Actor Miguel Ferrer, who is best known for playing the staunch, hard-as-nails assistant director Owen Granger on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” died today of throat cancer. He was 61. Ferrer played the part since 2012. Born into Hollywood royalty, the Santa Monica native was the oldest son of the late Academy Award winning actor Jose Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney. He once co-starred with Jill Hennessy on “Crossing Jordan” and was to make an appearance on David Lynch’s upcoming “Twin Peaks,” reprising his role as FBI Agent Albert Rosenfeld.
Miguel got his career start in the 1980’s with guest spots on series such as “Magnum, P.I.,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “CHiPS,” and “RoboCop.”
Throughout the decades, Miguel Ferrer continued to be featured in a number of television series, including Stephen J. Cannell’s short-lived cop drama “Broken Badges.” He landed a role on the NBC drama “Crossing Jordan” in 2001 and the popular show remained on the air until 2007. Following the series’ end, Ferrer went on to star in “Bionic Woman,” but that show only lasted nine episodes. In 2011, he co-starred with Tisha Campbell-Martin and Ally Walker in the LAPD drama “The Protector.” However, what came next would be his biggest role ever.
Ferrer’s shoes will be impossible to fill
Miguel Ferrer joined the cast of CBS’ hit spin-off “NCIS: Lost Angeles” in 2012. The series' other stars include Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Eric Christian, Daniela Ruah, and veteran actress Linda Hunt. Although his Owen Granger character initially came off as completely cold and unpleasant, he eventually warmed up to the tactical team and they to him. Currently, there is a mole-hunt storyline going on this season. As recently as Sunday, Ferrer’s character was stabbed while in police custody.
Another Hollywood star leaves
Friends of the late actor described him as brilliant and hilarious. Former co-star Jill Hennessy called his death a gut-punch, and actor George Clooney, who is his first cousin, released a statement today expressing his love and sadness. Miguel Ferrer is survived by his wife Lori, two sons: Lukas and Rafi, along with a few brothers and sisters.