Former NCIS Showrunner George Schenck Dead at 82
Former NCIS showrunner George Schenck passed away peacefully at his home in Brentwood, Calif. on Aug. 3. He was 82.
Schenck and longtime writing partner Frank Cardea started off at NCIS in early Season 1, first serving as consulting producers. They became executive producers in Season 9, and were named co-showrunners in Season 14 (after the sudden passing of five-season showrunner Gary Glasberg).
Mark Harmon, who through early Season 19 starred on NCIS as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and still serves as an executive producer, said in a statement, “So sorry to hear the news on George. 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 with Cardea penned dozens of NCIS episodes, including the series’ 250th. As co-showrunners, Schenck and Cardea oversaw the Season 15 introduction of Maria Bello as forensic psychologist Jacqueline “Jack” Sloane as well as the late Season 15 exit of original cast member Pauley Perrette, who played Abby.
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Schenck was born on February 12, 1942, and pursued his love for writing by studying at the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a degree in screenwriting. He also achieved a graduate degree in the first class of the Film School’s new writers’ program.
After serving in the U.S. Navy and then a brief solo career as a writer on independent movies, Schenck collaborated with Cardea on TV series such as CBS’ Crazy Like a Fox (starring Jack Warden and John Rubinstein), CBS’ Bring ‘Em Back Alive (starring Bruce Boxleitner) and ABC’s Pros and Cons (with James Earl Jones and Richard Crenna). Schenck joined the NCIS writing staff in its first season, and served as a showrunner from fall 2016 until his retirement in 2018.
Schenck’s wife of more than 50 years, Virginia, passed last year. He is survived by their two children, Kirk and Jeff, along with five grandchildren.
