David McCallum, the esteemed British actor renowned for his portrayal of a secret agent in the 1960s espionage series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” has passed away at the age of 90. More recently, he was recognized for his enduring portrayal of a medical examiner in the popular television series “NCIS.”
The official NCIS social media account paid tribute to McCallum, describing him as a person whose warmth and delightful sense of humor brightened every room and set he graced. McCallum’s acting career also encompassed notable roles in series such as “Colditz,” “The Invisible Man,” and “Sapphire & Steel.”
The NCIS tribute continued by acknowledging McCallum’s exceptional talents as an actor and author, emphasizing his global popularity and the enduring impact he leaves behind. They highlighted that his remarkable legacy would endure through his family and the countless hours of film and television that will continue to captivate audiences.
McCallum’s portrayal of the enigmatic Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin in “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” earned him a devoted fanbase and established him as one of the most prominent television stars of the 1960s. Although the series concluded in 1968, it was not without earning him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Four years later, he assumed the role of an RAF officer in the BBC series “Colditz,” which was set in a World War Two prisoner of war camp in Germany.
In “The Invisible Man,” McCallum took on the character of Dr. Daniel Westin, a scientist who unintentionally stumbled upon the secret of invisibility.
Towards the end of the 1970s, he collaborated with Joanna Lumley in the series “Sapphire & Steel,” portraying time-traveling agents tasked with safeguarding time itself under the direction of an enigmatic authority.
In addition to his television work, McCallum’s presence extended to the big screen with roles in films such as “The Great Escape,” “The Greatest Story Ever Told,” and “A Night to Remember.”
Furthermore, he made guest appearances on TV series like “Perry Mason” and “The Outer Limits.”
Born in Glasgow to parents who were classical musicians, McCallum initially pursued a career in music before finding his calling as an actor.
Dr Dre sample
During the 1960s, he ventured into music, recording four albums for Capitol Records under the guidance of producer David Axelrod.
One of his notable tracks, “The Edge,” gained widespread recognition when it was sampled by Dr. Dre for his hit single “The Next Episode” featuring Snoop Dogg in 2000. McCallum’s original instrumental composition also found its way into the soundtracks of prominent works, including the 2008 video game “Grand Theft Auto IV” and the 2017 film “Baby Driver.”
In a statement released by CBS, McCallum’s son, Peter McCallum, expressed heartfelt sentiments, describing his father as an exceptionally kind, cool, patient, and loving figure. He emphasized that family always took precedence in his father’s life.
Peter McCallum also portrayed his father as a true renaissance man, with an insatiable curiosity for science and culture, which he translated into a deep well of knowledge. He provided an example of his father’s diverse skills, highlighting his ability to conduct a symphony orchestra and even perform an autopsy when necessary, drawing upon his extensive studies accumulated over decades for his role on “NCIS.”
‘No one did it better’
The actor passed away in New York on Monday, with his death attributed to natural causes.
Michael Weatherly, one of McCallum’s co-stars on NCIS, joined others in paying tribute to the late actor. Weatherly shared a signed photograph featuring McCallum alongside Steve McQueen in “The Great Escape.” In his tribute, Weatherly celebrated McCallum’s ability to make every moment meaningful, both in life and on the set. He encouraged a toast in honor of this genuine, humorous, and fantastic man.
Weatherly went on to reveal that he possessed only three autographs, belonging to Sean Connery, Tony Bennett, and David McCallum. He expressed a sense of awe and admiration, much like Steve McQueen in the photograph from “The Great Escape,” upon meeting and interacting with David McCallum, emphasizing that “no one did it better.”
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