Life and Death of Miguel Ferrer Everything You Need To Know

May 2024 · 5 minute read

Miguel Ferrer was an American actor and voice actor, most popular for always playing the villain or scoundrel in films. He was unique for his deep guttural voice – a feature that properly suits and enhances his villainous roles. Notably, he provided a voice for the Weather Wizard’s character in “Speed Demons” episode of Superman: The Animated Series in 1997. He also voiced Aquaman in another Superman: Animated episode, “A Fish Story” in 1999.

Following his incredible performances as a voice actor, the actor was nominated for “Best Spoken Word Album for Children” in Disney’s The Lion King II, “Simba’s Pride Read-Along” at the 41st Grammy Awards. He also got several other accolades. Join us as we take you through the life and death of the legendary actor below.

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Life of Miguel Ferrer: Everything You Need To Know

Miguel José Ferrer was born on February 7, 1955, in Santa Monica, California in the United States. He was born to celebrity parents – award-winning actor/film director, José Ferrer and singer/actress, Rosemary Clooney. He was the oldest of five siblings comprising three boys (Miguel, Gabriel, Rafael) and two girls (Maria and Monsita). His brother Gabriel later married singer/actress, Debby Boone. He was also the cousin of the popular American actor, movie producer, and entrepreneur, George Clooney, and a nephew to Nick Clooney; a journalist.

Miguel was raised in Hollywood, California where he developed an interest in music as a teenager. He toured with his mum and Bing Crosby, and also recorded with Keith Moon. Miguel later joined a neighborhood band called Seduction of the Innocent. It was one of his bandmates, Bill Mumy who gave him his first acting role as a drummer in the television series, Sunshine.

This opportunity introduced Ferrer into acting and he ditched music and began making guest appearances in television series during the 1980s. His father’s acting career also facilitated his upcoming career by providing him opportunities on the bigger screens. In 1981, he starred as a younger version of his father in the TV crime drama, Magnum, P.I.

Career

Miguel continued to play minor acting roles until 1987 when he landed his major and breakthrough role as Bob Morton in the action movie, RoboCop. He later starred in other movies and TV series including Deepstar Six (1989), Valentino Returns (1989), Hooperman (1988), and Shannon’s Deal (1989) among others.

Most remarkable in his acting career during the ’90s was his role as Albert Rosenfield, a cynical and abrasive FBI forensics specialist in the mystery horror drama, Twin Peaks (1990 – 91). In 1992, Ferrer reprised the role of Rosenfield in the movie Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me. His other notable movies and TV shows during the ’90s include Revenge (1990), Broken Badges (1990-1991), Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993), Fallen Angels (1995), Hercules (1998), The Night Flier (1997), and Where’s Marlowe? (1998).

Coming down to the 2000s, Ferrer once again starred as a medical examiner, Dr. Garret Macy, in the television crime drama series Crossing Jordan (2001 – 2007). In 2003, he made his first New York stage appearance in the off-Broadway production of The Exonerated. In 2004, Ferrer performed as the voice of the Heretic leader in the video game, Halo 2. Later on, took voice-over roles in the TV series Robot Chicken (2006) and American Dad! (2007). He also appeared in NBC series Bionic Woman and Kings in 2007 and 2009 respectively.

Progressing in his career, Ferrer played Los Angeles Police Lieutenant Felix Valdez in the 2011 lifetime police procedural drama, The Protector. Also in 2011, he made a multiple-episode guest appearance on the final season of ABC’s comedy-drama series, Desperate Housewives. In 2012, he was cast as a Naval Criminal Investigative Service Assistant Director, Owen Granger in the police procedural series, NCIS: Los Angeles. He also starred in the 2013 film, Iron Man 3 as the Vice President.

Married Life

Miguel Ferrer got married to American actress and Basic Instinct star, Leilani Sarelle in 1991. The couple had two children together – Lucas Ferrer (born 1993) and Rafael Ferrer (born 1996). After thirteen years of successful union, the couple went their separate ways in 2003.

After ending his marriage with Leilani, Miguel had a fleeting fling with Kate Dornan which produced a son, Jose Robert Ferrer in 2004. In 2005, the movie star got remarried to a movie producer, Lori Weintraub whom he was with until his death. They had no kids together.

Miguel Ferrer’s Death

The outstanding movie icon, Miguel Ferrer died on Thursday, the 19th of January, 2017 at the age of 61. He gave up in his home in Santa Monica after a long battle with throat cancer. It was indeed, a very impactful life for Miguel Ferrer, especially for those who followed his TV appearances. In his 36-year acting career, Ferrer played over a hundred roles on television series, movies, video games, and music videos. His last TV roles before his departure were on season seven of NCIS: Los Angeles and on the revival of Twin Peaks.

After his passing, Ferrer was posthumously portrayed in two more seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles which were filmed before he died. More so, his friend Peter David also revealed that he named Miguel O’Hara, the Spider-Man of 2099, after him.

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