Beloved Legend Passes Away This Morning at His Home in Los Angeles

Longtime NCIS writer and director George Schenck has died at the age of 82.

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

Most famously, the esteemed author worked with Frank Cardea on the first 15 seasons of the crime thriller NCIS.

However, George was also the creator of Bring ‘Em Back Alive, another CBS program that debuted in 1982 and featured Bruce Boxleitner.

“I’m sorry to hear the news about George,” NCIS cast member Mark Harmon said upon learning of George’s death.

Finally, he added, “I’m so grateful for the teamwork and unity they both showed.” “George and Frank’s hard work and professionalism turned the show around.”

On February 12, 1942, George was born. The late Aubrey Schenck, and his father, produced television series and films, including Kill a Dragon and Robinson Crusoe on Mars.

George studied screenwriting at the prestigious University of Southern California. He then completed his master’s degree in the inaugural class of the Film School’s new writing program.

Before writing, George served in the US Navy after graduating from high school.

His early work included appearances on Bonanza, Branded, Hondo, and one episode of Wild Wild West, all broadcast in 1965.

In addition, he co-wrote with Clint Walker films including More Dead Than Alive (1969) and Don’t Worry, We’ll Think of a Title (1966).

George and Frank worked together on a number of television series, including Pros and Cons, The Cosby Mystery, and Crazy Like a Fox, after George briefly worked as a freelance writer on indie films.

Their best collaboration, however, remains the CBS police procedural.

Beginning with the first season of NCIS in 2003, George co-wrote nearly 50 episodes with Frank. They were appointed co-showrunners following the death of Gary Glasberg in 2016.

“It is with a heavy heart that we take over his duties,” they said in a joint statement at the time.

George left NCIS in 2018, but Frank stayed until 2022.

George’s efforts on NCIS on X, formerly Twitter, were recognized by a fan account for the show.

“Rest in Peace” George, I sincerely appreciate all your efforts over the past 15 years for this series and franchise. Along with the cast and crew of NCIS, I adore him and his family. The post stated.

His wife of more than fifty years, Virginia Schenck, preceded him in death.

They will be missed by their nieces Allison and Natalie, their two sons Kirk and Jeff, and their grandsons Aidan, Andrew, Ryan, Jordan, and Owen.

The screenwriter’s family and close friends will attend a private service to say goodbye.

George’s family has asked that donations be sent in lieu of flowers to the Writer’s Guild Foundation, which supports aspiring young writers.

George Schenck’s departure marks the end of an era in the television industry, particularly *NCIS*, where his contributions as a writer and co-creator helped shape the beloved series into the iconic franchise it is today.

During his remarkable career, George not only co-created and shaped *NCIS*, but also left his mark on a number of other projects, from *Bring ‘Em Back Alive* to *Crazy Like a Fox*. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering professionalism have earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues, cast members, and fans alike. 

Despite his incredible achievements, George remained a humble and dedicated person who is fondly remembered by those who worked with him. His legacy will live on not only through the characters and stories he helped bring to life but also through the writers he taught and inspired. The outpouring of love and respect from the *NCIS* family and beyond highlights the profound impact he had on the entertainment industry. 

George’s passing is a loss not only to his family and friends but also to the wider world of television and storytelling. As his family mourns his death, they find comfort in knowing that his work touched so many lives. To honor his memory, they are asking for donations to the Writers Guild Foundation to ensure his passion for storytelling continues to inspire future generations of writers.