'NCIS: Los Angeles' Actor Miguel Ferrer Dies at 61

LOS ANGELES - Miguel Ferrer, known for his tough guy roles on TV and films, died Thursday following a battle with throat cancer, according to a statement from CBS. He was 61.

Ferrer, who appeared as Owen Granger on CBS's "NCIS: Los Angeles" for seven seasons, was the son of Academy Award and Tony Award-winning actor José Ferrer and singer Rosemary Clooney.

"Actor Miguel Ferrer passed away peacefully in his home this morning after losing his battle to cancer," the CBS statement read. "He was surrounded by close family and friends, including his wife Lori, sons Lukas and Rafi, and his brothers and sisters."

"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," said actor George Clooney, who was Ferrer's cousin, in a statement. "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."

Ferrer joined "NCIS: Los Angeles" during the show's third season. Last year, the show introduced a plot lie that hinted that his character was facing a serious illness.

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

The acclaimed actor was scheduled appear in the revival of "Twin Peaks," set to begin airing in May on Showtime.