Gary Glasberg

Gary Glasberg was a writer and producer who was executive producer and showrunner of the CBS drama NCIS and executive producer and creator of NCIS: New Orleans.

Born in New York City, Glasberg began his entertainment industry career in the early 1990s, writing comic books and animation for companies such as Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon, Fox and Hanna-Barbera. his early credits included The Rugrats, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Duckman.

By the mid-’90s he had transitioned to live-action dramas, and went on to write for such series as Crossing Jordan, Shark, The $treet, The Mentalist and Bones.

In 2009, Glasberg joined NCIS as a co-executive producer and writer. In 2011, he became showrunner of the CBS hit, which he helped to become the No. 1 drama in the world and No. 1 drama on U.S. television for five consecutive seasons. In 2014, he created the successful spinoff NCIS: New Orleans.

Glasberg died in his sleep on September 28, 2016, in Los Angeles. He was 50.

In a statement upon his passing, the NCIS cast and crew said: “Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and keen insight. 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.”

CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller said: “Today is an overwhelmingly sad day for NCIS, CBS and anyone who was blessed to spend time with Gary Glasberg. 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.” 

In addition, David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios, said: “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Gary Glasberg. He epitomized the word mensch and brought kindness, integrity and class to everything he did. His remarkable talent as a writer and producer was only matched by his ability to connect with people. Gary was a beloved member of our family and we are so honored that he called CBS his home for so many years. Our hearts go out to his wife, Mimi, two sons, his entire family and all those who loved him.”