Millions of people lost a good friend yesterday. They may not have known his face, but they knew his heart.
Gary Glasberg, Executive Producer/Showrunner of NCIS and Executive Producer/Creator of NCIS: NEW ORLEANS passed away in his sleep on Wednesday.
It is no secret to readers that Glasberg has been my favorite television writer for many years. He had the ability to make me laugh and cry (occasionally at the same time) with a mere sentence.
Gary made the values of loyalty, trust and honor “acceptable” in a world full of uncertainty. His words gave us hope and faith in people when events made us doubt each other.
We responded to his craftsmanship by expanding the show’s loyal following. Joining NCIS in its seventh season, Glasberg helped guide the franchise flagship to become the most-watched television drama in the world.
“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 said in a statement. “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.”
Glasberg was married to producer Mimi Schmir (GREY’S ANATOMY) for twenty years and they have two sons. Born in New York, Glasberg began his career writing comic books and for animation. Before joining NCIS, Glasberg brought his talents to many television shows, notably THE MENTALIST, CROSSING JORDAN and BONES.
“Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and keen insight,” the NCIS cast and crew said in a statement released by CBS. “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.”
Glasberg was only 50-years-old, yet he managed to provide us with a lifetime of memories.
Fair Winds, Following Seas and Semper Fi, Gary. You have our admiration, our loyalty, our smiles and our tears.