Remembering David McCallum: A Life Well Lived
In a bittersweet moment, the world is saying goodbye to iconic actor David McCallum, who died at the age of 90 on September 25, 2023, at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Surrounded by his loved ones, McCallum took his final journey peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations.
David McCallum’s career has been a tapestry of remarkable performances, endearing characters, and a profound impact on both television and cinema. He was a versatile actor whose talents ranged from heartthrob status in the 1960s to a household name as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard in the hit series “NCIS”.
13 May 1957 Jill Ireland and David McCallum are pictured smiling after their wedding at the London Registry Office | Source: Getty Images
In a statement announcing McCallum’s passing, CBS praised him as a talented novelist and actor who had an amazing life and was adored by people around the world. Through his family and the countless hours he spent as a television and film actor, McCallum left a legacy that will live on forever.
Paul McCallum, Jason McCallum, Valentine McCallum, Peter McCallum and Sophie McCallum were the fathers of McCallum’s five children. The actor’s son Peter spoke on behalf of the family in a statement, praising their kind, collected, patient, and loving father. He called McCallum “a true renaissance man” who was captivated by science and culture and made them his interests.
Peter said McCallum had a unique relationship with each of his grandchildren and always looked forward to spending time with them. The actor’s son also revealed that he asked his mother Katherine Carpenter, 79, if she was okay when they returned from the hospital.
Carpenter said she was fine, but wished she had gotten to know McCallum more when they were both older. Petr stated that he was amazed by the honesty of his mother’s answer. His mother’s reactions, he claimed, demonstrated how beautiful and vibrant the Carpenter-McCallum marriage was, and “somehow, even at 90, Dad never got old.”
For 56 years, Carpenter and McCallum were married. During a photo shoot for the TV show “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” in 1965 the two met. However, McCallum was still married to Jill Ireland, his first wife, at this point.
Paul, Jason, and Valentine were the three children McCallum and Ireland, who married in 1957, adopted. After learning that McCallum had an affair with Charles Bronson, his costar in the movie “The Great Escape”, Ireland eventually decided to divorce him. In 1990, Ireland died.
The loss of their son Jason in 1989 was a blow that David McCallum never fully recovered from. He described the pain of losing his son as real, revealing that it often manifested as overwhelming sadness and anger. Despite trials and tribulations, McCallum maintained close relationships with all of his children, biological and adoptive children.
In addition to his children, McCallum was also blessed with eight grandchildren as of 2016. True to his lively spirit, his grandchildren affectionately referred to him as “Grandpa” or “Grand Duke”, a testament to his refusal to let age define him.
As we say goodbye to David McCallum, we celebrate a life richly lived – one that spanned generations and touched countless hearts. His legacy goes far beyond the silver screen as he leaves behind a treasure of memories, stories, and a family bound by love.
In the annals of Hollywood history, David McCallum’s name will forever shine brightly, a testament to his enduring talent and indomitable spirit that made him a beloved figure in the world of entertainment and beyond. His journey may be over, but the impact of his life and the memories he created will live on for generations.