published on in blog

George Schenck, NCIS Showrunner, Dies at 82

George Schenck, a TV writer, producer and showrunner on CBS’ police procedural “NCIS,” died at his home in Brentwood, Calif., on Aug. 3. He was 82.

Born on February 12, 1942, Schenck graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in screenwriting and earned a graduate degree in the first class of the Film School’s new writers’ program. After attending school, he served in the U.S. Navy. His father, Aubrey Schenck, was an independent producer along with his great uncles, Nicholas and Joseph Schenck, who ran MGM and 20th Century Fox.

In addition to writing and producing many episodes of “NCIS,” Schenck wrote indie movies and collaborated with his writing and producing partner Frank Cardea on shows like “Crazy Like a Fox,” “Bring ’em Back” and “Pros and Cons.” Schenck joined the “NCIS” writing staff in its first season. He became an executive producer in Season 9, and he and Cardea were named co-showrunners after the death of Gary Glasberg in 2016. Schenck retired in 2018 after writing more than 40 episodes of “NCIS.”

Related Stories

Icons representing film, music, books and news being connected by AI nodes and lines VIP+

Generative AI & Licensing: A Special Report

Secret Level

'Secret Level' Director Tim Miller and Epic Games Execs Talk Hollywood's Relationship With Unreal Engine as Version 5.5 Launches

“So sorry to hear the news on George,” said “NCIS” star and producer Mark Harmon in a statement. “The professionalism and tenacity of George and Frank changed the face of the show. I’m so appreciative of the team and teamwork they both represented.”

Popular on Variety

Schenck was predeceased by his wife Virginia, who died last year. He is survived by their children, Kirk and Jeff; his daughters-in-law Allison and Natalie; and grandchildren Aidan, Andrew, Ryan, Jordan and Owen.

A private memorial service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Writers Guild Foundation in Schenck’s memory.

Read More About:

Jump to Comments

More from Variety

Most Popular

Must Read

Sign Up for Variety Newsletters

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy.We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. // This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Variety Confidential

A Variety and iHeartRadio Podcast

ncG1vNJzZmiukae2psDYZ5qopV9nfXOAjq2taKeSnsG2rdGinKxloJq8sbjEZqWer6NktKa70aCcZquTnbKvr8pmm56ZlGK7pLXSZqqhp6enwq%2B6xKtkampja316gZRtaGg%3D