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Otago Daily Times
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Obituary: Jay North, actor
Jay North, US actor, biting into an apple in a portrait issued as publicity for the US television series, Dennis the Menace, USA, circa 1960. The sitcom starred North as Dennis Mitchell. Jay North appeared in many TV shows but it was his first, as a 6-year-old, which made his name. A Hollywood native, North's photogenic looks and his mother's connections secured him a brief appearance on his favourite programme. Spotted by an agent, North was signed up the next day. After a handful of small parts North auditioned for the part of mischief maker Dennis in a planned TV adaptation of Hank Ketcham's cartoon strip Dennis the Menace. It did not go well but his agent negotiated a call back, which he aced. North played Dennis for four seasons starting in 1959, but as an adult revealed it was not always a pleasant experience: he had to work long hours and his aunt, who was minding him, was harsh on him. Later North appeared on TV in shows including The Man from U.N.C.L.E. The Lucy Show, My Three Sons, Lassie and The Simpsons, as well as movie credits, but was never re-discovered. Jay North died on April 6 aged 73. — APL/agencies
The National
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
10 things that changed my life: Author Linwood Barclay
2 The Man from U.N.C.L.E. THIS classic TV spy show debuted in 1964, when I was nine, and I was instantly mesmerised by it. Obsessed might be a better word. Every week, agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin had to thwart THRUSH's latest plan for world domination. The thing was, an episode a week wasn't enough for me, so I started writing my own adventures – what we would call fanfiction today – with these characters. I credit this show, more than anything else, with kickstarting my imagination and turning me, eventually, into a writer. By the time I was 12, I was typing out novellas that were 30 to 40 pages. My parents sent one of them to the show's producers, and while they wasted no time sending it back, they did include autographed 8x10s of the two stars. (I still have them.) 3 Old Royal Manual Typewriter IT took too long to write my U.N.C.L.E. novels in longhand, so one day I asked my father to teach me to type. We had this old, black Royal manual that weighed about the same as a Volkswagen. It was a brief lesson. Dad showed me where to rest my fingers, and which ones hit which keys. Practised for a few minutes, and that was it. From that moment on, I could crank out stories like nobody's business. The bad habits I learned at age 10 I still have, and I still can't hit any of the number keys without looking. 4 Ross Macdonald novels I READ pretty voraciously as a kid. First comics, then The Hardy Boys, then Agatha Christie and the Nero Wolfe novels by Rex Stout. When I was 15, I was at my local bookstore, which was the squeaky metal-turning paperback rack at our local Canadian grocery store. A copy of The Goodbye Look, a Lew Archer novel by Ross Macdonald, caught my eye. There was a blurb on the cover calling this one of 'the finest series of detective novels ever written by an American'. It was a revelation. Here was someone using the conventions of the crime novel to explore issues like family dysfunction and environmentalism. I read every Macdonald book I could find, and my admiration for the author culminated in a private dinner with him when I was just 21. He wrote, in my copy of Sleeping Beauty, 'For Linwood, who will, I hope, someday outwrite me.' 5 My father's passing MY life's pivotal moment came in 1971, when my father died. He'd had a cancerous lung removed in April of that year, but the disease spread to other parts of his body, and we lost him that November. I was 16, and had to grow up overnight. While my mother managed it, I essentially took over running our family business; a cottage resort and caravan park about 90 miles northeast of Toronto. I did all the chores, from cutting 10 acres of grass, to looking after our rental boats, to burying fish guts left behind after our guests cleaned up what they'd caught. I was also a chauffeur, as my mom didn't drive. On top of that, I was often interceding on behalf of my 11-years-older brother, who was dealing with schizophrenia. I didn't have those years of wild abandon most teens have. I had too much on my plate. 6 1970 Dodge Charger WHEN my father died, I essentially got his car, a sleek Charger not unlike the one Steve McQueen chases in Bullitt. Even though for years he was an automotive illustrator working in the advertising world, Dad had never owned a cool car. Boring sedans, a couple of station wagons. But we'd spotted this burnt orange beauty on the lot and I persuaded him to upgrade his ride. He only had about 10 months to enjoy it before becoming too ill to get behind the wheel. I'd have been fine never to have inherited a car this way. But when I wasn't using it for our business or driving my mother around, I was racing down back roads, taking curves on two wheels, looking for hills to fly over. I'd always loved cars, but this really cemented my obsession for me. And I only banged it up twice. 7 Neetha ONE of the times I met Stephen King, who professed to be an admirer of my novels, as he was autographing a book for me and my wife, Neetha, I offered to tell him how to spell her name. He waved me off. 'I can spell Neetha. You dedicate every book to her.' It's really the least an author can do for a spouse, especially one as wonderful and supportive as Neetha, considering what the partners of writers must put up with. Our relentless insecurity, our never-ending doubt, and on the flip side, our occasional insufferable egos. I met her at Trent University and there was never any doubt this was the woman I wanted to spend my life with. I fell instantly in love with her, and I'd be nothing without her. 8 Our kids NEETHA and I made two people. Spencer and Paige, all grown up, out of the nest for years with lives of their own and partners that they love. When I had a column in the Toronto Star, from 1993 to 2006, I often wrote about amusing events on the home front, and so they were more than just kids, they were material. They never complained about it. People would often ask me if they minded being written about in Canada's largest newspaper. I would say, 'If they ever read it, maybe they would be.' 9 No Time for Goodbye ONE 2006 June morning just before dawn, I woke up with an idea for a thriller. What if a 14-year-old girl woke up one day and her entire family was gone, vanished in the night? Were they all murdered, and somehow the killers missed her? Or did her family decide to leave and not take her with them? And which would be worse? To find out your loved ones were dead, or that they were alive and didn't want you? I turned that into a thriller called No Time For Goodbye, and that book changed my life. My four previous novels racked up modest sales, but No Time became a massive bestseller. A Richard & Judy pick, it finished out 2008 as the top-selling novel in the UK. I quit my day job – a newspaper columnist – and turned to writing books fulltime. 10 Our Grandson ELLIS, now two-and-a-half years old, has not changed my life. He has upended it. Nothing quite prepares you for having kids, and I'm not sure anything prepares you for grandkids. I should have decided to become a grandfather sooner, but that's the sort of thing that's out of your hands. A grandchild seems, somehow, even more miraculous than a child. You were part of creating someone who then went on and created someone else. We're lucky that Ellis gets to spend a lot of time with us, and he's doubly fortunate that he has a grandfather who never grew up, who still has his Dinky toys from sixty-five years ago and has model trains in his basement. He manages to completely exhaust us and somehow make us younger at the same time. Linwood Barclay will be appearing at the programme launch for Bloody Scotland in Stirling at 1pm on June 12. Tickets at His latest book, Whistle, is published by HarperCollins
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Great Escape, Man from U.N.C.L.E and NCIS star's estate revealed with huge sum left for his wife after death aged 90
A LEGENDARY actor who starred on NCIS and the Great Escape has left a huge sum for his wife after he died aged 90. David McCallum sadly passed away while in New York Presbyterian Hospital back in September 25, 2023. 6 David left the whopping sum to his wife Katherine Carpenter, pictured together in 2009 6 David, an original cast member of NCIS, died at the age of 90 6 McCallum appeared on NCIS for 20 years and 20 seasons of the show Credit: Handout 6 McCallum (right) acted in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Credit: Getty McCallum's most famous role came as a secret agent in the 1960s spy drama Man from U.N.C.L.E during his stellar career. Now, it has been revealed that the iconic film star left nearly £100,000 when he died - all to his wife Katherine Carpenter. Documents show his estate in England and Wales was worth £97,307 when he died. The value of his British estate was left to his wife Katherine who was also its administrator. His will was made in 2010 was ratified by the Nassau County Surrogate's court, New York. David, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, died from natural causes and was surrounded by family in his final moments. The seasoned actor celebrated his birthday less than a week before his death. David had five children, from two different relationships with three from his first marriage to Jill Ireland - Valentine, Paul and adopted son Jason. Jason passed away from a drug overdose after taking a combination of painkillers and other muscle relaxants in 1989. David also had two children when he married second wife Katherine - son Peter and daughter Sophie. His will shows that he stipulated if his wife Katherine died before him his estate was to be left to Peter and Sophie. The Carpenters songwriter who wrote one of band's biggest hits dies aged 84 If Katherine predeceased him, the will also made provision for Paul and Valentine - his sons with Jill Ireland - who would each get $100,000. David had a long career starring in TV series Colditz, The Invisible Man and Sapphire & Steel. But he was probably best known for his role as mysterious Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He was cast as Illya Kuryakin, Solo's Russian sidekick, who wore black turtleneck sweaters and had a blond haircut in the moptop style of The Beatles. David received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations before the series ended in 1968. He also appeared alongside Steve McQueen in war movie The Great Escape. After making The Great Escape, David was cast as Judas Iscariot in the 1965 John Wayne film The Greatest Story Ever Told. More recently the Scottish-born star who lived in New York became known to a younger audience for his long-running role as a medical examiner in TV show NCIS. David was the last remaining original cast member on NCIS and played Chief Medical Examiner Donald 'Ducky' Mallard. The actor originally joined the show - which is a spin-off of the television show JAG - when it premiered over two decades ago in 2003. 'GIFTED ACTOR' NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North released a statement about their longtime star at the time of his passing. They said: '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." They continued: "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 honour 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.' NCIS studio CBS Studios also made a joint statement saying: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. "David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. "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." 6 David McCallum died after a stellar film and TV career Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Great Escape, Man from U.N.C.L.E and NCIS star's estate revealed with huge sum left for his wife after death aged 90
A LEGENDARY actor who starred on NCIS and the Great Escape has left a huge sum for his wife after he died aged 90. 6 David left the whopping sum to his wife Katherine Carpenter, pictured together in 2009 6 David, an original cast member of NCIS, died at the age of 90 6 McCallum appeared on NCIS for 20 years and 20 seasons of the show Credit: Handout 6 McCallum (right) acted in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Credit: Getty McCallum's most famous role came as a secret agent in the 1960s Now, it has been revealed that the iconic film star left nearly £100,000 when he died - all to his wife Katherine Carpenter. Documents show his estate in England and Wales was worth £97,307 when he died. The value of his British estate was left to his wife Katherine who was also its administrator. Read More in TV His will was made in 2010 was ratified by the Nassau County Surrogate's court, New York. David, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, died from natural causes and was surrounded by family in his final moments. The seasoned actor celebrated his birthday less than a week before his death. David had five children, from two different relationships with three from his first marriage to Jill Ireland - Valentine, Paul and adopted son Jason. Most read in News TV Jason passed away from a drug overdose after taking a combination of painkillers and other muscle relaxants in 1989. David also had two children when he married second wife Katherine - son Peter and daughter Sophie. His will shows that he stipulated if his wife Katherine died before him his estate was to be left to Peter and Sophie. The Carpenters songwriter who wrote one of band's biggest hits dies aged 84 If Katherine predeceased him, the will also made provision for Paul and Valentine - his sons with Jill Ireland - who would each get $100,000. David had a long career starring in TV series Colditz, The Invisible Man and Sapphire & Steel. But he was probably best known for his role as mysterious Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. He was cast as Illya Kuryakin, Solo's Russian sidekick, who wore black turtleneck sweaters and had a blond haircut in the moptop style of The Beatles . David received several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations before the series ended in 1968. He also appeared alongside Steve McQueen in war movie The Great Escape. After making The Great Escape , David was cast as Judas Iscariot in the 1965 John Wayne film The Greatest Story Ever Told. More recently the Scottish-born star who lived in New York became known to a younger audience for his long-running role as a medical examiner in TV show NCIS. David was the last remaining original cast member on NCIS and played Chief Medical Examiner Donald 'Ducky' Mallard. The actor originally joined the show - which is a spin-off of the television show JAG - when it premiered over two decades ago in 2003. 'GIFTED ACTOR' NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North released a statement about their longtime star at the time of his passing. They said: '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." They continued: "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 honour 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.' NCIS studio CBS Studios also made a joint statement saying: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of David McCallum and privileged that CBS was his home for so many years. "David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world. "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." 6 David McCallum died after a stellar film and TV career Credit: Getty 6 From left: John Leyton, David, Charles Bronson, James Garner and Nigel Stock in The Great Escape Credit: Alamy
Daily Record
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
This Henry Cavill movie proves he should be cast as the next James Bond
Henry Cavill's performance in The Man from U.N.C.L.E is the perfect audition for James Bond - and its now available to stream on Amazon Prime. As speculation continues around who will be the next James Bond, one specific film has reignited the conversation - and fans are convinced they've already seen the perfect candidate in action. The Man from U.N.C.L.E, now streaming on Amazon Prime, showcases Henry Cavill in a role that feels tailor-made for 007, leading many to believe Henry should become the next secret agent. The 40-year-old actor is no stranger to blockbuster fame. With his charismatic presence, effortless charm and razor-sharp suits, he has been a strong contender set to take over from Daniel Craig - who officially stepped away from the Bond franchise following the release of No Time To Die in 2021. While producers are yet to confirm the next 007, Henry's performance in The Man from U.N.C.L.E makes the perfect audition tape. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the 2015 spy thriller sees Henry play Napoleon Solo, a dashing secret agent with a taste for fine suits and fast cars as well as being effortlessly cool - everything that James Bond is. Set during the Cold War, the film sees Solo team up with Soviet agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer) to take down an international criminal organisation from sabotaging the order of the world. The film's fast-paced adventure and action-packed sequences mirror the style of a classic James Bond movie, and Henry's performance only adds to it. From his sharp suits to his natural elegance. Henry confidently balances charm and toughness, which is reminiscent of previous Bond's Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan in their prime. Fans have repeatedly pointed out these traits as evidence that Henry isn't just a good choice for James Bond - he is the choice. Fans have also taken to social media declaring Henry as the perfect candidate for the next James Bond, with one fan writing on X (formally known as Twitter): "I think Henry Cavill is the only logical choice as the new 007, he's the right age, he's British, we'd get a less gloomy and serious Bond than Daniel Craig, his fan base alone would guarantee success." Another fan agreed as they simply wrote: "Perfect choice in my opinion!!" As a third fan posted on Reddit, clearly keen for the actor to take on the role as 007: "After watching him in Ungentlemanly Warfare and Man From Uncle, I can't wait to see him take the role…" A fourth fan agreed: "Henry Cavill was born to play James Bond. Just watch The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - it's all there." Despite the support for Henry becoming the next Bond, his superstar status could be the very reason he is overlooked. As previously, former Bond producer Barbara Broccoli said she selected Daniel Craig because he wasn't a predictable choice, telling Associated Press: "Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It's the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction." Although Barbara recently announced she was stepping down from her role as producer, alongside Michael G Wilson, giving full creative control to Amazon MGM Studios - so there might be hope for Henry to be cast in the role.
