David McCallum (1933 - 2023)

[1finemrg]

David McCallum passed away September 25 at the age of 90.

David is best known for his acting roles as Russian agent Illya Kuryakin in "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." and medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in "NCIS". The Scottish actor appeared in dozens of movies and had numerous television guest appearances through the years.

In the mid-sixties David released a series of albums with Capitol records. In early 1966, a spoken-word novelty single "Communication" would bubble under the Hot 100 for 5 weeks peaking at #117 (#99 Cashbox).

McCallum was twice married, the first time to actress Jill Ireland.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Katherine, his sons Paul, Valentine and Peter, his daughter Sophie and eight grandchildren.

Obituary

[rayshae3]

In addition to a killer theme by Jerry Goldsmith, the original ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ had additional stars from the music world popping in and out of different episodes. My favorites:

-Sonny and Cher in episode ‘The Hot Number Affair’ where The Beat Goes On and I Got You Babe appear almost in their entirety.

-David McCallum himself played the double bass in the episode ‘The Discotheque Affair’. As for his vocal (rather than his speaking) talents, had a no.32 single in the British chart called Communication.

-Nancy Sinatra sang a duet with David McCallum (written by McCallum himself) in the episode ‘The Take Me to Your Leader Affair’. When her character Coco at the end of the episode insists they oughta form a musical duo together, McCallum/Illya Kuryakin says has “no particular desire to be bigger than Herman and Hermits.”

-The Act ‘Every Mother’s Son’ in episode ‘The Five Daughters Affair’: A month after they performed their song Come on down to my Boat in this episode, it debuted on the Hot 100 peaking at no. 6 and becoming the band's only top 10 hit.

[trekkielo]

May David McCallum RIP.

He was married to actress Jill Ireland for 10 years before his fellow co-star Charles Bronson in The Great Escape!

My all-time favorites with him other than the former are...

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
The Invisible Man
NCIS

His son from her, Valentine, toured with Jackson Browne, Val's musical resume includes stints with Sheryl Crow, Lucinda Williams, The Wallflowers, Bonnie Raitt and Loretta Lynn, among others.