Mark Harmon is remembering the “professionalism and tenacity” of former NCIS showrunner George Schenck after his death at 82 years old on Aug. 3.
Schenck, who passed away peacefully at his home in Brentwood, Califorina, was a part of NCIS from the start. He and longtime writing partner Frank Cardeajoined the CBS show early in Season 1 as consulting producers, rising to the role of executive producers in Season 9 before being named co-showrunners in Season 14 after the unexpected death of former showrunner Gary Glasberg. Schenck retired in 2018 from the series.
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Harmon, who starred in Seasons 1 through 19 as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and still acts as an executive producer on the series, told Deadline in a statement after Schenck’s passing, “So sorry to hear the news on George. 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.”
Harmon continues to carry on the NCIS legacy as narrator and executive producer on the upcoming spinoff NCIS: Origins as well. Ahead of the Oct. 14 premiere of the new series, which stars Austin Stowell as a young Gibbs, Harmon said he was “pleased” to continue on with the NCIS franchise after taking a step back from his character in 2021.
“I’m just pleased to be part of it,” said Harmon last month at the show’s TCA panel. “And I’m a distant part of it really because I’m not there to make any big moves or anything. I’m just there to support. And how can I help? And if you need my help, great. And if not, that’s okay too. And so far, they’re all doing just fine.”
The actor’s son, Sean Harmon, will also serve as an executive producer on the show, having previously appeared on NCIS as a younger version of his father’s character. It was his idea that sparked the upcoming spin-off. His father said of their creative collaboration at the TCAs, “I don’t know what to say other than I’m pleased to be part of this team. And I’m fine with the step back to let this cast do their work. We spent a lot of time in rooms, finding this group that sits in front of you.”
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LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 23: "Home of the Brave" — Torres boldly breaks protocol when he learns a witness in an NCIS case is wanted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Also, Abby, Bishop and McGee woo landlord Tony DiNozzo Sr. (Robert Wagner) in the hope of subletting Tony's apartment, on NCIS, Tuesday, Nov. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Mark Harmon (Photo by Bill Inoshita/CBS via Getty Images) -
NCIS: ORIGINS follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, and is narrated by Mark Harmon. In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). NCIS: ORIGINS stars Austin Stowell as young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks, Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez, Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan and Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland. Flagship series star Mark Harmon will narrate and executive produce. In addition to Harmon, Sean Harmon, David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal will executive produce, with North and Monreal co-writing the premiere episode and serving as co-showrunners. Niels Arden Oplev will executive produce and direct the pilot. The series is produced by CBS Studios. ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -
VALENCIA – DECEMBER 7: "Jet Lag" — Michael Weatherly as Special Agent Tony DiNozzo and Cote de Pablo as Probationary NCIS Agent Ziva David on NCIS, Tuesday Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images)
