As we wait for the highly anticipatedprequel seriesNCIS: Origins, viewers are instead met with devastating news.George Schenck, who played a significant part in the making ofNCISfor 20 years, passed away on Saturday. CBS announced the heartbreaking news over the weekend, and consequently, theNCIScast and crew have been mourning his death ever since.Mark Harmon, who has worked with Schenck on NCIS since 2003, recently shared a heartfelt message in remembrance of his former boss. Having maintained a precious bond with the late George Schenck, here is what Harmon stated in the statement:
“So sorry to hear the news about George.The professionalism and tenacity of George and Frank changed the face of the show.I’m so appreciative of the team and the teamwork they both represented."
According to the news shared byCBS, the TV veteran has passed away at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. The news becomes even more heartbreaking when we learn that his wife Virginia passed away a year ago, in March 2023. George and Virginia’s family members include sons Kirk and Jeff, daughters-in-law Allison and Natalie, and grandchildren Ryan, Andrew, Aidan, Owen, and Jordan.
George Schenck’s Legacy Will Live on for Many Generations
Although George Schenck is best recognized for his contributions as a writer, producer, and showrunner onNCIS, he has had a significant impact on other TV shows since the 1980s. Prior toNCIS, Schenck was the owner of Schenck/Cardea Productions, a production company that was affiliated with Columbia Pictures in the 1980s. His other well-known works includeFutureworld(which won a Hugo Award for Best Drama Presentation),Crazy Like a Fox, andBring ‘Em Back Alive, where he served as writer and producer.
20 Best Episodes NCIS Has to Offer
Considering the plot, character development, emotional resonance, and how well they embody NCIS’ mix of action and humor, here are the best episodes.
Schenck, who was born on July 02, 2025, always sought to create something for Hollywood, having graduated with a screenwriting degree from USC and starting his remarkable career as a screenwriter withThe Wild Wild West, one ofthe most popular Western TV seriesof the 1960s. After joining the creative team of NCIS, he became a writing partner for Frank Cardea, and the two eventually rose to the position of showrunners for Season 9, managing the entire production.
Even though Schenck joinedNCISin 2003, he had onlywritten 43 episodes for the series, some of which includeVanished(Season 2, Episode 3),Heart Break(Season 2, Episode 8), andNo Good Deed(Season 12, Episode 20). Being one of the most successful TV shows of the 21st century,NCIShas greatly benefited from Schenck’s persistent efforts. While his achievement as a writer is certainly commendable, being a producer and showrunner at the same time speaks volumes about how much he cared about the show overall.
Although Mark Harmon honored the late actor in a tribute of his own following his passing, everyone who was acquainted with Schenck will grieve this unfortunate incident in their own way. Nonetheless, Schenck’s legacy as one of the most influential writers and showrunners will live on in the hearts of both his fans and peers.
