There’s a big-screen reboot of “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” – an instant small-screen spy sensation in 1964 – with “Superman” hunk Henry Cavill as suave secret agent Napoleon Solo, and Armie Hammer as his Russian partner Illya Kuryakin.
Hugh Grant oversees the duo as Mr. Waverly – but you won’t spy cameos from the original “U.N.C.L.E.” cast. Here’s what they’re up to while their old characters go to the movies …
ROBERT VAUGHN
The original Napoleon Solo is also the only surviving star of the 1960 western, “The Magnificent Seven.” He earned a Ph.d in Communications in 1970 – two years after “U.N.C.L.E.” was cancelled.
Robert stayed in the acting game, and in 2004 he landed a long-running role on the British TV show, “Hustle.” He popped up on an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” this year!
DAVID McCALLUM
Fan-crazed teenagers swooned for the Scotsman who played good-guy Russian spy Illya Kuryakin – and he inspired a ’60s fashion fad with his character’s turtlenecks.
David lucked into a second role of a lifetime when he joined “NCIS” in 2003. Now 81, he’s entering his 13th season as beloved Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard!
LEO G. CARROLL
Original “U.N.C.L.E.” chief Mr. Waverly was played by veteran British character actor Leo G. Carroll. He was known to older audiences for appearing in more Alfred Hitchcock films than any other actor!
The ’60s show earned the aging actor a new generation of fans. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 85 four years after the series ended in 1968.
STEFANIE POWERS
Mr. Waverly was also a regular on the spin-off series, “The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.,” starring Stefanie Powers as she-spy April Dancer. She went on to star with Robert Wagner in the hit ’80s series “Hart to Hart,” and was also on the show’s TV movies through the ’90s. Now 72, she’s most recently appeared in several Hallmark Channel movies.
JILL IRELAND
This swinging ’60s sex symbol appeared in five episodes of the spy series. It helped that she was married to David McCallum, but the guest spots ended after she left him for actor Charles Bronson. Jill made several movies with Charles before she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984. She went public with her illness – but tragically died in 1990 at the age of 54.
