Former NCIS showrunner George Schenck passed away peacefully at his home in Brentwood, Calif., on Aug. 3, at the age of 82.
Schenck, along with his longtime writing partner Frank Cardea, joined NCIS in early Season 1 as consulting producers. The duo became executive producers in Season 9 and were named co-showrunners in Season 14, following the sudden death of five-season showrunner Gary Glasberg.
Mark Harmon, who played Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS and continues to act as an executive producer, shared his condolences, saying, “I’m really sorry to hear about George. The expertise and perseverance of George and Frank altered the course of the show. I am so grateful for the team and teamwork they both represented.”
Schenck and Cardea wrote dozens of NCIS episodes, including the series’ 250th. As co-showrunners, they oversaw key developments like the introduction of Maria Bello’s character, Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane, and the departure of original cast member Pauley Perrette, who played Abby Sciuto.
Born on February 12, 1942, Schenck studied screenwriting at the University of Southern California and later earned a graduate degree from USC’s Film School. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he collaborated with Cardea on TV series like Crazy Like a Fox and Bring ‘Em Back Alive. Schenck retired from NCIS in 2018.
Schenck’s wife, Virginia, died last year. He is survived by two children and five grandchildren.
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