NCIS’ David McCallum unrecognisable in 1970s role as late star remembered

NCIS star David McCallum has died at the age of 90 with the Scottish actor boasting a long and fruitful career.

The star grew up in a musical household and turned his attention to acting after briefly studying at the Royal Academy of Music.

He went on to train at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and started off his career on BBC Radio before making the switch to the screen.

McCallum is perhaps best known for his role as The Man from U.N.C.L.E. playing agent Illya Kuryakin.

However, in the last two decades, he became best known to a new generation of fans as Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard on the hit CBS series NCIS.

Some of his other big roles include The Great Escape, Sapphire & Steel, The Invisible Man, Kidnapped and Colditz.

More recently, McCallum took a step back from NCIS and lent his voice to roles in children’s TV shows such as Batman vs. Robin and Ben 10.

Among his career was a small part in the 1970s TV series Marcus Welby M.D. in which he appeared in one episode called Just a Little Courage.

The star looked completely unrecognisable in the role of college professor Brian Kenny, who gave up a promising writing career to care for his brother.

The TV show also starred Robert Young as the title character Dr Marcus Welby, James Brolin, Elena Verdugo and Barry Higgins.

McCallum sported longer locks and had a moustache to give him an academic air for the role of the professor.

The star looked fresh-faced in photos and would have been in his late 30s at the time he made the show.

Since McCallum’s death from natural causes was announced, there’s been an outpouring of grief from the star’s NCIS family and other former co-stars.

The official NCIS Instagram account paid tribute to the actor, posting: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years.

“David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world.

“He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away.

“We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humor [sic] that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto, as well as the brilliant stories he often shared from a life well-lived.

“Our hearts go out to his wife Katherine and his entire family, and all those who knew and loved David.”

NCIS’ Sean Murray, Brian Dietzen, LL Cool J, Emily Wickersham and Michael Weatherly paid various tributes to the star.

The show is likely to put together a tribute to McCallum when the next season finally airs following a resolution to the SAG-AFTRA strikes.

NCIS: Sydney will be airing on CBS on November 14 at 8pm EST