Monty Brinton/CBS 2013 CBSThe television world has lost one of its brightest shining lights.
NCIS showrunner Gary Glasberg died Wednesday at the age of 50, E! News can confirm. The Hollywood heavyweight passed away suddenly in his sleep.
Glasberg joined the team behind TV's most-watched crime drama in 2009 as a co-executive producer and writer before later becoming its show runner only two years later. In 2014, he created its successful spin-off series, NCIS: New Orleans.
In a heartfelt statement to E! News, his CBS cast and crew remembered Glasberg: "Gary was our rock, our cheerleader, our team captain. He inspired us with his leadership, his creative instincts and keen insight. 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."
A statement from CBS president Glenn Geller read, "Today is an overwhelmingly sad day for NCIS, CBS and anyone who was blessed to spend time with Gary Glasberg. 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."
David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios, told E! News, "We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Gary Glasberg. He epitomized the word mensch and brought kindness, integrity and class to everything he did. His remarkable talent as a writer and producer was only matched by his ability to connect with people. Gary was a beloved member of our family and we are so honored that he called CBS his home for so many years. Our hearts go out to his wife, Mimi, two sons, his entire family and all those who loved him."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Glasberg recently signed a three-year deal with CBS that would have extended his duties on both NCIS and NCIS: New Orleans to 2019. At the time of his passing, he was running the shows' fourteenth and third seasons, respectively.
Prior to his time on NCIS, Glasberg worked on NBC's Crossing Jordan, CBS' Shark and Fox's Bones.