural causes in New York City.
Peter fondly described his doting father's appetite for fostering strong connections with his family, his acting career, and learning, penning: "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 continued.
Peter expressed that the treasured actor - who also starred in The Great Escape - was a "true renaissance man," who 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," he explained.
McCallum's son also recalled how his mother, Katherine Carpenter, expressed a desire to have had more time with her husband of 56 years.
"After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK 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," he wrote.
"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," Peter concluded.
McCallum was born in Glasgow, Scotland, to parents who were classical musicians. He initially pursued a career in music before finding work as an actor. Throughout his illustrious career, the world-class performer amassed more than 100 credits spanning theater, film, and television.
His role as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard on NCIS came after he appeared in a role in the show JAG, which led to the NCIS spinoff. The show itself later went on to generate other NCIS shows, including NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.
The crime drama's producers Steven Binder and David North paid tribute to the actor in a statement obtained by Sky News. They heartfully wrote: "For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr Donald "Ducky" Mallard."
"But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more," they continued. "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," the producers wrote, adding. "He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed."
McCallum is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine McCallum, his sons Paul, Valentine, and Peter, his daughter Sophie and his eight grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.