Would we still be talking about their impact on pop-culture if Robert Vaughn and David McCallum had starred in The Man from the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement? Perhaps not. But as co-leads of The Man from U.N.C.L.E.? We can't get enough.
Both actors left more than a TV testimony behind, each finding love off-screen and welcoming several children. So keep quiet, go over your codewords and put your differences aside – we're taking a look inside the lives of the famous duos' talented families.
© Getty ImagesIllya and Napoleon put their rivalry aside to fight crime in 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.'
Crime fighting duo
Robert Vaughn and David McCallum starred as the '60s favourite crime-fighting double act Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
In 1983 McCallum and Robert Vaughn reprised their roles in The Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E.: The Fifteen Years Later Affair.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesRobert Vaughn's family showed up in full support when he was awarded a Hollywood Star in 1998
Cassidy Vaughn
Robert Vaughn married fellow actor Linda Staab in 1974 a year after appearing together in an episode of The Protectors.
During their marriage, the couple adopted two children of which son Cassidy is the oldest, born in 1976. Cassidy has kept largely out of the spotlight, though appeared with his family in 1998 to celebrate his father's Hollywood Star.
© Getty ImagesCaitlin Vaughn is the youngest child of '60s star Robert Vaughn
Caitlin Vaughn
Caitlin is the youngest of Robert and Linda's two adopted children, born in 1981. Like her brother Cassidy, she's kept away from the spotlight.
She has however been spotted with her father at a few press events, supporting his Hollywood Star admission and joining him for the premiere of David Zucker's BASEketball in 1998.
© Getty ImagesDavid's son Val is a talented musician and has worked as a composer on several film projects
Val McCallum
During David's first marriage, he welcomed three sons with wife Jill Ireland. Born on 10 October 1963, Valentine 'Val' McCallum works as a singer-songwriter.
Val has been credited as a composer on projects like Murphy's Law (1986) and Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987). He and wife Shelli share one child.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesDavid's son Jason sadly passed in 1989 at the age of 26
Jason McCallum
Jason McCallum, born in 1962, was the only adopted son of Jill and David. He passed in 1989 at just 26 years old.
David told the Belfast Telegraph: “You never come to terms with the death of a child. The pain is very real, but it's like an ache that turns into anger."
© Mirrorpix via Getty ImagesPaul has worked with both brother Val and step-father Charles Bronson
Paul McCallum
Like brother Val, Paul McCallum works as a musician and has even appeared on screen. He made his debut in 1982's Death Wish II, and had a small role in 10 to Midnight the following year.
He joined Val on the music for Death Wish 4: The Crackdown and also worked with step-father Charles Bronson on Murphy's Law and Act of Vengeance.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesSophie is David McCallum's only daughter
Sophie McCallum
David shared only daughter Sophie with his second wife Katherine Carpenter. Sophie was born in 1974 and is now a mother to three sons, though she keeps her private life mostly away from the public eye.
© Getty ImagesPeter McCallum is the youngest son of David McCallum
Peter McCallum
Peter McCallum, David's youngest son, has kept out of the spotlight but spoke in praise of his father following the actor's death.
Peter told Closer Weekly: “He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before [him]self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren and had a unique bond with each of them.”
© NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesDavid and Robert both left behind an impressive legacy of '60s stardom
Where are they now?
The two men from U.N.C.L.E. left an undeniable pop-culture legacy, reprising their '60s role in the '80s and eventually prompting a remake of the show in 2015 starring Henry Cavill and Alicia Vikander.
David McCallum passed on 25 September 2023 after winning over a new generation of fans in NCIS while Robert Vaughn passed on 11 November 2016, continuing to work until his death.
