NCIS and The Man from U.N.C.L.E star David McCallum has died aged 90

David McCallum has sadly died at the age of 90.

The British actor was well known for starring in NCIS and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

His family has released a statement, where the veteran actor has been praised for being 'the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father'.

"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," the family said.

"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."

He played NCIS chief medical examiner Dr. Donald 'Ducky' Mallard on the long-running fictional crime show and CBS, the network that broadcast the series, said it was saddened to hear the news.

"He led an incredible life, and his legacy will forever live on through his family and the countless hours on film and television that will never go away," CBS said.

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.”

In addition to playing Ducky, he also found fame in roles from The Great Escape, The Greatest Story Ever Told, and A Night to Remember.