'NCIS: Los Angeles' actor Miguel Ferrer dead at 61

Miguel Ferrer has died at the age of 61.

The actor, known for his roles on "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "Crossing Jordan," lost his battle with cancer on Thursday, Deadline reported.

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Ferrer, who was born in Santa Monica, had been playing Owen Granger on "NCIS" since 2012. Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill released a statement following the news saying, "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."

His decades-long career got started in the '80s with a handful of small roles before landing a breakout role on cult-favorite "Twink Peaks" in the early '90s. He also worked routinely on animated projects: He voiced roles in "RoboCop," "The Lion King II" and "Superman: Animated Series."

The actor also spent seven years starring on NBC's "Crossing Jordan" from 2001 until 2007 when the show was cancelled.

See photos of Miguel Ferrer throughout his life:

The news of Ferrer's death comes amid concerning rumors about his health and claims from sources close to the CBS show that his character was about to be killed off.

Tripped Media published a speculative story just two days before his death citing "unconfirmed rumors that he had experienced a stroke while on set" while "fans started pointing out that [Ferrer's character] Owen Granger's speech and mannerisms onscreen looked like a struggle."

As Variety notes, he was a first cousin to fellow actor George Clooney. He is also survived by his wife Lori and sons Lukas and Rafi.

See photos of Miguel Ferrer with his family:

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