NCIS Showrunner Gary Glasberg Passes Away at Age 50

BURBANK: Gary Glasberg, executive producer and showrunner of NCIS and executive producer and creator of NCIS: New Orleans, has passed away.

Glasberg, 50, passed away in his sleep on September 28 in Los Angeles. He joined NCIS in 2009 as a co-executive producer and writer. Since 2011, he was the showrunner of NCIS, which he led to become the most-watched drama in the world and the number one drama on U.S. television for five consecutive seasons. In 2014, he created the successful spin-off NCIS: New Orleans.

Glasberg’s writing career began nearly 20 years ago, writing comic books and animation for companies such as Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon, Fox and Hanna-Barbera. His additional television credits include Shark and The Mentalist (both on CBS), Crossing Jordan, The $treet and Bones.

He was married for 20 years to television producer and screenwriter Mimi Schmir. They have two sons, Dash and Eli.

The NCIS cast and crew said: “Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and keen insight. NCIS will not be the same without him, and each of us will miss his smiling face and unwavering humor, which lifted us every day.”

Glenn Geller, the president of CBS Entertainment, commented: “Today is an overwhelmingly sad day for NCIS, CBS and anyone who was blessed to spend time with Gary Glasberg. We have lost a cherished friend, gifted creative voice, respected leader and, most memorably, someone whose warmth and kindness was felt by all around him. Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies go out to his wife, Mimi, his two sons and all his family and friends.”

David Stapf, the president of CBS Television Studios, said: “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Gary Glasberg. He epitomized the word mensch and brought kindness, integrity and class to everything he did. His remarkable talent as a writer and producer was only matched by his ability to connect with people. Gary was a beloved member of our family and we are so honored that he called CBS his home for so many years. Our hearts go out to his wife, Mimi, two sons, his entire family and all those who loved him.”

World Screen recently interviewed Glasberg about his NCIS experience. Read the interview here.