Actor David McCallum is best known to TV fans as "Ducky Mallard" on NCIS. But way back in the day, the now 87-year-old actor first decided on a different artistic direction than acting: namely music.
David McCallum young: NCIS actor once studied music
The son of David McCallum Sr., who played first violin with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, McCallum grew up in a musical family.
That's why he decided to study the art at the Royal Academy of Music in London. But then it quickly became clear that he wanted to try his hand at acting as well.
Afterward, he completed an acting degree at the Oxford Playhouse. In the 1960s, David played on a number of jazz and funk albums for Capitol Records, which also made him successful as a musician.
After a few small roles, he took part in his first major films and series at the beginning of the '60s. These included playing "Illya Kuryakin" on The Man From U.N.C.L.E., a role that actually made him a sex symbol back in the day.
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David McCallum today as "Ducky Mallard" on NCIS
Since 2003, McCallum has revived his career with the role of coroner "Dr. Donald Mallard." With Mark Harmon, he's one of just two stars to be on the show through all 18 seasons.
In 2021, NCIS even aired its 400th episode, with another actor playing a young version of McCallum's character. You can click here to check on the resemblance to the real McCallum we just showed you!
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