Introduction: A Family That Never Truly Says Goodbye
For more than 20 years, NCIS has been more than just a television drama — it’s been a ritual. Every Tuesday night, millions of fans tuned in to follow Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team as they unraveled complex cases, hunted down killers, and navigated heartbreak, loyalty, and duty. Through every twist, tragedy, and triumph, NCIS built something few shows ever achieve — a family that spans across decades, continents, and generations of viewers.
But as the years have passed, that family has endured real-life loss. Behind the fictional badges and autopsy tables were extraordinary actors whose contributions shaped the DNA of the show. Their performances left us laughing, crying, and thinking — and even after their passing, their work continues to echo through the franchise’s enduring legacy.
This is a heartfelt look back at 12 remarkable NCIS stars who have sadly passed away, but whose presence still lingers in every frame, every flashback, and every rerun that plays late at night.
The Fathers, Mentors, and Anchors of the NCIS World
1. Ralph Waite (Jackson Gibbs)
When Ralph Waite first appeared as Jackson Gibbs, the world saw a softer, more vulnerable side of the stoic Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon). Their complicated father-son relationship added emotional gravity to a show otherwise steeped in procedure and crime-solving.
Waite, already beloved from The Waltons, brought humanity and quiet wisdom to his role. When he passed away in 2014 at the age of 85, NCIS honored him with a tender on-screen tribute. To this day, Jackson’s influence on Gibbs remains one of the show’s most deeply felt storylines.
2. Robert Wagner (Anthony DiNozzo Sr.)
Charming, mischievous, and effortlessly elegant — Robert Wagner lit up every scene as Tony DiNozzo Sr., the exasperating yet endearing father of Michael Weatherly’s Tony. Whether he was offering questionable advice or complicating his son’s love life, Wagner’s appearances brought humor and heart in equal measure.
His passing marked the loss of not just a Hollywood legend, but one of the show’s brightest recurring personalities.
3. Muse Watson (Mike Franks)
Every hero needs a mentor, and for Gibbs, that was Mike Franks. Played with rugged authenticity by Muse Watson, Franks embodied the heart of the NCIS ethos: loyalty, courage, and grit. Even after the character’s death, Franks appeared in dream sequences, guiding Gibbs like a ghostly conscience.
Watson’s passing left a void that fans still feel — because in the world of NCIS, Mike Franks wasn’t just a character. He was a moral compass.
4. Joe Spano (Tobias Fornell)
For two decades, Joe Spano’s Tobias Fornell was Gibbs’ unlikely best friend — a sharp-witted FBI agent who oscillated between rival and ally. Their banter, laced with respect and mutual understanding, became one of NCIS’s most enduring relationships.
Spano’s passing brought an outpouring of emotion from fans who saw Fornell not just as a recurring character, but as family. Few dynamics in TV history were as authentic as the one between Gibbs and Fornell — two men bound by duty, loss, and unspoken friendship.
The Power of the Guest Star: Brief Roles, Lasting Impact
5. Alan Dale (Director Tom Morrow)
In the early seasons, Alan Dale’s Director Tom Morrow was the calm authority that balanced Gibbs’ intensity. His gravitas grounded the team and gave the series a sense of realism that defined its tone for years to come. Dale’s loss in 2024 reminded fans that even short-lived roles can leave lasting impressions.
6. Michael Clarke Duncan (Special Agent Courtney Lander)
The late Michael Clarke Duncan — known for his commanding presence in The Green Mile — made a memorable NCIS appearance in the Season 5 episode “The Wire.” His single-episode role as Special Agent Courtney Lander showcased the strength and compassion that made him unforgettable. His untimely death in 2012 left Hollywood mourning one of its most powerful performers.
7. Penny Johnson Jerald (Jana Mayfield)
Penny Johnson Jerald brought intensity and intelligence to every role she played. Her turn as Jana Mayfield added a layer of bureaucratic tension to NCIS, testing the team’s integrity and resolve. Her passing marked the loss of a trailblazing performer who elevated every scene she touched.
8. Charles Durning (Colonel Marion James)
Charles Durning’s guest role as Colonel Marion James remains one of the series’ standout performances. Playing a WWII hero whose past intersected with an NCIS investigation, Durning brought authenticity and gravitas only a veteran actor of his caliber could deliver. His episode was a masterclass in storytelling — a fitting final bow for an actor who defined a generation.
The Extended Universe: Legends from the NCIS Spin-Offs
9. Miguel Ferrer (Assistant Director Owen Granger)
Over on NCIS: Los Angeles, Miguel Ferrer’s Owen Granger was sharp, commanding, and fiercely principled. His on-screen tension with the LA team gave the spin-off a darker, more grounded tone. When Ferrer passed away in 2017, the show honored him with a moving tribute, reminding fans that his spirit — and his voice — would never fade from the NCIS world.
10. Linda Hunt (Henrietta “Hetty” Lange)
There are few TV characters as iconic as Hetty Lange. Played by the incomparable Linda Hunt, Hetty was the heart and brain of the NCIS: Los Angeles operation — a tiny figure with immeasurable authority and warmth. Hunt’s death left the entertainment world mourning a one-of-a-kind talent, whose mysterious charm made Hetty unforgettable.
The Icons We’ll Always Remember
11. David McCallum (Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard)
The passing of David McCallum in 2023 hit harder than most. As Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, McCallum was the beating heart of NCIS — wise, eccentric, and endlessly compassionate.
His bond with Gibbs and the rest of the team defined the show’s emotional core. McCallum was the last remaining original cast member, and his passing marked the true end of an era.
Even now, fans can’t hear his gentle Scottish accent without feeling a lump in their throat.
12. Leslie Jordan (Earl)
Beloved comedian Leslie Jordan brought his trademark wit and charm to NCIS: New Orleans, where he played Earl, a quirky informant with a heart of gold. Though his appearance was brief, his warmth and humor lit up the screen. Jordan’s unexpected passing in 2022 left fans devastated — but his infectious joy lives on through every scene he graced.
A Legacy Etched in Television History
The loss of these extraordinary performers is more than a list of names — it’s a chronicle of NCIS’s soul. Each brought something unique to the franchise: courage, humor, gravitas, empathy. Together, they helped turn a procedural drama into a global phenomenon.
Through syndication and streaming, their stories continue to unfold — in late-night reruns, emotional montages, and fan rewatches that keep their memories alive. They may be gone, but their legacy endures in every moment of loyalty, every act of courage, and every tear shed in the NCIS bullpen.
Because in the world of NCIS, family — both on-screen and off — never truly says goodbye.
