David McCallum’s Heartwarming Legacy – From Caring Father to ‘Grand-Ducky’ of 8 Grandkids!

David McCallum, a true legend of “NCIS,” has been a stalwart presence on the CBS show since its inception. His journey in the entertainment industry includes a notable role as Russian spy Ilya Kuryakin in “The Man From UNCLE,” which paved the way for his leading role in the beloved investigation series.

McCallum peacefully passed away at 90 from natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by his family on Monday. In a heartfelt statement, his son Peter expressed the family’s grief, praising his father’s selflessness and highlighting his deep love for his role as a grandfather.

Before gracing the “NCIS” screen, McCallum left his mark in films like “Great Escape,” co-starring with Charles Bronson. The film, however, stirred difficult memories related to his ex-wife Jill Ireland’s love affair with Bronson.

Despite the personal challenges, McCallum handled the situation with grace, expressing that he harbored no hatred towards Bronson. Coping with the pain of his wife leaving him for a famous actor was undeniably tough, especially considering they had three children together.

Following his divorce from Ireland, McCallum found new love during a photo shoot for “The Man From UNCLE” in 1965. Katherine Carpenter, a 21-year-old model, captured his heart, and despite legal complications due to his prior marriage, they publicly embraced their relationship. They married in 1967 and enjoyed over 56 years together, raising two children, Peter and Sophie.

The tragic loss of McCallum’s 27-year-old son, Jason, in 1989 due to an accidental overdose, marked the darkest period in his life. He avoided discussing the tragedy for years but later expressed regret for not being there to help his son. McCallum chose to focus on cherished memories rather than dwelling on “what if” scenarios.

A grandfather of eight, McCallum was proud of his children’s varied careers, from musician Val to photographer Paul to advertising executive Peter and real estate professional Sophie. Despite his age, McCallum eagerly shared acting tips with his grandchildren and expressed a desire to continue his role on “NCIS” for as long as possible.

Known for his iconic character Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard, McCallum playfully embraced the nickname “grand-ducky” from his grandchildren, a testament to the enduring impact of his on-screen legacy and the affectionate bond with his family.