He was the medical examiner in NCIS: actor David McCallum is dead

David McCallum, the famous forensic pathologist from 20 seasons of NCIS died this Monday, September 25. He was 90 years old.

Sad news for fans of the series NCIS. This Monday, September 25, David McCallum died at the age of 90. He played Donald Mallard, nicknamed Ducky, the famous forensic doctor of the series who starred in more than 450 episodes and who appeared in all 20 seasons of the cult series. David McCallum died of natural causes surrounded by his loved ones at New York Presbyterian Hospital, a spokesperson for CBS broadcast NCIS.

David McCallum, from secret agent to forensic pathologist

The British actor’s career is quite complete. David McCallum is known for playing Russian secret agent Illya Kuryakin in the series Very special agents in the 1960s. He also had some success, notably playing in 1963 in The great Escape alongside Steve McQueen. But he became a small screen icon a few years later when he joined the cast of NCIS. In 2003, he became Ducky, the forensic pathologist for the US Naval Criminal Investigation Service in this series. Ducky is one of the characters who has known Gibbs the longest and their bond shows on screen. NCIS will enjoy great international success and will be followed by millions of viewers. Over the course of the series’ 20 seasons, David McCallum learned to perform real autopsies and went to conventions to perfect his role as a forensic doctor. His knowledge was such that series creator Donald P. Bellissario asked him to be a technical advisor for the series.

Tributes for David McCallum multiply

His death was a shock for fans, but also those close to the late actor. Steven D. Binder and David North, the executive producers of NCIS wanted to pay tribute to him. “For more than 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world as the wise, quirky and sometimes enigmatic Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard. But as much as his fans loved him, those who worked alongside David loved him even more“, they begin. They also remember the man he was: “He was a scholar and a gentleman, always friendly, a consummate professional and who never let a joke slip. From day one it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was simply a legend. He was also part of the family and will be greatly missed.“.David McCallum leaves behind a wife and four children as well as three grandchildren.”He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before himself. He looked forward to any opportunity to reconnect with his grandchildren and maintained a unique bond with each of them. (…) He was fascinated by science and culture and he would transform these passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if necessary) performing an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role in NCIS“, confides his son Peter in a press release in which he pays tribute to his father. The family NCIS risks greatly mourning the death of the latter.