What Was Michael Callan's Cause of Death? 'Cat Ballou' Actor Was 86

Michael Callan, a famed actor who starred in "Gidget Goes Hawaiian" and "Cat Ballou," died. He was 86.

Hollywood lost one of its most versatile actors when Callan died this week. Deadline received reports about his death, and the actor's daughter confirmed it in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

According to Callan's daughter, Rebecca Goodman, the actor died on Monday at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills. She added that Michael Callan's cause of death was due to pneumonia.

The disease, per the American Lung Association, is an infection that causes the lungs' alveoli to be inflamed after they are filled up with pus or fluid. Among its symptoms include trouble breathing, fever, chills, and cough. Older people may also suffer confusion once diagnosed with pneumonia.

Callan's family is yet to confirm details about his funeral. It also remains unknown whether they will allow the public to join the ceremony for the late actor.

Still, his fans took their chance to share heartfelt messages to him for the last time through social media posts.

@GlennGCaron I just heard that Michael Callan has died and remembered an interview you gave saying you wrote David Addison as 'a Michael Callan type'. The two really were similar screen types. pic.twitter.com/7PPK5SDkOa
— Ian (is writing) (@ian_fryer) October 11, 2022

One said, "Saddened by the passing of Michael Callan - a dependable leading man and fine character actor spanning Films and TV over more than 40 years. Some of his stops along the way pitted him against Superboy, the Leprechaun, and got him membership in the Magnificent 7."

Michael Callan's Life, Career

Callan tried his luck in Hollywood after graduating from high school. Upon moving to New York, he scored a small role in "The Boy Friend" in 1954. His debut project also marked the first American project of Julie Andrews.

From there, he was tapped to appear on "West Side Story" for a year before Joyce Selznick saw him on Broadway. Callan signed a seven-year contract after leaving Hollywood and agreed to receive $650 per week.

The actor, whose real name was Martin Calinoff, did not know Columbia execs changed his name to Michael Callan then.

He expanded his career by appearing in more series and films, including "Because They're Young," "Pepe," "Mysterious Island," "You Must Be Joking!" "13 West Street," "The Victors," and "Bon Voyage!"

In the years leading to his death, Callan added more titles under his belt, like "Stuck on You," "Double Exposure," "Charlie's Angels," "T.J. Hooker," "Lepke," and "One Life to Live and Murder."