Remembering the NCIS Stars We've Sadly Lost

NCIS, a staple of television for so long, has sadly seen several of its talented actors pass away. These individuals, some with recurring roles, left a lasting impact on the show and its dedicated fanbase. We remember them here, extending our condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones.

Honoring the Departed: A Look Back at Their Contributions

It's always difficult to say goodbye, especially to those who brought so much joy to our screens. Here, we remember the NCIS actors who are no longer with us:

David McCallum (Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard)

The beloved Scottish actor, known for his iconic role as Dr. "Ducky" Mallard, the NCIS Medical Examiner and historian, passed away on September 25th from natural causes at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. His presence on the show, from the very first season until recently, was a constant source of warmth and wisdom. As CBS reported, his passing was a loss felt by many.

"David McCallum's portrayal of Ducky was iconic, and his presence on NCIS will be deeply missed."

Annie Wersching (Deputy DA Gail Walsh)

Annie Wersching, who appeared in the Season 8 episode "False Witness," also known for her roles in 24, The Vampire Diaries, and The Last of Us, tragically passed away in January 2023 at the age of 45 after a battle with cancer.

René Auberjonois (Dr. Felix Blackwell)

Known for his role as Odo in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, René Auberjonois also appeared in the NCIS Season 10 episode "Phoenix." He sadly passed away in 2019 at the age of 79 after a fight with lung cancer.

Vachik Mangassarian (Fake Iranian President)

Vachik Mangassarian, who appeared on both NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles, and also had roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., passed away in January 2022 at the age of 78.

Gregory Itzin (Spencer Downing/Director Charlie)

Gregory Itzin, known for his roles in 24 and Judging Amy, appeared on NCIS in 2003 and again in a guest role in 2020. He sadly passed away in July 2022 due to complications from emergency surgery.

Heath Freeman (Benjamin Frank)

Heath Freeman, who played Benjamin Frank on NCIS and Howard Epps on Bones, tragically passed away in November 2021 at the age of 41. The cause of death was revealed a year later.

Miguel Ferrer (Assistant Director Owen Granger)

Miguel Ferrer played Assistant Director Owen Granger on NCIS: Los Angeles for seven seasons. His real-life battle with throat cancer was even incorporated into his character's storyline. He passed away in January 2017 at the age of 61. His cousin, George Clooney, shared a heartfelt tribute.

Ravil Isyanov (Anatoli Kirkin)

Ravil Isyanov, a Russian-born actor, played mobster Anatoli Kirkin on NCIS: Los Angeles from 2013 until his death in September 2021 at the age of 59 due to cancer.

Ralph Waite (Jackson Gibbs)

Ralph Waite, beloved for his role as John Walton on The Waltons, played Jackson Gibbs, the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, in eight episodes of NCIS. His character's death in the Season 11 episode "Honor Thy Father" aired just three months after Waite's passing in February 2014 at the age of 85.

Sam Sarpong (Various Roles)

Sam Sarpong, who appeared in the Season 1 episode "Seadog," also had roles in ER, Everybody Hates Chris, 24, and American Crime Story, and hosted MTV’s Yo Momma. He tragically passed away in 2015 at the age of 40 in an apparent suicide.

Cheney Kley (Corporal Paul Brinkman)

Cheney Kley, who played Corporal Paul Brinkman in the second episode of NCIS, "Hung Out to Dry," was also known for his recurring role as Officer Asher on The Shield. He tragically passed away in July 2007 at the young age of 34 due to complications from sleep apnea.

It's important to remember these talented individuals and the contributions they made to NCIS and the world of entertainment. Just as we remember lost stars from other shows, like The Office, their legacies live on through their work.