Death of actor and musician David McCallum, from “The Great Escape” to “NCIS” – Libération

2023-09-26 08:07:38

Famous for his role as the forensic pathologist “Ducky” in the series “NCIS” or that of Illya Kouriakine in “Very Special Agents”, the British actor died Monday September 25 at the age of 90 in a New York hospital. .

He has taken on dozens of roles and had several lives, on screen and behind the microphone. British actor and musician David McCallum, famous in particular for his role as forensic pathologist “Ducky” in the series NCIS, died at the age of 90 in a New York hospital, several American media reported on Monday September 25.

He became known to the general public in the 1960s by playing the enigmatic Soviet secret agent Illya Kouriakin in the series Very Special Agents. The series only lasted four years, but his character followed him for life. “It’s been more than thirty years but I can’t escape,” he told the New York Times in 1998. Before starting his American career, David McCallum had studied at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts London dramas. He made one of his first film appearances in 1963 in The Great Escape, notably alongside Steve McQueen.

Second lives

The 1960s also saw this icon of charm, with lush blonde hair and characteristic turtlenecks, develop a musical career. Alongside producer David Axelrod, he recorded four jazzy albums on which he played various instruments but did not sing. The most famous track for which he is credited is undoubtedly The Edge, which enjoyed a second life by becoming perhaps the most famous American rap sample on Dr. Dre’s The Next Episode.

McCallum’s acting career also experienced a second takeoff. From 2003, he began his role as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, forensic pathologist for the US Navy’s criminal investigation service, NCIS, in the series of the same name. A real hit, it will be followed by millions of spectators in the United States and around the world, continuing through its 20 seasons to be broadcast on American television.

With his characteristic bow ties, the character will appear in all episodes of the first 15 seasons, with the exception of one, before making more sporadic appearances from season 16 onwards. “Ducky” will have shaped him to the point , according to his son Peter cited by CBS, that David McCallum would have been able to perform an autopsy “based on his decades-long research for his role in NCIS.” “He was fascinated by science and culture and transformed these passions into knowledge,” says his son, who salutes the man who was “the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father.”