Actor Miguel Ferrer dead after battling throat cancer

Los Angeles, Jan 20 (IANS) Actor Miguel Ferrer, who starred in projects like "NCIS: Los Angeles", "RoboCop" and "Iron Man 3", has died after a battle with throat cancer. He was 61.

Ferrer, who was also actor George Clooney's first cousin, was the son of 1950s' top singer Rosemary Clooney and actor Jose Ferrer. He died on Thursday, reported variety.com.

He is survived by his wife, Lori, sons Lukas and Rafi and several brothers and sisters.

In a condolence message, George Clooney said in a statement: "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.

"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. We love you Miguel. We always will."

Writer and executive producer of "NCIS: Los Angeles", R. Scott Gemmill said: "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 humour, and a huge heart."

His TV roles included "Shannon's Deal," "Broken Badges," "Crossing Jordan," "Bionic Woman," and "Desperate Housewives."

He also did voice over for films, TV shows and videogames, including "Mulan", "Superman: The Animated Series", "Robot Chicken", "American Dad!", "The Spectacular Spider-Man" and the "Halo 3" videogame.

Ferrer also portrayed an Excelsior helm officer in "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock." In "Robocop," he played corporate executive and villain Bob Morton.