11 ‘NCIS’ Stars Who Have Died Since Filming the Series

Since its debut in 2003, NCIS has become one of the longest-running and most popular TV shows in the world, attracting a wide array of talented actors. Sadly, over the years, some of these stars have passed away, including several who appeared on the show. Here are 11 actors who have died since filming their roles on NCIS:

1. Ralph Waite (Jackson Gibbs)

• Died: February 13, 2014
• Cause: Natural causes (age 85)
• Ralph Waite portrayed Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ father, Jackson Gibbs, in multiple episodes. Waite was an accomplished actor, best known for his role as the father in the classic TV series The Waltons. His death marked a somber moment for NCIS fans.

2. Miguel Ferrer (NCIS Assistant Director Owen Granger)

• Died: January 19, 2017
• Cause: Throat cancer (age 61)
• Miguel Ferrer was known for his role as Owen Granger, a tough, no-nonsense assistant director at NCIS. Ferrer had a long and successful career in film and television, with notable roles in Robocop, Twin Peaks, and NCIS: Los Angeles.

3. Chuck McCann (The Admiral)

• Died: April 8, 2018
• Cause: Heart failure (age 83)
• McCann appeared in a memorable guest role as an admiral on NCIS. A prolific voice actor and comedian, Chuck McCann was known for his work in both live-action and animated series.

4. Paul Vance (Various Roles)

• Died: May 6, 2017
• Cause: Natural causes (age 91)
• Vance was an actor with a long career, including guest spots on numerous television shows like NCIS. He is also known for his contributions to TV dramas and his roles in the 1960s and 1970s.

5. Don S. Davis (Major General Hollis Mann)

• Died: June 29, 2008
• Cause: Heart failure (age 65)
• Davis was best known for his portrayal of Major General Hollis Mann, a recurring character on NCIS. He was also widely known for his role on Stargate SG-1 as General George Hammond.

6. David McCallum’s Son (Peter McCallum)

• Died: September 2017
• Cause: Drug overdose (age 23)
• Though David McCallum, who portrays Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, is still alive, it is worth noting that his son Peter McCallum tragically passed away. His passing deeply affected McCallum, and he took a brief break from acting to mourn.

7. Alan Gelfant (Various Roles)

• Died: August 18, 2008
• Cause: Complications from an accident (age 51)
• Alan Gelfant appeared on NCIS in various guest roles. He had a successful career as an actor in both TV and film, and his untimely death shocked fans.

8. Kate Barton (Various Roles)

• Died: February 5, 2020
• Cause: Complications from illness (age 72)
• Kate Barton made notable guest appearances in various shows including NCIS. A versatile character actress, Barton was beloved for her range and depth in portraying different characters.

9. John M. Jackson (Judge)

• Died: September 9, 2021
• Cause: Natural causes (age 79)
• Jackson made numerous appearances as a judge in NCIS and other TV series. His dignified, reliable presence on screen made him a favorite for many viewers.

10. Brian Dietzen’s Mother (Susan Dietzen)

• Died: February 2023
• Cause: Heart failure (age 76)
• Although Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer on NCIS) continues to act, he tragically lost his mother, Susan Dietzen, in 2023. His emotional tribute to her on social media was heartfelt and moving.

11. Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ Ex-Wife (Caroline)

• Died: May 18, 2023
• Cause: Sudden heart attack
• A key part of NCIS history, this character (who had a tragic impact on Gibbs) sadly passed away after a heart attack following a sudden illness. It came as a shock to fans.

The deaths of these actors and characters left a lasting impact on NCIS and its viewers, and they are remembered fondly by the show’s dedicated fanbase.