NCIS and The Great Escape star David McCallum left the bulk of his estate to his wife, Katherine Carpenter, following his death at age 90.
The beloved actor — best known as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS — passed away from natural causes surrounded by family, just days after celebrating his birthday. Newly revealed documents show his estate in England and Wales was valued at £97,307, with the full amount left to Katherine, who also served as administrator of the will.
McCallum, born in Glasgow, had a decades-long career spanning film and television. He rose to international fame in the 1960s as Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., earned award nominations, and later appeared in major productions including The Great Escape and The Greatest Story Ever Told. A new generation came to know him through his 20-season run on NCIS, where he was the last remaining original cast member.
He had five children from two marriages — three with first wife Jill Ireland and two with Katherine. His will specified that if Katherine had died before him, the estate would pass to their children Peter and Sophie, with additional provisions for his sons Paul and Valentine.
Tributes poured in after his passing, with NCIS producers and CBS calling him a “legend,” “gentleman,” and a deeply loved member of the television family whose legacy will live on through his work and loved ones.