Gary Glasberg, the show-runner of America’s most successful show ‘NCIS‘ (and the co-creator of its sister show ‘NCIS: New Orleans‘) has died suddenly at the age of only 50…
Industry sites Deadline and Variety both reported the sad news in the last few hours, with CBS, the network that broadcasts the shows, being quoted as saying that Glasberg died in his sleep.
In an official collective statement from the cast, they said that: “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.”
“Today is an overwhelmingly sad day for ‘NCIS,’ CBS and anyone who was blessed to spend time with Gary Glasberg,” Glenn Geller, the CBS Entertainment president added. “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.”
“He epitomized the word ‘mensch’ and brought kindness, integrity and class to everything he did,” said CBS Television Studios president David Stapf. “His remarkable talent as a writer and producer was only matched by his ability to connect with people,” Stapf said. “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.”
Cote de Pablo, who starred as Ziva in the series told Deadline that: “I worked with Gary Glasberg for years during my time at NCIS. The news is shocking and sad. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and his two kids, with the cast and crew…..I will remember him by his great big smile.” Michael Weatherly, who left the show last season (and is currently starring in new CBS show Bull, tweeted: “What sad a day this is. Gary Glasberg was a gentle man and gentleman loved by so many people. Send your love to his family.”
Glasberg who worked as a writer then producer then co-executive producer on many shows had a long list of past credits including shows such as Swift Justice, Mercy Point, L.A. Doctors, The $treet, Crossing Jordan,Shark, The Mentalist and Bones. He joined NCIS in 2009 and a year later was promoted to executive producer and became the showrunner in 2011. As well as NCIS he also created the third NCIS show set in New Orleans and starring Scott Bakula in the lead role.
His passing was sudden and unexpected – he had just signed a further three year production deal with CBS. Almost everyone who had worked with him described him as always-smiling and a great person to work with – hugely respected within the industry. He is survived by his wife (television producer and screenwriter, Mimi Schmir), two sons, Dash and Eli and both his father and sister.
It is not known if Gary’s passing will overtly affect the directions of any of the NCIS shows, which often have their basic series story-arcs planned well in advance.
A memorial service is planned for October.
