David McCallum: NCIS star dies aged 90 of natural causes, according to his family

Sad news for fans of the legendary series NCIS. On Monday, 25 September, it was announced that David McCallum, best known for his role as Dr. Donald Mallard, the show's iconic medical examiner, had died at the age of 90.

A natural death

The American network CBS, which broadcasts NCIS, announced the actor's death, relaying a statement from his son, Peter McCallum:

He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving dad. He always put family before himself. He always looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren, and had a special bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson Whit, 9, would often gather in a corner of the room at family gatherings to have deep, philosophical conversations.

He also revealed that thanks to his role on NCIS, David McCallum actually learned how to perform an autopsy:

If necessary, he could actually perform an autopsy, thanks to his decades-long research for his role on NCIS.

The circumstances of the actor's death have been released and are natural. He passed away on September 25 at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

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An outstanding role

David McCallum's definitive career defining role was in the crime series NCIS. The actor has been with the show since its inception in 2003. For 20 seasons, he played the role of Dr. Donald Mallard, the medical examiner. He was one of the show's most beloved characters, and the last actor on the original series after Mark Harmon, who played Leroy, left the show in 2021.

Before landing the role of the medical examiner on NCIS, David McCallum appeared in 1963 in The Great Escape and in the TV series Very Special Agents. He also played Daniel Westin in the 1975 series Invisible Man.

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This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag FR.

Source used:

CBS