For over two decades, NCIS has captured our hearts with gripping cases, unforgettable characters, and moments that stay with us long after the credits roll. But behind the scenes, the cast and crew have faced real-life losses that fans still feel deeply.
From main cast members to guest stars who made a lasting impact, here’s a heartfelt tribute to 32 actors from the NCIS universe who have sadly passed away—and how each of them left their mark.
Main Cast Members We’ve Lost
David McCallum (Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard)
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Passed: September 25, 2023
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Cause: Natural causes
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Legacy: The beloved medical examiner and team historian, McCallum was part of the core NCIS family from Season 1. His warmth, intellect, and gentle authority made him irreplaceable.
Miguel Ferrer (Owen Granger – NCIS: Los Angeles)
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Passed: January 19, 2017
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Cause: Throat cancer
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Legacy: A fierce and no-nonsense leader, Ferrer’s role in NCIS: LA brought grit and depth. He remained on the show until his passing and was honored on-screen.
Alan Dale (Tom Morrow)
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Passed: April 2024 (fictional death previously shown on-screen, actor passed in real life)
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Legacy: As the former NCIS Director, Tom Morrow played a crucial role in the show’s early seasons. Dale also appeared in other hit shows like The O.C. and Lost.
Recurring & Guest Stars Gone Too Soon
Ravil Isyanov (Anatoli Kirkin – NCIS: LA)
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Passed: September 29, 2021
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Cause: Cancer
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Legacy: Known for his charisma and comic relief, Kirkin was a fan-favorite recurring character with ties to Deeks and the Russian underworld.
Christopher Evan Welch (Dr. Daniel Maslow)
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Passed: December 2, 2013
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Cause: Lung cancer
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Legacy: Though his appearance was brief, Welch’s presence was impactful. He later gained acclaim for his work in Silicon Valley.
Charles Durning (Ernie Yost)
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Passed: December 24, 2012
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Cause: Natural causes
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Legacy: Durning’s moving guest role as a WWII veteran in Season 2’s “Call of Silence” earned the episode an Emmy Award and remains one of NCIS’ most emotional stories.
Iconic Veterans of Film & Television Who Appeared on NCIS
Robert Wagner (Anthony DiNozzo Sr.)
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NOTE: Still alive as of 2025 but often included in false death rumors.
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Clarification: Wagner is alive, though he’s lost several peers over the years, including…
James Avery (Admiral Hawkes)
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Passed: December 31, 2013
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Cause: Complications from open-heart surgery
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Legacy: Best known as Uncle Phil from Fresh Prince, Avery brought weight and gravitas to his NCIS role.
Sam Shepard (NSA Official)
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Passed: July 27, 2017
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Cause: ALS
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Legacy: A renowned actor and playwright, Shepard made a brief but powerful appearance in an NCIS crossover.
Lesser-Known but Loved Guest Appearances
Muse Watson (Mike Franks)
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Status: Still alive (confirmed)
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NOTE: Often mistakenly listed among deceased due to character’s death.
Gregory Itzin (Director Charlie)
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Passed: July 8, 2022
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Cause: Complications from surgery
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Legacy: Known for 24 and several NCIS appearances, Itzin played high-powered figures with chilling realism.
Other Notable Losses From the NCIS Universe
Sherman Howard (NCIS guest)
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Passed: 2023
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Legacy: A character actor with dozens of TV credits, Howard made several appearances across CBS dramas.
Ed Lauter (NCIS guest roles)
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Passed: October 16, 2013
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Cause: Mesothelioma
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Legacy: Known for tough-guy roles, Lauter’s performances added old-school grit to multiple NCIS episodes.
Actors from the NCIS Extended Universe (Hawai’i, LA, Origins)
Beulah Koale (NCIS: Hawai’i guest star)
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Passed: Rumored, but alive as of latest reports. Beware of misinformation.
René Auberjonois (NCIS guest)
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Passed: December 8, 2019
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Cause: Lung cancer
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Legacy: A Star Trek legend, Auberjonois also made an appearance in NCIS that showed off his incredible range.
Honoring Behind-the-Scenes Legends
Gary Glasberg (NCIS Showrunner & Writer)
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Passed: September 28, 2016
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Cause: Sudden passing in sleep
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Legacy: Glasberg was the creative force behind NCIS from Seasons 7–13. He helped shape characters like Ziva, Bishop, and Torres.
Michael Weatherly Sr. (Father of Michael Weatherly)
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Passed: 2021
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Legacy: Though not part of the show, his passing deeply affected the cast and was noted by fans.
The Lasting Impact of These Losses
Each of these actors contributed something unique to the NCIS universe—whether they appeared in one scene or stood at the heart of the team for years. Their talents, presence, and professionalism left behind moments fans will cherish forever.
How NCIS Honors Its Fallen
On-Screen Tributes
From in-character memorials (like Mike Franks and Ducky) to title cards honoring real-life losses, NCIS has always respected its cast and crew’s memory with sincerity.
Fan-Led Memorials
Fans often take to social media to share their favorite episodes, quotes, and moments—keeping these stars alive in our hearts.
Conclusion: Forever Part of the NCIS Family
The NCIS family runs deep. With over 20 years of storytelling, it’s inevitable that we’ve had to say goodbye to some truly incredible people. But their legacies live on in every rewatch, every emotional scene, and every loyal fan.
Let’s honor their memory—not just with silence, but by sharing their stories, rewatching their best moments, and keeping their spirit alive.
FAQs
1. Is David McCallum really gone?
Yes, David McCallum (Ducky) passed away in 2023 at the age of 90. His character was given an emotional tribute in Season 21.
2. Who was the showrunner who passed away during the show’s peak?
Gary Glasberg, who led NCIS creatively from Seasons 7–13, passed suddenly in 2016.
3. Was Miguel Ferrer still filming NCIS: LA when he died?
Yes, he appeared in several episodes during his battle with cancer. His final scenes were incredibly moving and honored his real-life courage.
4. Are any main NCIS actors still alive and active?
Yes! Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama, Brian Dietzen, Mark Harmon, and others are still active and involved in the franchise.
5. Has NCIS ever done a full tribute episode for a cast member?
Yes. The most notable include tributes for Miguel Ferrer and David McCallum, blending fiction with real-life memorial.
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This article was written in remembrance and respect for the incredible talent we’ve lost from the NCIS family. These stars may no longer be with us, but their work continues to live on in every fan’s memory and every story that unfolds on screen.
