'NCIS' showrunner Gary Glasberg dead at 50

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Gary Glasberg, the executive producer and showrunner of NCIS, died in his sleep Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 50.

The New York native was also the executive producer and creator of NCIS: New Orleans. His additional television credits include Shark, The Mentalist, Crossing Jordan, The $treet and Bones.

  He was married for 20 years to television producer and screenwriter, Mimi Schmir, and they have two sons, Dash and Eli.

"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," the NCIS cast and crew said in a statement.

"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," added Glenn Geller, president of CBS Entertainment.

"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," remarked David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios.