David McCallum, beloved for his long-running role on NCIS, had a remarkable life both on and off screen. What many fans don’t realize is that one of his sons has also built a successful career in the entertainment world—just in a different way.
Who Is David McCallum’s Famous Son?
His son, Val McCallum, is a respected American guitarist and singer-songwriter who has worked with some of the biggest names in music. Over the years, Val has toured and collaborated with artists like Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crow, and Bonnie Raitt. In addition to performing, he has also composed music for television, including work on the series “Sun Records.”
Although Val’s mother once hoped he would pursue acting like his father, his passion led him toward music. In many ways, he followed another family influence—his grandfather, David McCallum Sr., a celebrated violinist who even performed on The Beatles’ iconic song “A Day in the Life.” Interestingly, David McCallum himself nearly chose a career in music before ultimately turning to acting.
A Look at David McCallum’s Family Life
While McCallum celebrated many successes, his life also included heartbreaking loss. In 1989, his son Jason McCallum tragically died from an unintentional overdose. McCallum later spoke openly about the devastating pain of losing a child, describing it as a deep sorrow mixed with anger and helplessness.
Despite the tragedy, he held on to the positive memories he shared with Jason. He also found comfort in discovering he had a grandson, Tory, whom he learned about through a letter from a woman who had been with Jason. Over time, Tory became close with McCallum’s other sons, bringing a sense of connection and hope to the family.
Through both triumphs and hardships, David McCallum’s legacy extends far beyond television, continuing through his family’s contributions to music and the arts.