A look back at the unforgettable legacy of the man who brought gravitas, grit, and soul to every role—especially Owen Granger on NCIS: LA.
In an industry crowded with stars, Miguel Ferrer was something more—a presence.
With a voice that could cut steel and eyes that told stories no script could, Ferrer was never the loudest actor in the room. He didn’t need to be. From Twin Peaks to Crossing Jordan to his fan-favorite role as Assistant Director Owen Granger on NCIS: Los Angeles, Miguel Ferrer commanded the screen. Not with flash. With force.
Hollywood Royalty with an Edge
Born February 7, 1955, in Santa Monica, California, Ferrer came from a showbiz dynasty: the son of Oscar winner José Ferrer and legendary singer Rosemary Clooney, and cousin to George Clooney. But Miguel carved his own path—with a style and intensity that set him apart from the Hollywood pack.
He was an outsider in the spotlight. A jazz drummer turned actor. A Marvel comic co-creator turned character actor. He didn’t chase leading man status. Instead, he mastered the art of the character actor who steals the show.
From RoboCop to Vandal Savage: A Rogue’s Gallery of Greatness
Ferrer’s breakout came in 1987 as Bob Morton, the cocky executive behind RoboCop’s creation. It was a pitch-perfect intro to his future: smart, edgy, and just a little bit dangerous.
His resume reads like a Greatest Hits of Cult TV and Genre Gold:
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Shan Yu, the fearsome warlord in Disney’s Mulan
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FBI agent Albert Rosenfield in Twin Peaks (a fan-favorite with razor-sharp sarcasm)
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Dr. Garret Macy in Crossing Jordan
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The voice of Vandal Savage in Young Justice and Martian Manhunter in Justice League: The New Frontier
And that’s before he stepped into the NCIS universe.
Owen Granger: Ferrer’s Final Command
In 2012, Ferrer joined NCIS: Los Angeles as Assistant Director Owen Granger, a battle-worn, world-wise operative who wasn’t interested in your excuses. Granger was the kind of character Ferrer did best—intense, grounded, and laced with emotional complexity.
Initially seen as an antagonist to G. Callen’s team, Granger evolved into a critical ally and voice of reason. Behind the gruff exterior was a man deeply committed to justice—even if he had to bend the rules to get there.
Despite battling throat cancer, Ferrer continued to film, never dialing it in. His final scenes carried a weight that fans felt even before his passing in 2017.
“He gave everything to that role,” said co-star LL Cool J. “You felt the truth in every word.”
Beyond the Screen: A Quiet Creative Force
While best known for acting, Ferrer’s artistry ran deep. He was a drummer who played on Keith Moon’s solo album. A comic book co-creator. A man who wrote, drew, and created behind the scenes as passionately as he performed in front of the camera.
He co-wrote Comet Man and The Dreamwalker for Marvel. He even appeared in the music video for Toto’s “I Will Remember” and voiced iconic characters in shows like Robot Chicken, Jackie Chan Adventures, and Adventure Time.
A Legacy That Still Echoes
Ferrer passed away on January 19, 2017, at age 61—but his voice and presence remain. He left behind two sons, a loving wife, and an enduring impression across genres, generations, and fans.
In his final Young Justice performance, his character Vandal Savage remarks:
“Survival is the ultimate truth.”
Miguel Ferrer didn’t just survive in Hollywood—he stood out. No matter the size of the role, he made it matter.
Final Curtain Call
Miguel Ferrer may have been cast in supporting roles, but he was never a supporting actor. He was the reason scenes worked, the tension in the air, the weight in the moment. On NCIS: LA, Granger’s shadow still lingers—sharp, solid, and sorely missed.
He was the guy who didn’t need the spotlight… because the spotlight always found him.
