‘NCIS’ executive producer, creator of soap operas die
Television has lost two of its most successful producers.
Any fan who follows Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and the team at “NCIS” will mourn the loss of Gary Glasberg. CBS announced that Glasberg, the executive producer and showrunner of TV’s most-watched drama, died Wednesday in his sleep in Los Angeles. He was 50.
Anyone who spent time in Pine Valley with Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) will mourn the passing of Agnes Nixon. She was the creator of “All My Children” as well as “One Life to Live.” Nixon died Wednesday morning at age 93 in Haverford, Pa.
Glasberg was also executive producer and creator of “NCIS: New Orleans,” which stars Scott Bakula.
The cast and crew of the original “NCIS” said in a statement: “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.”
Former “NCIS” star Michael Weatherly tweeted what a sad day it was and added, “Gary Glasberg was a gentle man and gentleman loved by so many people.”
Glasberg joined “NCIS” as a writer and co-executive producer in 2009 and became showrunner in 2011. His other credits include “The Mentalist,” “Crossing Jordan” and “Bones.” He started his career by working on comic books and animation, and he worked for Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon, Fox and HannaBarbera.
He is survived by his wife, TV producer and screenwriter Mimi Schmir, and their two sons, Dash and Eli.
Nixon was a pioneer in daytime drama with the ABC serials “All My Children” and “One Life to Live.” “OLTL” started in 1968 and ran to 2012 on ABC. “All My Children” began in 1970 and left ABC in 2011. Both daytime dramas had brief revivals online.
Lucci, who played Erica, said via Instagram: “I am devastated to learn that we have lost Agnes. I adored her and admired her — and I am forever grateful to her! May this liveliest and loveliest of women rest in peace.”
Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Co., which owns ABC, said: “It is with a heavy heart I mourn the passing of television pioneer Agnes Nixon, someone I was proud to call a friend. Agnes’ impact on daytime television and pop culture is undeniable. She was the first to champion socially relevant topics, and the towns and characters Agnes brought to life leave an indelible imprint on television that will be remembered forever.”
Nixon’s other writing and producing credits included “Loving,” “Guiding Light,” “Another World,” “Search for Tomorrow” and “As the World Turns.”
In 2010, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences gave Nixon a lifetime achievement award and called her “the grand dame of daytime serial drama.”
Nixon is survived by four children. Her funeral Mass will be Saturday in Rosemont, Pa.