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ncis miguel ferrer death© Photo: Getty Images

Late NCIS star Miguel Ferrer was George Clooney's cousin - all he's said about family's loss

The star died in 2017

Hannah Hargrave
US Deputy Editor
October 5, 2022
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Miguel Ferrer had a celebrated acting career and was well known and loved for playing Owen Granger on NCIS: Los Angeles for five years before his untimely death at the age of 61.

The star - who was also recognized for roles in Twin Peaks and Robocop - was adored off-screen too by his beloved family, which included someone very famous. 

MORE: NCIS' Brian Dietzen pays tribute to co-star with jarring photo

Miguel was George Clooney's cousin and many fans had no clue of the connection until the Ocean's 11 actor paid an emotional tribute to him after he lost his battle to throat cancer. 

WATCH: NCIS star Pauley Perrette reveals she suffered a stroke 

His death was on the same day as Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017 and George referenced it in his statement about Miguel.   

"Today history will mark giant changes in our world, and lost to most will be that on the same day Miguel Ferrer lost his battle to throat cancer. But not lost to his family."

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He continued: "Miguel made the world brighter and funnier and his passing is felt so deeply in our family that events of the day, (monumental events), pale in comparison," George continued. "We love you Miguel. We always will."

george clooney miguel ferrer© Photo: Getty Images

George and Miguel were close and he paid a touching tribute after his death

Miguel's disease was incorporated into the storyline as he didn't want to step away from his role on NCIS, even after his diagnosis. 

He bravely continued his work, but eventually lost his fight against cancer leaving his two children and wife behind. 

READ: George Clooney admits to making 'terrible mistake' with his twins

MORE: George Clooney reveals wife Amal binged his hit show during maternity leave

The program's showrunner at the time, R. Scott Gemmill, also paid tribute to the "tremendous talent" and "huge heart" of the actor.

miguel ferrer wife© Photo: Getty Images

Miguel died at the age of 61 leaving his wife and two children behind

In a statement to People he said: "Today, NCIS: Los Angeles lost a beloved family member.

"Miguel was a man of tremendous talent who had a powerful dramatic presence on screen, a wicked sense of humor, and a huge heart. Our thoughts go out to his wife Lori, his sons, and his entire family. He will be greatly missed."

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