NCIS star David McCallum has sadly passed away at 90

NCIS star David McCallum has sadly passed away at 90.

The legendary actor was thrust into the spotlight after appearing in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. back in the mid-1960s.

However, many people will know him as the NCIS chief medical examiner Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard.

David's son Peter revealed the tragic news in a statement on behalf of the family.

“He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father," it said.

"He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them.

"He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.

“He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge.

"For example, he was capable of conducting a symphony orchestra and (if needed) could actually perform an autopsy, based on his decades-long studies for his role on NCIS.

“After returning from the hospital to their apartment, I asked my mother if she was OK before she went to sleep. Her answer was simply, 'Yes. But I do wish we had had a chance to grow old together'.

"She is 79, and dad just turned 90.

"The honesty in that emotion shows how vibrant their beautiful relationship and daily lives were, and that somehow, even at 90, Daddy never grew old.”

Deadline reports the 90-year-old died natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North said in a statement: "For over twenty years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard.

“But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more. He was a scholar and a gentleman, always gracious, a consummate professional, and never one to pass up a joke.

"From day one, it was an honor to work with him and he never let us down. He was, quite simply, a legend. He was also family and will be deeply missed.”