Miguel Ferrer | |
|---|---|
 Ferrer in 2015 | |
| Born | Miguel José Ferrer (1955-02-07)February 7, 1955 Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 19, 2017(2017-01-19) (aged 61) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Resting place | Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery,San Juan,Puerto Rico |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1981–2017 |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents | |
| Relatives |
|
Miguel José Ferrer (February 7, 1955[1] – January 19, 2017) was an American actor. His breakthrough role was as Bob Morton in the 1987 filmRoboCop. Other film roles include Harbinger inHot Shots! Part Deux (1993), Quigley inBlank Check, Eduardo Ruiz inTraffic (2000) and Vice President Rodriguez inIron Man 3 (2013). Ferrer's notable television roles include FBI Agent Albert Rosenfield onTwin Peaks (1990–1991, 2017), Dr. Garret Macy onCrossing Jordan (2001–2007) and NCIS Assistant DirectorOwen Granger onNCIS: Los Angeles (2012–2017).
Ferrer also performed voice acting in animated projects, includingShan Yu inMulan (1998), Tarakudo onJackie Chan Adventures (2000–2005),Vandal Savage inYoung Justice (2010–2012), and Delgado inBeverly Hills Chihuahua 2 (2011).
Ferrer was born on February 7, 1955, inSanta Monica, California. He was the oldest of five children born to Puerto Rican actorJosé Ferrer and American singerRosemary Clooney.[2]
Ferrer's siblings were sisters Maria and Monsita, and brothers Gabriel (later the husband of singerDebby Boone) and actor Rafael. He also had an older half-sister, Letty (Leticia) Ferrer, from his father José's prior marriage toUta Hagen. Ferrer was a cousin of actorGeorge Clooney and nephew of journalistNick Clooney.
Ferrer was raised inHollywood andBeverly Hills and attendedBeverly Hills High School.[3] As a teenager, his interests tended toward music; he played the drums onKeith Moon'sTwo Sides of the Moon.[4] After high school, Ferrer studied acting at theBeverly Hills Playhouse.[5]
Ferrer's friendBill Mumy cast him as a drummer in the seriesSunshine, his first television role.[6] Ferrer was also Mumy's bandmate in Seduction of the Innocent, a band that also consisted ofSteve Leialoha, andMax Allan Collins.[7] Sharing a love of comics Ferrer and Mumy co-createdComet Man and Trypto the Acid Dog plus co-wrote theMarvel Graphic NovelThe Dreamwalker.[8]
Ferrer began his acting career in the early 1980s, making guest appearances on episodic television. He played the younger version of his father's character onMagnum, P.I. in 1981. In 1983, he was given a small part as awaiter inThe Man Who Wasn't There. He also had a minor role inStar Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) as theU.S.S. Excelsior first officer. In 1984, he directed the Mark Medoff play “When Ya Coming Back, Red Ryder?” at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, Florida. He had a major role in the 1987 action filmRoboCop as the corporate executive Bob Morton, the young, ambitious executive of Omni Consumer Products' Security Concepts and project leader of the RoboCop program.
Ferrer's notable later roles include a sinister biker inValentino Returns, an overzealous engineer inDeepStar Six (1989), a resourceful vigilante inRevenge (1990), Commander Arvid Harbinger in the comedyHot Shots! Part Deux (1993), Lloyd Henreid in theStephen King miniseriesThe Stand (1994), and a drug informant inTraffic (2000). He occasionally took on lead parts as well, such asThe Harvest andThe Night Flier.
In the early 1990s, Ferrer appeared on three primetime TV series simultaneously: as D.A. Todd Spurrier inShannon's Deal (1989–1991), as Cajun cop Beau Jack Bowman inBroken Badges (1990–1991), and as cynical, wittily abrasive FBI forensics specialistAlbert Rosenfield inTwin Peaks (1990–91). Ferrer reprised the role of Rosenfield in the filmTwin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992). Ferrer played a super-villain called "The Weatherman" in the 1997TV pilotJustice League of America. Later in the same year, he provided the voice for a similar character, theWeather Wizard, in theSuperman: The Animated Series episode "Speed Demons". In 1999, Ferrer voicedAquaman in theSuperman: The Animated Series episode "A Fish Story." The same year, at the 41stGrammy Awards, Ferrer was nominated for "Best Spoken Word Album for Children" inDisney'sThe Lion King II, "Simba's Pride Read-Along." He was also the protagonist of the American rock bandToto's music video for the song "I Will Remember", appearing alongside actorEdward James Olmos.
In 2000, Ferrer was slated to appear in theCBSlive television play ofFail Safe alongside his cousinGeorge Clooney. Cast in the role ofU.S. Air Force Colonel Cascio, Ferrer rehearsed the live production with the rest of the cast for three weeks and was featured in promotional materials for the teleplay, but had to drop out before the live broadcast due to a commitment to shoot a pilot forNBC named "Sheriff's Homicide" based on theJames Ellroy book "My Dark Places." Ferrer was replaced in the role byJohn Diehl.[9] The following year, Ferrer again played a medical examiner on the small screen,Dr. Garret Macy, in the television crime/drama seriesCrossing Jordan (2001–07). In August 2003, Ferrer made hisNew York stage debut in theoff-Broadway production ofThe Exonerated.[10] In 2004, Ferrer performed as the voice of the Heretic leader in the video gameHalo 2. Ferrer took voice-over roles in the TV seriesRobot Chicken (2006) andAmerican Dad! (2007). He played Jonas Bledsoe on NBC'sBionic Woman series and in 2009 also starred in another NBC series,Kings, as a military commander of Gath.
Ferrer played Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Felix Valdez in the 2011 Lifetime police procedural drama,The Protector. Also, in 2011, he had a multiple-episode guest role on the final season ofDesperate Housewives. Signed to a recurring role inNCIS: Los Angeles asNaval Criminal Investigative Service Assistant DirectorOwen Granger, Ferrer was promoted to a series regular for the fifth season on February 6, 2013.[11] Ferrer continued working onNCIS: Los Angeles even after he was diagnosed with cancer.[12][13] He also appeared in the 2013 filmIron Man 3 as the Vice President of the United States. Ferrer reprised his role of Albert Rosenfield in the2017 revival ofTwin Peaks.[14]
On January 19, 2017, Ferrer died at his Santa Monica home from complications ofthroat cancer at the age of 61.[14][15][16] At the time of his death, Ferrer was married to producer Lori Weintraub. He had two sons and two stepsons.[17]
Miguel O'Hara, the alter ego of theMarvel Comics superheroSpider-Man 2099, was named after Ferrer by his friend, writerPeter David, who co-created the character.[7]
TheYoung Justice episode "Evolution" was dedicated to Ferrer. Following Ferrer's death,David Kaye took over his role as Vandal Savage as well as his role as Jonathan Rook/Stretch Monster inStretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters.[18]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Magnum, P.I. | Ensign Robert 'Bobby' Wickes, USN | Episode: "Lest We Forget" |
| 1982–85 | Trapper John, M.D. | Trauma Team Doctor, Dr. Austin, Darby Thud | 3 episodes |
| 1983 | CHiPs | Bean | Episode: "Firepower" |
| 1984 | Cagney & Lacey | Nunzio | Episode: "Choices" |
| Hill Street Blues | Carlos | Episode: "Ewe and Me, Babe" | |
| 1985 | T. J. Hooker | Sonny Unger | Episode: "Love Story" |
| 1987 | Houston Knights | Virgilio | Episode: "Scarecrow" |
| CBS Summer Playhouse | Mic | Episode: "Kung Fu: The Next Generation" | |
| Hotel | Brian | Episode: "All the King's Horses" | |
| Ohara | Kramer | Episode: "Artful Dodgers" | |
| Downpayment on Murder | Martin | Television film | |
| 1987, 1989 | Miami Vice | Ramon Pedroza, District Attorney | 2 episodes |
| 1988 | Hooperman | Scott Kapus | Episode: "Chariots of Fire" |
| Badlands 2005 | Rex | Pilot | |
| C.A.T. Squad: Python Wolf | Paul Kiley | Television film | |
| 1989 | Guts and Glory: The Rise and Fall of Oliver North | Scott Toney | |
| Shannon's Deal | Todd Spurrier | ||
| 1990 | Drug Wars: The Camarena Story | Tony Riva | 3 episodes |
| 1990–91 | Twin Peaks | FBI Agent Albert Rosenfield | 8 episodes |
| Shannon's Deal | D.A. Todd Spurrier | 9 episodes | |
| Broken Badges | Beau Jack Bowman | 7 episodes | |
| 1990–94 | Tales from the Crypt | Gary; Hitman; Mitch Bruckner | 3 episodes |
| 1991 | Murder in High Places | Wilhoite | Television film |
| 1992 | In the Shadow of a Killer | District Attorney Steven Walzer | |
| On the Air | Bud Budwaller | 7 episodes | |
| Cruel Doubt | Lewis Young | 2 episodes | |
| Roseanne | Dennis | Episode "Ladies' Choice" | |
| 1993 | Scam | Barry Landers | Television film |
| 1994 | Royce | Gribbon | |
| Incident at Deception Ridge | Ray Hayes | ||
| Biography | Narrator (voice) | Episode: "Bruce Lee: The Immortal Dragon" | |
| The Stand | Lloyd Henreid | 4 episodes | |
| ER | Mr. Parker | Episode: "24 Hours"; uncredited | |
| Jack Reed: A Search for Justice | Win Carter | Television film | |
| A Promise Kept: The Oksana Baiul Story | Stanislav | ||
| 1995 | The Return of Hunter: Everyone Walks in L.A. | Jack Valko | |
| In the Line of Duty: Hunt for Justice | Thomas Manning | ||
| Fallen Angels | Prologue Narrator, Abbazzia | 6 episodes | |
| 1996 | Project ALF | Dexter Moyers | Television film |
| 1997 | Justice League of America | Dr. Eno / Weather Man | Pilot |
| The Shining | Mark James Torrance (voice) | Episode: "#1.2"; uncredited | |
| 1997–99 | Superman: The Animated Series | Aquaman,Weather Wizard, De'Cine (voice) | 3 episodes[19] |
| 1998 | Brave New World | Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning | Television film |
| Men in Black: The Series | Dr. Lupo (voice) | Episode: "The Take No Prisoners Syndrome" | |
| Hercules | Antaeus (voice) | Episode: "Hercules and the Hostage Crisis" | |
| 1998–99 | LateLine | Victor 'Vic' Karp | 17 episodes |
| 1999 | Will & Grace | Nathan Berry | Episode: "Saving Grace" |
| 2000 | 3rd Rock from the Sun | Jack | Episode: "Youth Is Wasted on the Dick" |
| 2001 | Matisse & Picasso: A Gentle Rivalry | Pablo Picasso (voice) | Television short |
| 2001–07 | Crossing Jordan | Dr. Garret Macy | 117 episodes |
| 2002 | Night Visions | Dr. Dan Critchley | Episode: "Patterns" |
| Shadow Realm | Dr. Daniel Critchley | Television film | |
| Sightings: Heartland Ghost | Allen | ||
| 2003 | L.A. County 187 | Sgt. Walter Drazin | |
| 2003–04 | Jackie Chan Adventures | Tarakudo/Shadowkhan King (voice) | 8 episodes |
| 2006 | Robot Chicken | Danny Ocean, Basher Tarr (voice) | Episode: "1987" |
| 2007 | American Dad! | Agent Hopkins (voice) | Episode: "American Dream Factory" |
| El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera | El Tigre I (voice) | Episode: "The Grave Escape"[19] | |
| Bionic Woman | Jonas Bledsoe | 9 episodes | |
| The Batman | Sinestro (voice) | Episode: "Ring Toss"[19] | |
| 2008 | Medium | Joey, Teddy Carmichael | Episode: "Being Joey Carmichael" |
| Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Gus Kovak | Episode: "Ten Count" | |
| 2009 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Defense Attorney Whitten | Episode: "Miscarriage of Justice" |
| The Spectacular Spider-Man | Silvio Manfredi / Silvermane (voice) | 2 episodes[19] | |
| Kings | General Mallick | Episode: "Prosperity" | |
| Lie to Me | FBI ASAC Bill Steele | Episode: "Tractor Man" | |
| 2010 | Psych | Fred Collins Boyd | Episode: "Think Tank" |
| Edgar Floats | Bob | Pilot | |
| 2010–13 | Young Justice | Vandal Savage,Bibbo Bibbowski (voice) | 11 episodes[19] |
| 2011 | Ben 10: Ultimate Alien | Magister Hulka (voice) | Episode: "Basic Training" |
| ThunderCats | Duelist (voice) | Episode: "The Duelist and the Drifter"[19] | |
| The Protector | Lieutenant Felix Valdez | 13 episodes | |
| Desperate Housewives | Andre Zeller | 5 episodes | |
| 2011–14 | Adventure Time | Death,Grob Gob Glob Grod (voice) | 4 episodes[19] |
| 2012 | Applebaum | Detective Pepper Ferrer | Pilot |
| 2012–17 | NCIS: Los Angeles | NCIS Assistant Director Owen Granger | 115 episodes |
| 2017 | Twin Peaks | Albert Rosenfield | 11 episodes Posthumous release Nominated –Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor on Television |
| 2017–18 | Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters | Stretch Monster (voice) | 10 episodes; posthumous release[19] |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Disney's Animated Storybook: Mulan | Shan Yu | |
| 2004 | Halo 2 | Sesa Refume | |
| 2013 | Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don't Know! | Death |
| Year | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | "Pizza Face" | Barnes & Barnes |
| 1995 | "I Will Remember" | Toto |
| 1997 | "Sorry" | Nerf Herder[20] |
