'NCIS' Dedicates Episode to Showrunner Who Died Unexpectedly With Sweet Tribute

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Gary Glasberg died in his sleep on Sept. 28 in Los Angeles.


NCIS
is paying tribute to one of its leaders.

Less than a week after showrunner Gary Glasberg died unexpectedly, the long-running CBS procedural honored his legacy with a sweet end card following Tuesday’s episode.

A photo of Glasberg was displayed on the screen along with a statement -- the same one that was shared last Wednesday -- from the entire cast and crew of NCIS.

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“Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and keen insight,” the message read. “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

Glasberg, who also created NCIS: New Orleans, died in his sleep on Sept. 28 in Los Angeles. He was 50.

Former NCIS star Michael Weatherly expressed his sympathy to Glasberg’s family last week. “What sad a day this is,” the Bull star wrote on Twitter. “Gary Glasberg was a gentle man and gentleman loved by so many people. Send your love to his family.”

New series regular Wilmer Valderrama was equally emotional about Glasberg’s death. “#NCIS has lost an incredible man & leader,” he tweeted. “Gary Glasberg I’m grateful 4 ur trust & love, till we meet again. We’ll make you proud.”

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Longtime star Pauley Perrette wrote that their “hearts are collectively broken.” “In shock and sadness,” she tweeted. “There are no words.”

In 2009, Glasberg joined NCIS as co-executive producer and writer, and in 2011, he was promoted to showrunner of the No. 1 scripted TV drama. In 2014, he launched the successful franchise spinoff, NCIS: New Orleans.

Glasberg is survived by his wife and sons, as well as his father, Edwin Glasberg, and his sister, Mindy Glasberg. A memorial service is being planned for October.


NCIS
airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

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