Donald “Ducky” Mallard, played by British actor David McCallum on “NCIS,” is a delightful character to watch. In reality, the actor’s life is full of exciting details, including his 54-year marriage after a failed relationship.
David McCallum rose to prominence in the film industry in the 1960s. One of his most notable roles was as Illya Kuryakin in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”
Following his riveting performances in several TV hits, McCallum established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
While his career is impressive, McCallum’s personal life from his days as the star of “The Great Escape” is also intriguing.
He was able to live an exemplary life worthy of emulation, particularly during his nearly six-decade marriage. Despite this, he was heartbroken after losing his first wife, Jill Ireland, to Charles Bronson, a man who confidently stole her.
JILL IRELAND, WHO WAS SHE?
Jill Ireland was a British actress who had previously been married to McCallum. She was an elegant on-screen diva with hits such as “Shane,” “The Mechanic,” and “D3ath Wish II.”
She d1ed at the age of 54, surrounded by her children and husband, Charles Bronson, at her hillside home. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame before her d3ath.
“I’M GETTING MARRIED TO YOUR WIFE.”
Jill Ireland, McCallum’s first wife, and he met on “Hell Drivers.” The entertainers fell in love and spent ten years of their lives together. During their marriage, they had three sons: Paul, Jason, and Valentine.
It was excruciatingly painful when they divorced; the actor lost his first wife to his friend and former co-star, Charles Bronson.
The two had collaborated on a film called “Great Escape.” According to reports, after meeting McCallum’s wife, Bronson expressed his feelings for her by telling his friend, “I’m going to marry your wife.”
Despite McCallum’s claim that he did not recall hearing such a statement from his friend, Ireland married Bronson after her divorce, whether it was spoken or not.
It was a difficult pill for McCallum to swallow, but once he did, the “Man from U.N.C.L.E.” star was overjoyed. He had more children and met a woman who changed his life.
Despite a tragedy (their son, Jason, d1ed from an accidental overdose in 1989), the former couple had a happy life with their spouses.
Bronson and Ireland were married until 1990, when the actress passed away from cancer. She had been ill for six years but never gave up hope; instead, she modeled courage and optimism until the end by writing books that preached positivity.
HOW MCCALLUM MET HIS 54-YEAR-OLD WIFE
McCallum retreated into himself after his divorce from Ireland. According to a close friend, he was deeply hurt and needed time to recover. During this time, he met Katherine Carpenter, a 21-year-old model.
McCallum became acquainted with the model, and their relationship blossomed. Finally, he found his missing piece in Carpenter, and it wasn’t long before close friends and the media couldn’t help but notice their strong bond.
They married in 1967 and have been together ever since. The couple welcomed two children, Peter and Sophie, who now have their own beautiful family, and have remained out of any drama since.
THE RULE OF UNCONVENTIONAL MARRIAGE
McCallum and Carpenter have been married for 54 years and have managed their affairs in-house, adhering to strict rules. This arrangement, however, may appear unusual to some.
What other people think doesn’t bother the actor, who appears to be content with his long-term marriage. For thirteen years, the couple devised a rule to help them balance work and romance.
McCallum spends most of his time in Los Angeles, where he films the cr1me drama “NCIS,” while his beloved wife lives in New York. She then collaborates with her interior design firm.
Except for special occasions such as Thanksgiving, they spend most of their time apart. Aside from that, the couple communicates frequently via phone calls. The actor also returns home on occasion to be with his family while working on a book.
Their love and understanding of each other is the key to them maintaining such a long-distance relationship for so many years. According to the star of “NCIS”:
“However, when it comes to marriage, we do it instinctively, but I believe the rule is to find out what the other person wants in life and make sure they get it.”
He went on to say that, while they are both concerned with helping each other achieve their goals, their minds operate in similar ways. He and Carpenter are now thinking about getting together instead of having a long-distance relationship.
MCCALLUM’S AMAZING LIFE
McCallum has had his share of ups and downs, including a failed marriage that broke his heart and the loss of a child. Nonetheless, he is able to count his blessings. In 2016, the actor revealed that despite his tragedies, he had had an incredible life.
The British native boasted that he could talk about his eighty-two years on the planet and have 99.9 percent confidence in his story. Aside from his personal life, he is overjoyed with his thriving career.
Being one of the most significant characters (Donald “Ducky” Mallard) on one of the world’s most talked-about hit shows, according to the “NCIS” star, is an impressive achievement. He is also the author of the best-selling book “Once a Crooked Man.”
MCCALLUM’S FATHER AND GRANDFATHER LIFE
McCallum has been less frequent at home for the past thirteen years, but he maintains a close relationship with his children and approximately eight grandchildren. The actor also intends to spend more time with their large family.
When asked about his relationship with his grandchildren, the actor explained that they call him “grand-daddy” and sometimes “grand-ducky,” but never “grandpa” because it sounds too old.
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