32 NCIS Actors Who Have Passed Away

Intro Since NCIS premiered in 2003 as an awe-inspiring  team of special agents who engage in thrilling   military drama, viewers all over the world  have held onto the actors. While we love to   cling to the on-screen personas of these actors,  it’s hard to believe that most of our favorite   NCIS actors are no more. Who and what took their  lives? And when did they pass on? We’re going to   dig deep into thirty-two NCIS actors who  have caused fans pain with their demise. Teddy Rhodes Number 32: Teddy Rhoads Terry Rhoads made his name as an executive  producer and consultant in Hollywood. He was   best known for his breakout role as  executive producer for NCIS where he   worked so hard to make the show the global  success it is at present. He starred as   Captain Brent Peters in the series. Rhoads went  on to feature in more popular movies. He put   his expertise in the movie industry to work as he  painstakingly guided the success of these films.  . Tragically,   Rhoads met his demise on October eleven, two  thousand and thirteen, at the age of sixty-one   from amyloidosis. His passing was felt by many  in the industry who idolized and respected him. Rhoads stood tall as a visionary who saw the  prospects in projects before anyone else and had a   persistent ability to bring them to fruition. His  contributions to Hollywood will remain etched in   history and his works will continue to inspire  the next generation of actors and filmmakers. The next actor didn’t just make waves in  the NCIS television series. He went on   to earn international acclaim in the popular  movie, Twenty-Four. Can you guess who he is? Gregory Itson Number 31: Gregory Itzen Gregory Itzen is an amazing actor who starred as   Director Charles and Spencer Downing in  the NCIS series. Born on April twenty,   nineteen forty-eight, Gregory is well  versed in both stage and on-screen acting. His television acting performance  made him take on versatile roles in   movies such as Hard to Hold, Airplane,  and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,   amongst others. He was best known for  his memorable and chilling portrayal   of President Charles Logan in the  popular TV series, Twenty-Four. This earned him a nomination for “Outstanding  Supporting Actor in a Series.” Itzin's   performance brought him critical acclaim  and showcased his versatility as an actor. During an emergency surgery operation on  July eight, twenty twenty-two, he lost   his life at the age of seventy-four, as  confirmed by his manager, Lisa Gallant. Charlie Robinson Number 30: Charlie Robinson Charlie Robinson was loved all over the  world for his role in the NCIS television   series as a recurring character. He  brought life to his character of Ray   Jennings in the television show. He infused  his personality into the role so much that   it became a fan favorite because of the  unique flair it brought to the series. Aside from his role in NCIS, Robinson had an  interesting career in television acting. He   starred in iconic movies such as "Flamingo Road"  and "How I Met Your Mother," showing off his   impressive acting range and keeping movie lovers  glued to their screens with his performances. In a tragic turn of events, Charlie Robinson  passed away on July eleven, twenty twenty-one at   the age of seventy-five due to cardiac arrest.  For someone who started out his journey into the   entertainment world as a singer with Archibald  and the Drells Group before switching to acting,   he sure made an indelible mark on Hollywood,  and it won’t be forgotten so easily. Most of the NCIS actors met their demise at an  expected old age. Well, all except one. He was   cut off from the Earth while still filming the  series at a prime age. Which actor was that? Michael Gilden Number 29: Michael Gilden Michael Gilden played the role of Marty  Pearson in the series, and his portrayal   of the role captured the hearts of viewers.  In two thousand and six. He had to be one   of the earliest cast members who passed away much  earlier than others, even before the series ended. For the few moments he graced our  screens, Michael gave his best to   keep fans of the show in suspense with his  unpredictable persona. He met his demise in   two thousand and six at the relatively young  age of forty-four. Everyone wished he lived   a bit longer to entertain and solidify his  status as one of Hollywood’s finest actors. Billy Miller Number 28: Billy Miller Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Billy Miller's legacy in  the NCIS movie series and beyond is forever etched   in the hearts of all who watched him perform.  Known for his role as Ezra Moretti in NCIS,   Miller brought a new level of charisma  to the screen that wasn’t seen before,   captivating audiences with his  suave depiction of an antagonist. Outside NCIS, Miller's career continued  to stay afloat as he featured in movies   such as All My Children and  The Young and the Restless,   which got him his first nomination. He bagged  the award and won the category of Outstanding   Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. His ability  to become one with diverse characters endeared   him to fans and critics alike, who had  no choice but to love him or hate him. It came as a rude shock when Billy passed away  on September fifteen, twenty twenty-three at the   age of forty-three from suicide. He left behind a  lasting impact on Hollywood and a void that hasn’t   yet been filled in the hearts of his admirers.  Despite his untimely departure, his contributions   to film and television continue to get new and  younger audiences hooked on his performances. Jack Kaylor Number 27: Jack Kehler Jack Kehler's presence in NCIS brought a  unique flair to the show as he depicted   his roles with such realism that elicited  reactions from viewers. His role as Tom   Wilson showcased his ability to bring  intrigue to every one of his scenes,   attracting worldwide acclaim  for his notable performances. Beyond NCIS, Kehler's career spanned  a diverse range of roles in notable   movies such as Strange Invaders, Hill Street   Blues, and his famous portrayal of the  dude’s landlord in The Big Lebowski,   where he consistently delivered unforgettable  performances that left viewers wanting more. Sadly, Jack Kehler passed away from Leukemia  at the age of seventy-five on May seven,   twenty twenty-two, leaving behind a  rich trail of movie performances in   his track record. His contributions to  the entertainment industry continue to   be celebrated worldwide as a testament  to his deep dedication to his craft. NCIS was filled with lots of cast members  who were white, with only a few of the men   being black. However, there was only one black  female in the cast who passed away. Who was she? Fran Bennett Number 26: Fran Bennett Fran Bennett is a talented actress who played  the role of Mary Elaine Smith in the NCIS   television series. She is known as being the  only female actress of color in the series,   as she exemplified her character  to the best of her abilities. Some of Bennett's prominent movies  include "How I Got Into College"   and "Promises in the Dark.” In these  films, she showcased how easily it was   for her to switch from the stereotypical  characters she was known for in the past. Bennett was eighty-four years old and  still filming for NCIS when she passed   away on September twelve, twenty  twenty-one. She taught voice and   acting to the newer generation  at CalArts for thirty-six years. Number 25: David McCallum David McCallum has captivated audiences for years   with his iconic role as Doctor Donald  "Ducky" Mallard in the hit TV series,   NCIS. His portrayal of the quirky and  endearing medical examiner catapulted   him to instant stardom, turning him into a  crucial character and a popular fan favorite. In addition to his role in NCIS, McCallum has  had a prolific career in film and television.   David had another prominent movie in  his portfolio when he featured in "The   Man from Uncle," playing the role of a  Russian-born secret agent. He went on   to star in other works like “Robbery Under  Arms” and “Hell Drivers,” amongst others. When he wasn’t acting, he produced  lots of good music albums. He secretly   nursed his musical talent away from the  screens. David passed away on September   twenty-five, twenty twenty-three at the  age of ninety due to natural causes. Number 24: Elizabeth Pena Elizabeth Pena's role in NCIS  was that of Agent Lina Reyes.   She brought the character to life without her  calculated moves and beautiful aura. Elizabeth   arrested the attention of movie lovers with her  fluid facial expressions and artistic delivery. Beyond NCIS, the Cuban-American actress featured   in other prominent movies such as "La  Bamba" and "Jacob's Ladder," where she   delivered memorable performances that  the audience couldn’t get enough of. She was still in the course of filming at the age  of forty-five when she met her untimely demise.   The news was met with grief by the nation  as everyone could understand why a talent   had to go at such a young age. Upon further  investigation, it was discovered that Elizabeth   passed away on October fourteen, twenty fourteen  from cirrhosis of the liver due to alcohol abuse.   Her fans were shocked to learn that she  had been battling with alcohol all along. Barbara Tarbuck Number 23: Barbara Tarbuck Barbara Tarbuck played the role of Donaldson in  the series as she correctly embodied the strong,   authoritative character with depth and nuance.  Her portrayal struck a chord with audiences,   highlighting her ability to command  the screen with grace and conviction. Outside of NCIS, Tarbuck's career included her  notable role in the movie, "General Hospital,"   where she appeared in over forty episodes.  She featured in a couple of soap operas too. She went on to make her mark on the  television screens with her portrayal   of Mother Claudia in the legendary movie,  “American Horror Story: Asylum.” That was   to be one of her final television roles before  she left the world. To supplement her income,   she also worked as an acting teacher at UCLA.  Barbara Tarbuck sadly passed away in December   twenty sixteen at the age of seventy-four from  a degenerative brain disease which was rare. Annie Wersching Number 22: Annie Wersching Annie Wersching is an American actress who  played the role of “Gail Walsh” in the NCIS movie   series. Born in Saint Louis, Missouri,  she rose to become one of the most   sought-after actresses who can inject  a good dose of realism into a role. Starring in the iconic movie, “Twenty-four,”  she has proven herself as an invaluable actress,   also going on to be the voice of “Tess”  in the popular video game called “The   Last of Us.” She made her acting debut  as a guest appearance in “Star Trek:   Enterprise,” before going on to  appear in several notable films. Annie passed away at the age of forty-five  after quietly battling cancer since the year   twenty-twenty. Being diagnosed with  cancer didn’t stop her from appearing   on set for her NCIS episodes, or  taking on other acting projects. Charles Dering Number 21: Charles Durning Charles Durning's role in the NCIS movie series  added another dimension to his illustrious career,   showcasing his versatility and commanding  presence. Appearing as Ernie Yest in the   series, Durning brought a wealth of  experience and gravitas to the screen,   earning accolades for his nuanced performances. Beyond NCIS, Durning also has extensive  filmography that includes featuring in   over two hundred movies, shows, and plays.  Whenever he’s remembered, his nostalgic   performances in movies such as “The Sting”  and “Dog Day Afternoon” always float to mind. He has been nominated for the Academy  Award for “Best Supporting Actor” due   to his stunning depictions in different movies.  Charles Durning passed away from natural causes   on December twenty-four, two thousand and twelve.  His ability to portray a wide range of characters   with authenticity and depth continues to  be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. Miguel Ferrer Number 20: Miguel Ferrer Miguel Ferrer was known for his impactful  role as Owen Granger in the NCIS:   Los Angeles. He left an indelible imprint on  viewers from season three to season eight.   His performance was so good that he moved from  being a recurring character to a cast member. Fans of the show wanted to  see him have more screen time,   and they got their requests granted. He went  on to feature in other successful movies,   with the most prominent being “Robocop,”  where he acted as Morton. He starred in   the popular cartoon, “Mulan,” and  also featured in “Justice League.” The news of Miguel’s passing came as a  rude shock to all who loved his movies.   At the age of sixty-one, Miguel lost  his life to throat cancer in the year,   twenty seventeen. His legend still lives on in the  exceptional performances he put on the screens. Lisa Baines Number 19: Lisa Banes Lisa Banes starred as Ambassador  Olivia Edmunds in the NCIS series.   Fans loved the moments her scenes came on  because she exuded a certain poise that   befitted her role of an ambassador,  making her acting extra believable. Born in Ohio on July nine, nineteen fifty-five,  she has featured in over eighty films and   television shows throughout the course of her  career. Some popular movies among them are “Dragon   Fly,” “Once Upon a Time,” “The Trials of Rosie  O’Neill,” and “Son of the Beach,” amongst others. Her life came to an end in the Mount Sinai  Morningside Hospital from a traumatic brain   injury at the age of sixty-five. She was said  to have gotten the brain injury after a fatal   takedown by a hit-and-run driver on June  four, twenty twenty-one. Her life continues   to inspire the new crop of movie lovers and  actors even when she’s no longer with us. Tony Armatrading Number 18: Tony Armatrading Tony Armatrading is a British actor who  doubles as a voiceover artist from Birmingham,   West Midlands, England. He’s well  known for his fantastic portrayal   of Wilson N’Dlaye in NCIS when  he was forty-six years of age. He started his career in the theater, where  he worked behind the scenes as a member   of the stage crew at the National Theater.  Working at the Royal Shakespeare Company,   he worked tirelessly at this point to  develop his acting skills to near perfection. Seeing he did well in the classical productions,  he was emboldened to take a step into acting   with a performance in “Measure for Measure,” a  drama done by the National Theater Production. Aside from his work in the NCIS series,   he also featured in the legendary BBC  series called Empire Road. Moving on,   he starred in great movies like “Notting Hill”  and “The Saint,” and “Now You See Me Too.” When   he was fifty-nine and almost turning sixty,  he lost his life to a long battle with cancer. Nina Foes Number 17: Nina Foch Nina Foch was loved for her role as the mother  of Doctor Mallard. She played her character as   Victoria Mallard in the NCIS series so  well to the relish of movie lovers. Not   only taking on her role as a mother, she  embodied the role of an ex-wife to Joseph   Mallard in a typical fashion that brought a  certain level of make-believe to the series. As a Dutch-born American actress, Nina had  her prime days as a sensational actress in   the nineteen forties and nineteen fifties.  Her graceful poise and distinct aura left   a lasting impression in the minds of  viewers with every role she took on. She started out as an actress by working  for Columbia Pictures and has since gone   on to feature in prominent movies such as  “The Ten Commandments,” “Spartacus,” and   “The Great Houdini,” among a host of other films. Over the years, she has received nominations  for her outstanding performances on screen.   She passed away from complications of a  blood disorder at the age of eighty-four. Sam Sarpong Number 16: Sam Sarpong Sam Sarpong was featured as a guest  actor on NCIS. He led an interesting   life away from the screen and his  passing was no less felt than that   of the film’s A-listers. Born in London,  Sam took on many roles aside from acting. He was a model, singer, producer, and director.  When he was called upon to star in season one   of the show, he was more than ready to pull  it off. He played the role of Bobby Jackson,   giving an impressive performance  of a young black boy from the hood. The circumstances surrounding Sam’s passing  aren’t too pleasant. He was reported to have   had a seven-hour exchange with the police, after  which he did the most bizarre thing anyone could   think of. After the heated back-and-forth with the  authorities, Sam jumped off a bridge in Pasadena,   California. He was forty years  of age at the time of his demise. Jessica Walter Number 15: Jessica Walter Jessica Walter is one American actress who has  many sides to her craft. She’s a complete thespian   with an acting range only few can boast of. Due  to her ability to adapt to any role given to her,   she has featured in a whopping one hundred and  seventy movies, stage, and television productions. She is seen as a revered  figure in the acting industry,   as her talent sets her apart from the  crop of regular actresses. Starting   out with stage appearances and eventually  making her way towards television acting,   she is no stranger to starring in popular movies  like the soap opera titled “Love of Life.” Some of her notable appearances include Grand  Prix, and Play Misty for Me, amongst others.   News of her passing pierced the hearts of many  on March twenty-four, twenty twenty-one. She   was said to have passed on in her  sleep at her home in New York. Bruce Gray Number 14: Bruce Gray Bruce Gray added his   unique flair to the series as an eye spy,  a naval officer who couldn’t make it out   alive due to a stab wound while testing  a hand-held sonar device. The Canadian   actor was born on September seven,  nineteen seventy-six in Puerto Rico. He is well known for his impeccable delivery of  roles in several television shows. Starting his   actor with a minor role in the movie, “Adulterous  Affair,” Bruce has continued climbing the ladder   of relevance as he’s now featured in  more prominent television productions. His legacy includes some of his popular works  in movies such as “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,”   “Passions,” “Vulkan,” and “Babylon  Five.” Bruce Gray had brain cancer   that had metastasized all over  his body, so it was no shock   that he passed away on December thirteen,  twenty seventeen at the age of eighty-one. Jack Axelrod Number 13: Jack Axelrod Jack Axelrod is an American actor who embodied  the role of Shmeil Pinkhas in the NCIS series.   Born on January twenty-five, nineteen thirty in  Los Angeles. He has acted in other major movies   such as “ My Name Is Earl,” where the image of  the “Electrolarynx Guy” stuck with him ever since. Other notable productions he featured  in are Little Fockers, Lone Rangers,   and The Lone Ranger, among a host of  others. He also appeared in “Transformers:   Dark of the Moon.” Jack has found  fulfillment in front of the screens. When he’s not acting, however, he  busies himself by being an acting   coach and raising the next crop of movie  stars. The iconic actor lived to the good   old age of ninety-three, passing away  on November twenty, twenty twenty-three. Rene Oberman Number 12: Rene Auberjonois Rene Auberjonois acted out the role of  Doctor Felix Blackwell to near perfection   in the NCIS series. He embodied the role  of a shrewd character and contributed his   quota to what kept viewers hooked  on the series for a long time. Not resting on his oars, Rene appeared in  other notable movies such as Deep Space Nine,   Benson, and Boston Legal. He grew  up in Paris and London during his   childhood and always felt like  he was being pulled towards arts. Rene won a Tony Award for portrayal in the  musical, Coco, on nineteen seventy. He has   also been nominated for an Emmy Award twice in his  career. He lived a satisfactory life as a thespian   before succumbing to metastatic lung cancer,  giving up the ghost at the age of seventy-nine. Ralph Weight Number 11: Ralph Waite Born on June twenty-two, nineteen twenty-eight  in New York, Ralph Waite was an American actor   who played the character of Jackson Gibbs  in the NCIS series. The character was   made to be that of a hero to his son, Leroy  Jethro Gibbs, and he nailed it excellently. Ralph didn’t delve into acting alone, as he  was a man wearing different hats. He took on   social work at some time in his life,  then went into Presbyterian ministry,   going into book editing, before he  finally found his footing in acting. He has appeared in successful movie projects.  One of his most popular performances was his   role in the movie, “The Waltons,” where he took  on the lead role of John Walton Senior. Other   remarkable films that he featured in were Cool  Hand Luke, The Grissom Gang, and Five Easy Pieces. Ralph left his unique imprint in  the television and film industries   before taking a bow out of this world  on February thirteen, twenty-fourteen,   at the age of eighty-five. The  accountant for the Waite family,   Steve Gordon, disclosed that Ralph passed away  at midday at his home in South Palm Desert. Heath Freeman Number 10: Heath Freeman Freeman was a stunning young stud  who starred as Benjamin Frank in   the NCIS series. He was idolized  for his remarkable role with how he   created on-screen magnetic impressions with  fellow actresses and viewers who watched. Having sharp facial features as a young man  in his prime, it was easy to typecast him   towards the role of a loverboy in movies  such as The Painting, Skateland, and The   Wonderful World of Disney. He went on to garner  international acclaim for his powerful portrayal   in the movie, “Raising the Bar,” before  finally landing a major role in NCIS. It seemed that Heath couldn’t quite manage  the pressure and expectations that being   such a handsome actor brought on  him because he passed away from   drug intoxication at the ripe age of  forty-one. The Travis County Medical   Examine report indicated that he passed  on due to an accidental drug overdose. Kenneth Mitchell Number 9: Kenneth Mitchell Born in Toronto, Canada, Kenneth  Mitchell was a rugged-looking actor   spotting a full beard. He appeared on  the NCIS series as Nathan Curtis and   put up an acceptable performance among  the elite lineup of selected actors. He started out his acting career by taking  on the role of Eric Green in the movie,   Jericho. Since then, he has gone  on to make astounding contributions   to the film industry with his portrayal of  different characters in the Star Trek series. Other notable works he appeared in are  Captain Marvel, Miracle, and The Mentalist,   amongst others. With every new character  he took on, Kenneth kept improving and   sharpening his skills as an actor till  he was featured in several A-list movies. Tragedy struck when Kenneth lost his  voice after getting diagnosed with   Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. That didn’t  stop him from furthering his career. As the   disease deteriorated to a terrible state, Kenneth  unfortunately passed on at the age of forty-nine. Christopher Alport Number 8: Christopher Allport Christopher Allport made an incredible  portrayal of his character, Dan Karzin,   a head of the Metro Police Department in the  NCIS series. He also made some other important   appearances as an actor, including starring  as Scott MacDonald in the movie, Jack Frost. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he tragically  passed away in an avalanche on January   twenty-five, two thousand and eight at  the age of sixty. Allport was found to   have been skiing out of bounds, only for his  body to be found ten feet under the snow. Meera Furland Number 7: Mira Furlan Mira Furlan is a Croatian-American  actress who also graced the screens   of the NCIS series with her natural poise.  Aside from her astonishing role in NCIS,   she also featured in other quality movies. One of her all-time favorite portrayals  was when she played the role of the   Minbari Ambassador Delenn in the science fiction,   Babylon Five. Fans also find her appearance  as Danielle Rousseau in the movie, Lost. She cemented her status in the movie  industry by starring as Dina Risi in   the NCIS series. Her unique delivery has earned  her several awards throughout her career. Mira   passed away due to complications from the  West Nile virus at the age of sixty-five. Lisa Sheridan Number 6: Lisa Sheridan Born in Macon, Georgia, on December five,  nineteen seventy-four, she graduated from   the Mount de Sales Academy, before  proceeding to pursue her passion by   attending the Carnegie Mellon School  of Drama in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She eventually got popular  roles in the television series,   Invasion and FreakyLinks. Finding a little  success from these movies, she then acted   in other remarkable television productions such  as Legacy, Halt and Catch Fire, amongst others. Lisa then got her most prominent role when she   acted as Krista Dalton in the NCIS  series. At the height of her career,   she passed away due to complications from  chronic alcoholism at the age of forty-four. Stephanie Nichols Number 5: Stephanie Niznik Playing her character as Sharon Bellows  in the NCIS series to complete excellence,   Stephanie Niznik is one of the  actresses who brought a deeper   layer of depth to the on-screen performances. In the movie, she is a prisoner who  shares a bond with another prisoner,   creating a relatability between her  and the audience. Stephanie proceeded   to star in other television series such as  Vanishing Son and Life Is Wild. She featured   in other notable works such as Exit to Eden,  Doctor Quinn, and Sliders, amongst others. Stephanie was a very convincing actress,   and it was so sad that she passed away from  chronic liver disease at the age of fifty-two. Francesco Quinn Number 4: Francesco Quinn Francesco Quinn is the first son of  Anthony Quinn. He’s an Italian-born   American who followed his father’s footsteps  as an actor. Aside from his role in NCIS, he’s   famous for playing the character called “Rhah,”  an underground drug king in the movie, Platoon. He has also been featured in other prominent  works such as The Young and The Restless,   Deadly Ransom, Crossing Jordan, and Hell Ride.  Quinn eventually starred as a guest in the NCIS   series, where he enthralled the world with  his television performance. Unfortunately,   his career was cut short when he passed away  from a heart attack at the age of forty-eight. Scott Atkinson Number 3: Scott Atkinson Born in Pennsylvania, Scott Atkinson’s career was  kickstarted when he accepted roles in the movies,   Frasier and Mad About You. Then he clinched  one of his most famous roles in Jag,   Windtalkers, and a prominent  role in the movie, Dexter. He showed up in the NCIS series as  NCDR Kyle Ross, a corrupt official   who was neck-deep in the illegal trade  of human cadavers. He brought the movie   to life but unfortunately met his demise at  twenty twenty-one at the age of fifty-four. Don Davis Number 2: Don Davis Playing a minor role in the NCIS series didn’t  stop Don Davis from warming his way into the   hearts of fans all over the world. He took  on the character of an MTAC control officer,   embodying the role with the typical  demeanor of a real-life officer. Born in Missouri, he got a Master's and Doctorate  in Theater from Southern Illinois University,   Carbondale. He eventually got featured  in notable films such as The X-Files.   Don Davis lost his life at the age of  sixty-five from a sudden heart attack. Shashani Hall Number 1: Shashawnee Hall Born in Savannah, Georgia, Shashawnee  Hall is a United States-born producer   and actor who has up to fifty-five films and  television shows under his belt. He had a   popular role in the movie, Life, Friend  Request, and A Nightmare on Elm Street. He then went on to feature in the NCIS series,   playing the role of Chief Jeff Whalen, the  head of the Police Department in Richmond,   Virginia. His presence helped to improve the  rating of the series, even though he wasn’t much   recognized in the series. Shashawnee also passed  on from a heart attack at the age of fifty-nine. Let us know in the comments what you  think of these thirty-two NCIS actors   who passed away. Don’t forget to  like, subscribe to our channel,   and click the link on the  screen to watch the next video.