NCIS actor Heath Freeman dies aged 41—celebrities and fans pay tribute

NCIS actor Heath Freeman, who also starred in Bones, is remembered as an actor, director, producer, and 'solid friend'

Heath Freeman attends the premiere of "Why Not Choose Love: A Mary Pickford Manifesto" at Theatre at the Ace Hotel on June 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
(Image credit: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Aoife Hanna
By Aoife Hanna
published

It's been revealed that NCIS actor Heath Freeman has died aged 41. The talented actor, director, and producer is best known as Benjamin Frank in the hit series NCIS and as Howard Epps in Bones.

Heath's manager Joe S. Montefiore confirmed the sad news.

"We are truly devastated at the loss of our beloved Heath Freeman. A brilliant human being with an intense and soulful spirit, he leaves us with an indelible imprint in our hearts," he said in a statement shared with Deadline (opens in new tab).

Joe continued, "His life was filled with deep loyalty, affection, and generosity towards his family and friends, and an extraordinary zest for life."

The actor studied acting and film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in New York City, before going on to study at The University of Texas at Austin. He left an impressive legacy—both professionally and personally.

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Joe added, "He was extremely proud of his recent film work and was very excited for the next chapter of his career. His remarkable legacy as a son, brother, uncle, friend, extraordinarily gifted actor and producer, consummate cook, and man with the most infectious and spectacular laugh, will live on forever. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him."

Shanna Moakler, who was formerly married to, Keeping Up With the Kardashians star, Kourtney Kardashian's new fiancee Travis Barker also shared her devastation. 

She said, "Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my dear friend Heath Freeman, talented actor, director, producer, outstanding chef, and a solid friend. You will be so dearly missed and I will cherish every amazing memory we all had.... and we have a lot of great ones!!Godspeed."

A post shared by Shanna Moakler (@shannamoakler) (opens in new tab)

A photo posted by on

Although there has been no official cause of death announced, Shanna claimed in a comment on her post that the star, "passed in his sleep yesterday in his home in Austin.”

Musician Richie Kotzen also shared a photo of him alongside Heath that read, "What a hard hit... Rest In Peace my brother Heath Freeman. No words... my love and condolences to the Freeman family. 💔"

Aoife Hanna
Aoife Hanna
Junior News Editor

Aoife is Junior News Editor at woman&home.

She's an Irish journalist and writer with a background in creative writing, comedy, and TV production.

Formerly Aoife was a contributing writer at Bustle and her words can be found in the Metro, Huffpost, Delicious, Imperica, EVOKE and her poetry features in the Queer Life, Queer Love anthology.

Outside of work you might bump into her at a garden center, charity shop, yoga studio, lifting heavy weights, or (most likely) supping/eating some sort of delicious drink/meal.

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