It’s a rare thing to have had such a lengthy career in Hollywood, but David McCallum found a way to do it! The actor currently stars on the long-running show NCIS as the medical examiner. And somewhere along the way, the 83-year-old star made quite a name for himself. He recently met up with Closer Weekly to talk about his career, family, and why he absolutely loves his line of work.

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“I was a little sad in the beginning that I lost my privacy,” the Scottish-born actor exclusively told Closer Weekly. “There’s a certain incognito streak in me.” Although he admitted that while he is famous, his fans aren’t too much for him to handle. “Nobody really gives
me any problems. What I get now is people coming up quietly and saying, ‘Love your work, thank you.’ They just appreciate it, and it’s wonderful.”

ncis

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Even though he’s played the role of Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard since 2003, the actor first made a
name for himself as sexy Soviet spy Illya Kuryakin in the 1964 to 1968 smash The Man From
U.N.C.L.E
. He’s later admitted that he had no idea he’d achieve fame when he signed on for the project. “I got a job, and I was able to pay the bills,” he explained. “It was wonderful I had that opportunity. My part was very minor, and it just developed.”

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But, he’s quick to explain that it’s not only his career that is important to him in his life. In fact, he’s been married to his wife Katherine Carpenter for 52 years. “Katherine and I are two halves of a whole,” he continued. “We work well together, and when problems come along, we solve them. The best thing about a marriage is you find out what the other person wants and make damned sure they get it.”

It’s so nice to hear that David has been able to work in Hollywood for all these years and remain so positive about his experience. He admitted, “I have no regrets. I’ve had a magnificent life
all the way.”

For more on David, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive news!