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Gary Glasberg dead: ‘NCIS’ showrunner dies suddenly in his sleep at age 50

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Gary Glasberg

In this July 17, 2014 file photo, Gary Glasberg executive producer/showrunner of “NCIS” appears at the “NCIS: New Orleans” panel at the CBS 2014 Summer TCA in Beverly Hills, Calif.

(Richard Shotwell | Invision | AP)

“NCIS” showrunner Gary Glasberg is dead at age 50, CBS has announced.

The longtime television producer and creator of spinoff series “NCIS: New Orleans” died suddenly in his sleep Wednesday in Los Angeles. His cause of death is currently unknown, according to USA Today.

Glasberg worked on “The Mentalist,” “Crossing Jordan” and “Bones” before joining “NCIS” as an executive producer and showrunner in 2009. The series, starring Mark Harmon and Pauley Perrette as members of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, has been TV’s most-watched drama for the past seven years with an average of more than 20 million viewers.

“Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and keen insight,” the “NCIS” cast said in a statement. “‘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 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. Our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies go out to his wife, Mimi, his two sons and all his family and friends.”

Variety reports Glasberg, a New York native, got his start in comic books and animated series for Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros., Disney and Nickelodeon. He wrote for “Rugrats,” “Duckman” and “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” before transitioning to drama in the late ’90s.

According to THR, Glasberg is survived by his wife of 20 years, screenwriter Mimi Schmir, and two sons. He also leaves behind his father and sister.
A memorial service is being planned for October.