David McCallum, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and NCIS Actor, Dies Aged 90

David McCallum, the actor who starred as a secret agent in the 1960s spy drama The Man From U.N.C.L.E. before later playing a police pathologist on NCIS, has died at 90.

As reported by Variety, the Scottish-born star died on Monday, September 25, of natural causes in New York City, less than a week after he turned 90 on September 19. His son Peter McCallum described him as “the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father” in a statement released shortly after his passing.

“He always put family before self,” he further said. “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 was a true renaissance man — he 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.

“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. 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.”

McCallum became a household name in the mid-60s when he starred as the enigmatic Illya Kuryakin alongside Robert Vaughn’s Napoleon Solo in the popular television series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The show concluded in 1968, but McCallum reprised his role alongside Vaughn for a TV movie spin-off 15 years later.

Another of the actor’s most beloved and memorable roles came in his later years, playing Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the CBS television series NCIS. The character appeared from the show’s launch in 2003 right the way through to the 20th season finale, which aired in May of this year.

CBS said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. He 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. We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto, as well as the brilliant stories he often shared from a life well-lived. Our hearts go out to his wife Katherine and his entire family, and all those who knew and loved David.”

On the film side of his career, McCallum starred in the likes of The Great Escape, A Night to Remember, and The Greatest Story Ever Told. He also lent his voice to multiple animated movies, playing Alfred Pennyworth in Batman: Gotham Knight, Son of Batman, and Batman vs. Robin, as well as Zeus in Wonder Woman.

Image credit: Bill Inoshita/CBS via Getty Images

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance entertainment writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.