NCIS showrunner George Schenck dies aged 82: 'Changed the face of the show'
Former NCIS showrunner George Schenck has died. He was 82.
The beloved member of the NCIS family passed away peacefully at his home in California on August 3, per Deadline.
Schenck was a television writer, producer and showrunner for the long-running CBS police procedural series.
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George Schenck (pictured second from right) has died aged 82. Getty
Born on February 12, 1942 to late film and television producer Aubrey Schenck, he grew up to carve his own way in the television industry.
Schenck and his producing partner Frank Cardea led their own production company Schenck/ Cardea Productions.
Schenck's impressive writing and producing credits span back to the 1960s and include the 1980s television series Crazy Like A Fox and the 1990s television series Solider of Fortune, Inc. as well as numerous NCIS credits.
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Schenck joined the NCIS family as a writer and producer with the first season that aired in September 2003. He collaborated with his producing partner Cardea throughout his time at NCIS and became an integral part of the show's long-running success.
In 2009, for the show's ninth season Schenck stepped up as executive producer and acting in this role for seven seasons before retiring in 2018.
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NCIS actor Mark Harmon has expressed his condolences for his late colleague. CBS via Getty Images
On learning of Schenck's death, NCIS star Mark Harmon expressed his condolences.
"So sorry to hear the news on George," Harmon said, per The Hollywood Reporter.
"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 is survived by his children, Kirk and Jeff, his daughters-in-law Allison and Natalie, and five grandchildren.
He was married to wife Virginia for more than 50 years before she died in March last year.
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