NCIS showrunner George Schenck dead at 82 as actor Mark Harmon praises how he ‘changed the face of the show’ in tribute

GEORGE Schenck, an NCIS writer and longtime showrunner, has died at the age of 82.

George died on Saturday at his home in Los Angeles, according to a CBS spokesperson.

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The respected writer was best known for working on the crime drama NCIS for the show’s first 15 seasons alongside his creative partner, Frank Cardea.

However, George was also the mind behind another CBS program, the 1982 series Bring ‘Em Back Alive, which starred actor Bruce Boxleitner.

Mark Harmon, of NCIS fame, was quick to react to George’s death, as he stated, “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,” he concluded.

Born on February 12, 1942, George was the son of late film and TV producer Aubrey Schenck (Robinson Crusoe on Mars, Kill a Dragon).

George graduated from the prestigious University of Southern California with a degree in screenwriting and went on to earn a graduate degree in the first class of the Film School’s new writer’s program.

After he finished school, George served in the US Navy before embarking on his writing career.

His early credits include one episode each of the 1965 TV shows The Wild Wild West and Branded, as well as Hondo and Bonanza.

He also served as a writer for movies like Don’t Worry, We’ll Think of a Title (1966) and More Dead Than Alive (1969), starring Clint Walker.

After a brief stint as a solo writer for independent films, George joined forces with Frank and the duo worked on multiple series including Crazy Like a Fox, The Cosby Mysteries, and Pros and Cons.

However, the CBS police procedural remains their most successful collaboration.

George and Frank wrote nearly 50 episodes of NCIS, beginning with the show’s debut season in 2003, before they were promoted to co-showrunners in the aftermath of Gary Glasberg’s death in 2016.

In a joint statement at the time, the writing partners said, “It’s with heavy hearts that we assume his duties.”

George retired in 2018, while Frank remained with NCIS until 2022.

George Schenck's Notable Works

Here are some of the most notable projects George is best known for:

NCIS: 2003- 2018 (Executive producer)

Bring ‘Em Back Alive: 1982 – 1983 (Co-executive producer)

The Hit Man: 1991 (Executive producer)

Fantasy Island: 1981 (Co-supervising producer)

Bonanza: 1970 (Writer)

The Wild Wild West: 1965 (Writer)

A fan account of the show honored George’s contribution to NCIS in a heartfelt tribute on X , formerly Twitter.

“Rest in Peace George, thank you so much for 15 years of contribution to this show and franchise. Sending love to all his family and the NCIS cast and crew!” the post read.

His passing follows last year’s death of his wife of more than 50 years, Virginia Schenck.

They are survived by their two sons, Kirk and Jeff, daughters-in-law- Allison and Natalie, and grandchildren, Aidan, Andrew, Ryan, Jordan, and Owen.

A private memorial service will be held for the proflic screenwriter’s family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, George’s family has asked that donations be made to the Writer’s Guild Foundation in support of young aspiring writers starting out in the industry.

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