Love, Loyalty, and Longevity: Inside the McCallum – Carpenter Marriage

We mourn the loss of a television legend, David McCallum, who passed away at the age of 90. The Scottish-born actor left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, captivating audiences as the suave Illya Kuryakin in the ’60s hit “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and charming us as the wise pathologist Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard in “NCIS.”

McCallum’s journey came to a peaceful end in New York City on Monday, September 25, due to natural causes, just one week after his 90th birthday celebration.

His departure was announced by his son Peter, who paid tribute to him by saying, “My father was the epitome of kindness, coolness, patience, and love. Family was his foremost priority. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren, sharing a special bond with each one. His relationship with his youngest grandson, Whit, was particularly touching, as they were often seen lost in profound conversations at family gatherings.”

David McCallum was a man of many talents and interests, a true renaissance man. His fascination with science and culture enriched his life and those around him, equipping him with the knowledge to lead an orchestra or, remarkably, conduct an autopsy—a skill honed from his extensive preparation for his role on “NCIS.”

His love story with Katherine began in 1965, sparked during a photo session for “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” Their connection was immediate, leading to a wedding in 1967 at a Lutheran Church in New York, marking the beginning of a journey filled with mutual understanding, support, and profound love. David once shared in an interview with Closer Weekly in 2017, “We’re two halves of a whole, navigating life’s challenges together and ensuring we meet each other’s needs.”

Before Katherine, David’s heart belonged to actress Jill Ireland, whom he married in 1957 after meeting on the set of “Hell Drivers.” Their paths diverged in 1967, the same year he married Katherine, following Jill’s introduction to and subsequent marriage to Charles Bronson during “The Great Escape.”

David McCallum’s legacy is survived by his loving wife, Katherine, their son Peter, daughter Sophie, and eight grandchildren, each carrying a piece of his spirit and wisdom. The world has lost a remarkable actor and an even more exceptional human being.