The NCIS family is mourning the loss of one of its own. George Schenck, a writer, producer, and former showrunner on the CBS procedural died at his home in Brentwood, California this past weekend. He was 82. But how did Schenck die and what has the reaction from the NCIS family been like?
Who is George Schenck from NCIS?
Schenck passed away on August 3 at his home in Brentwood, California. Schenck, a graduate of the University of Southern California, became an executive producer on NCIS in Season 9. He and producing partner Frank Cardea stepped in as co-showrunners of the show in 2016, after the death of Gary Glasberg. Two years later, Schenck retired, after having written more than 40 episodes of NCIS.
The years Schenck was part of NCIS were some of the most successful on the show and some of the most challenging. Season 11 saw Ziva David’s exit, and Season 13 Tony DiNozzo’s exit. At both points, the show was thought to be doomed by many. Instead, NCIS came out stronger and more successful, and the departing actors were replaced by new cast members who fit in just as well. The proof is in the fact that the show is still going strong today, going into Season 22.
Before NCIS, Schenck and Cardea worked together on Fantasy Island, The Cosby Mysteries, The Great Defender, Soldier of Fortune, Inc., and Relic Hunter among others. His early writing credits included episodes of The Wild Wild West and Bonanza and the films Don’t Worry, We’ll Think of a Title (1966) and More Dead Than Alive (1969).
“So sorry to hear the news on George,” NCIS and NCIS: Origins star and producer Mark Harmon said 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.”
Schenck was predeceased by his wife Virginia, who passed away last year. He is survived by their children, Kirk and Jeff, their wives Allison and Natalie, and grandchildren Aidan, Andrew, Ryan, Jordan, and Owen.
Episodes of NCIS can be streamed on Paramount+.