'NCIS' Boss Gary Glasberg Dies at 50: The Show 'Will Not Be the Same Without Him'
The NCIS team is in mourning.
Gary Glasberg, the longtime showrunner of NCIS and creator of NCIS: New Orleans, died in his sleep on Wednesday in Los Angeles, CBS has confirmed. He was 50.
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"Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and [his] keen insight," the NCIS cast and crew said in a statement Wednesday. "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," CBS Entertainment President Glenn Geller said. "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, President of CBS Television Studios, who produces NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans, echoed the heartfelt sentiments. "We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Gary Glasberg," he said. "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," Stapf added. "Our hearts go out to his wife, Mimi, two sons, his entire family and all those who loved him."
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In 2009, Glasberg joined NCIS as co-executive producer and writer, and in 2011, he was promoted to showrunner of the No. 1 scripted TV drama. In 2014, he launched the successful franchise spinoff, NCIS: New Orleans.
Glasberg started his writing career two decades ago, writing comic books and animation for companies like Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon and Hanna Barbera. Prior to shepherding the NCIS franchise, his TV credits included Shark, The Mentalist, Crossing Jordan and Bones.
Glasberg is survived by his wife and sons, as well as his father, Edwin Glasberg, and his sister, Mindy Glasberg. A memorial service is being planned for October.
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