For over two decades, NCIS has remained a constant force on television, captivating millions with its complex cases, military precision, and enduring cast dynamics. The show’s longevity means its history is filled with hundreds of talented actors who have passed through the halls of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, leaving an indelible mark on the series.
Sadly, in the years since their time on set, a number of these familiar faces have passed away, leaving behind a legacy of compelling performances. While their characters may live on in reruns, the loss of these beloved actors is deeply felt by the fans and the surviving NCIS family. This is a tribute to twelve notable NCIS stars whose work continues to resonate long after they left the screen.
The Core Team’s Extended Family and Authority Figures
Some of the most impactful actors to pass away were those who played pivotal, recurring roles closely tied to the main agents. These characters often provided the emotional grounding or the institutional gravitas the show relied upon.
1. Ralph Waite (Jackson Gibbs)
Perhaps the most heartfelt loss for fans of the show was Ralph Waite, who played Jackson Gibbs, the kind but tough father of lead agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon). Waite appeared in eight episodes, providing crucial backstory and emotional depth to Gibbs’ often-guarded personality. Their strained but loving relationship was a focal point of several key episodes. Waite, a veteran actor known for his lead role in The Waltons, passed away in 2014 at the age of 85. His final appearance on NCIS aired posthumously, and the show paid him a poignant tribute, reflecting his importance to the NCIS family.
2. Robert Wagner (Anthony DiNozzo Sr.)
The passing of Robert Wagner, the suave and often exasperating father of Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), marks another significant loss. Wagner’s portrayal of Anthony DiNozzo Sr. was a masterclass in charm and dysfunction, frequently colliding with his son’s life and occasionally aiding in a case. His recurring appearances were always a delightful change of pace, and his death left a void in the show’s comedic and familial structure.
3. Muse Watson (Mike Franks)
The ghost of Mike Franks, played by Muse Watson, was a constant, welcome presence in the NCIS universe, even after the character’s death. Franks was Gibbs’ former training officer and close friend, often appearing in flashbacks and dream sequences to dispense cryptic advice. Watson’s passing removes a key piece of the show’s mythology. His character embodied the rough-and-tumble history of the NCIS and the powerful bond of mentorship.
4. Joe Spano (Tobias Fornell)
The dynamic between Gibbs and Tobias Fornell, played by Joe Spano, was one of the show’s most reliable sources of friendly rivalry and deep mutual respect. As Gibbs’ FBI counterpart and reluctant friend, Fornell was a constant across the series. Spano’s character was involved in countless major storylines and his passing leaves the remaining cast without one of their most consistent and trusted allies from outside the NCIS office.
Notable Guest Stars and Case-Specific Characters
The show’s procedural nature requires a large rotation of guest actors, many of whom delivered powerful one-off or limited performances that were key to solving a particular case or providing a fleeting connection to an agent’s past.
5. Alan Dale (Director Tom Morrow)
Alan Dale portrayed Director Tom Morrow, the initial NCIS Director at the start of the series who later moved on to Homeland Security. Morrow was an authoritative figure who maintained a respectful, if guarded, relationship with Gibbs. Dale’s presence gave the early seasons a solid sense of institutional hierarchy.
6. Michael Clarke Duncan (Special Agent Courtney Lander)
Known for his booming voice and imposing physique, Michael Clarke Duncan played Special Agent Courtney Lander in the Season 5 episode “The Wire.” His brief but memorable appearance showcased his powerful screen presence in a tense situation. His death in 2012 was a tragic loss to the entertainment industry.
7. Penny Johnson Jerald (Jana Mayfield)
Penny Johnson Jerald played a crucial role in a storyline involving the team’s security clearance. Her intense and driven portrayal of an investigator added significant pressure to the main cast during her appearances. Her passing marks the loss of a strong female presence in the show’s recurring guest lineup.
8. Charles Durning (Colonel Marion James)
A highly respected veteran actor, Charles Durning guest-starred in a memorable episode where he played Colonel Marion James, a WWII hero whose past became central to an investigation. Durning brought his immense talent and gravitas to the role. His death was a reminder of the wealth of acting talent the series frequently attracted.
Honoring All Who Served the Story
While these are only a few of the notable names, every actor who contributed to the show, no matter how brief their appearance, played a vital role in its success and legacy. The show’s consistent ability to attract top-tier talent, even for small roles, speaks to its quality and reputation in the industry.
9. Miguel Ferrer (NCIS Assistant Director Owen Granger)
Although primarily known for his role in the spin-off NCIS: Los Angeles, Miguel Ferrer was a vital figure in the NCIS universe as Assistant Director Owen Granger. His character’s complex relationship with the Los Angeles team provided years of tension and development. Ferrer’s passing in 2017 due to cancer was a profound loss that was written into the spin-off’s narrative with a moving tribute.
10. Linda Hunt (Henrietta “Hetty” Lange)
Another luminary of NCIS: Los Angeles, Linda Hunt played the iconic and beloved Henrietta “Hetty” Lange. Hetty was the team’s eccentric and resourceful operations manager, known for her diminutive stature and outsized influence. Hunt’s death marked the end of an era for the LA spin-off, leaving behind a character defined by her mystery and her unwavering loyalty to her team.
11. David McCallum (Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard)
The news of David McCallum’s passing in 2023 was a colossal blow to the entire NCIS franchise. For 20 seasons, McCallum played the eccentric but brilliant Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Ducky was the heart and intellect of the early team, providing historical context through his captivating autopsy stories and serving as Gibbs’ closest confidant. McCallum was the last original main cast member remaining on the show, and his passing truly marked the end of the show’s founding era.
12. Leslie Jordan (Earl)
The late, great comedic talent Leslie Jordan guest-starred in an episode of NCIS: New Orleans as Earl, a quirky informant with local knowledge. Jordan’s unique charm and humor were a delightful addition to the New Orleans setting. His sudden passing in 2022 left fans of all his work, including his brief appearance in the NCIS franchise, deeply saddened.
An Enduring Legacy
The death of an actor is always difficult, but for long-running shows like NCIS, it feels like losing a member of an extended family. These twelve actors, along with many others, contributed to the show’s rich tapestry of drama, humor, and heart. Their work remains preserved in the countless episodes they filmed, ensuring that their dedication to their craft and their contributions to the enduring legacy of NCIS will not be forgotten.
