RIP Ralph Waite

Actor Ralph Waite passed away on Thursday, February 13 at the age of 85. Waite guest-starred in eight episodes of NCIS as Jackson Gibbs, the father of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon). His first appearance was in 2008’s “Heartland”, and he most recently appeared in “Better Angels” earlier this season. Here’s a statement from the cast and crew:

Everyone at NCIS is deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Ralph Waite. Ralph was family to us, a tremendous talent and a very special man. We truly cherish the time we had with him. Our hearts and prayers go out to his loved ones.

After the jump, you can find a series of tweets from the cast and crew about Waite’s death.

So Sad. Ralph Waite has passed away. Papa Gibbs. We love him at NCIS SO much. So so sad.

— Pauley Perrette (@PauleyP) February 14, 2014

So sad to hear about the passing of Ralph Waite yesterday. He was a wonderful human being, and he will be missed greatly.

— Brian Dietzen (@BrianDietzen) February 14, 2014

Just heard about Ralph Waite's passing. The #NCIS family will miss him. Ralph was a wonderful man and terrific actor.

— Dennis Smith (@NCISDIR) February 14, 2014

“@PauleyP: So Sad. Ralph Waite has passed away. Papa Gibbs. We love him at NCIS SO much. So so sad.” One of the nicest!!!

— Katie Barker (@KBarkertweets) February 14, 2014

Grew up watching Ralph Waite on The Waltons, and was lucky enough to watch him as Gibbs' dad on the #NCIS set. A lovely sweet man… #RIP

— Nicole Mirante (@NicoleMirante) February 14, 2014

R.I.P. Ralph Waite. My friend, my co-worker … as Probie's father.

— Muse Watson (@MuseWatson) February 14, 2014

#NCIS family is deeply saddened by the passing of their beloved "Papa Gibbs," Ralph Waite. http://t.co/2miTxZ3nmf pic.twitter.com/j0zoKpN5gJ

— NCIS (@NCIS_CBS) February 14, 2014

Finally, here’s some information about an NCIS marathon featuring Waite’s character on the USA Network:

In tribute to the late great Ralph Waite next Wed's 4p-11p (ET) NCIS episodes will all feature his character Jackson Gibbs

— Ted Linhart (@TedOnTV) February 14, 2014