Remembering David McCallum: Beloved Television Star of NCIS and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

David McCallum will always be known to a certain generation as Illya Kuryakin, the mysterious Russian agent in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. This role catapulted him to fame and made him a global sex symbol, with teenage girls screaming at his public appearances. McCallum had a successful career in British cinema in the 1950s, appearing in films such as The Great Escape, Colditz, and Sapphire & Steel. He later gained a new audience as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, the medical examiner in the US TV drama NCIS. Born on September 19, 1933, in Glasgow, McCallum's father was a violinist and his mother was a cellist. The family moved to London in 1936 when his father became the leader of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. McCallum initially pursued a career in classical music, studying the oboe, but he developed a passion for acting. He began his acting career with appearances in BBC radio dramas and participation in amateur dramatics. A standout performance as the doomed prince in Shakespeare's King John confirmed his love for the stage. After serving in the British Empire's Royal West African Frontier Force during his National Service, McCallum attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. His decision to pursue acting disappointed his father, but their relationship improved after McCallum's name appeared in large letters on the Odeon Leicester Square for the film Robbery Under Arms. McCallum had minor roles in several films before earning critical acclaim as Steven Wyatt in the 1962 film Billy Budd. He gained further recognition as Lieutenant Commander Eric Ashley-Pitt in The Great Escape the following year. In 1964, he was offered a bit part as Illya Kuryakin in a TV pilot called Solo, but fan reaction led to an expanded role when the series officially launched as The Man From U.N.C.L.E. McCallum's portrayal of a mysterious character appealed to the show's female fans, making him a heartthrob. He received more fan mail than any previous performer, including Elvis Presley. After the series ended in 1968, McCallum's marriage to Jill Ireland, who had left him for Charles Bronson, ended as well. He continued his acting career, appearing in small parts in films and gaining prominence on television. He starred in the BBC drama Colditz, which enjoyed immense popularity. McCallum also paired up with Joanna Lumley in the sci-fi drama series Sapphire & Steel, which attracted large audiences. Despite its success, the series was canceled in 1982 due to production costs. In 1983, McCallum briefly reprised his role as Illya Kuryakin in a TV movie, but it did not lead to a new series. He found renewed success as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard in NCIS, a role he played for over two decades. McCallum immersed himself in forensics to accurately portray his character and even considered becoming a consultant in addition to his acting role. In addition to his acting career, McCallum published his first novel, Once a Crooked Man, in 2016. He reflected on his time on The Man From U.N.C.L.E., admitting that he didn't understand the emotional response to Illya Kuryakin at the time. However, upon rewatching the series years later, he recognized the allure of his enigmatic and attractive character.