is a staple on television sets thanks to its hugely impressive run of 19 seasons spanning nearly twenty years.

The Naval criminal investigation drama, which, up until very recently, starred Mark Harmon as the lead character Supervisory Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, has welcomed many well-known faces onto the show over the years.

But, sadly, some of them are no longer with us. Carry on reading to take a look back at the stars who have sadly passed away as we celebrate their legacy...

Vachik Mangassarian

Vachik Mangassarian appeared on in two different characters as well as its spin-off series , so he was a familiar face to fans of the drama. The actor, who was also known for his roles in and, died in January 2022 at the age of 78. His agent confirmed to that he had passed away from COVID-19 complications at his home in Burbank, California.

Vachik Mangassarian played more than one character on the show

Heath Freeman

On 14 November 2021, Heath Freeman died aged 41. The actor, who played the role of Benjamin Frank in the popular show, died suddenly which prompted many other stars and actors to pay tribute to him. After appearing in NCIS, he went on to star as Howard Epps in . It was later revealed by the Travis County Medical Examiner that Heath had died from an accidental overdose of combined drugs.

Heath Freeman sadly died in 2021

Gregory Itzin

More recently, Gregory Itzin, died in July 2022 at the age of 74. The actor was known was playing the part of Spencer Downing and Director Charlie on , first in 2003 and in 2020. He was also famed for his parts in shows like , and . Gregory died following complications during emergency surgery.  

Gregory Itzin died last month

Harriet Margulies

Although Harriet Margulies was not an actor on, she was an "integral" part of the show, so when the producer's assistant and longtime staff member passed away in 2021,

An episode, which aired around the time of her death, showed a sweet photo of Harriet before the closing credits with the caption: "In memory of our friend and colleague Harriet Margulies. We will miss you." According to a CBS spokesperson, Harriet died on 30 October at her home in Northridge, California, after suffering a stroke.

NCIS paid a sweet tribute to their longtime staff member, Harriet

Miguel Ferrer

Miguel Ferrer, who was first cousin to fellow actor George Clooney, appeared on for seven seasons as Assistant Director Owen Granger. Miguel also appeared in television shows such as Crossing Jordan and the film, RoboCop.

The actor sadly passed away in January 2017 from throat cancer aged 61. At the time, his cousin George paid tribute to him in a statement, calling him a "giant" in our world. "Miguel made the world brighter and funnier, and his passing is felt so deeply in our family," he said.

Miguel Ferrer appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles

Ravil Isyanov

Ravil Isyanov, who starred in , died in September 2021 from cancer aged 59. Although it's unclear which form of cancer the actor had, his manager Frederick Levy confirmed the news to PEOPLE, calling him a "true gentleman".

Ravil Isyanov died in 2021

The Russian-born actor portrayed mobster Anatoli Kirkin in the hit show from 2013 until his sad death.