‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ cast mourns Miguel Ferrer following sad passing at 61
Earlier this week, the “NCIS: Los Angeles” and television families suffered an enormous loss, as we were forced to say goodbye to someone in Miguel Ferrer who had an extraordinary career. His passing at 61 is being largely overshadowed by some of the political events that are going on today, but we want to ensure that he still gets his proper due in terms of his work over the years (remember “Twin Peaks” and “Crossing Jordan”), and also what he was doing now on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” where he was featured as recently as in this past episode.
Over the past two days, many of his co-stars on the show have taken to social media with some lovely, incredibly touching tributes. Here is just a small sample. (We recommend having a box of tissues handy for some of these.)
LL Cool J (via Instagram) – “Miguel you were an amazing man. We enjoyed a lot of laughs over the years. More jokes than I can count. You brought so many people so much joy. Guess that’s why So many people shed tears today.I met your wife and kids a few times and you and I grew to become good friends. I’ll miss you man. You inspired me everyday. A true mans man. Love you my brother. I’m glad you smiled and stayed strong until the finish. Sleep well in the arms of the almighty.”
Chris O’Donnell (via Instagram) – “We lost a good one today. Miguel, I was proud to call you my friend, I will miss you.”
Eric Christian Olsen (via Instagram) – “Some of my favorite moments working on the show are when I would steal Miguel away and beg him to tell me stories of his life. Tucked into a corner, huddled around cheap tea and lukewarm soup he would tell stories. Fantastic, terrifying, magical, intense, life affirming, fearless and beautiful stories. Stories of a 17 year old kid who left home and toured the world as a drummer in a rock band. Stories about Hollywood in the 80’s. About Robocop. Twin peaks. Clooney. About his mom. His brother and sisters. Growing up in Los Angeles. But his favorite stories to tell were about his kids. He loved Lukas and Rafi so much. He was so proud of who they have become. And rightfully so, they are effortlessly charming, funny, smart, confident and comfortable in who they are…and cool…man these kids are cool, in the most positive connotation of the word they are cool…and they are cool because he was f—ing cool. They love honestly and fearlessly because he loved them honestly and fearlessly. They have heart because Miguel led with heart. Those kids are gonna be a tribute to everything that he represented. They are going to do amazing things because he loved and celebrated them for who they are and that may be the best legacy any of us can have. — With hearts broken and tears pooled we celebrate u brother.”
Daniela Ruah (via Instagram) – “Migdog my friend and brother, I carry the heaviest heart and a knot in my throat. I still hear your voice as vividly as if you were still around and am somehow able to smile amidst my tears, at the memory of your story telling. You were… gracious, a true gentlemen, made everyone around you feel included. I am so thankful to know you. To have spent so much time with you ‘on the field’ and in ‘Afghanistan’ and to have met your wonderful family. We butted heads on screen but in real life my friend, we shared nothing but love. I will forever remember having lunch with you at ‘Musso & Frank’s’ and learning all about old Hollywood- the one you grew up in. It’s hard to grasp… this thing called death. It happens to all of us… But damn it for some it happens too soon.”
Renee Felice Smith (via Instagram) – “My dear friend, Miguel. We logged lots of hours together up in Ops. Miguel, Linda, Barrett and me: affectionately dubbed “the pod”— in between set ups, waiting around the campfire (read Hetty’s Heater HOT) Miguel would tell stories and I’d be the most captive audience member. His laugh, completely infectious. Miguel is wrapped inside my most fond work memories. How fortunate I was to know and work with him. He was the most sincere man, a gentle soul, a natural leader, a true blue man of his word and an incomparable scene partner. He listened. And it was my sincere pleasure to listen to him. I have such a place in my heart for Miguel. He was one of the good guys. And now we have another sparkle in the sky.”
These may be one of the most touching tributes we’ve read for a late performer in a rather long time. You legitimately get the sense that these are people who loved working with Ferrer and are not just providing lip-service for the sake of getting quotes out there to the media. In some of these stories, you can really put yourself in the position of some of the actors hearing him talk about his life or his experiences.
There is no new episode of the show tomorrow night due to NFL Playoffs. With that in mind, we anticipate that the show will find some way to honor him with a title card when it does eventually return to the air.
Our thoughts and well-wishes continue to go out to Ferrer and his family during this difficult time. (Photo: CBS.)