Departures of note

Mark Piznarski was an American television and film director best known as a specialist in teen drama. He directed the pilot episodes of Gossip Girl, Veronica Mars, Everwood and Relativity, and worked on My So-Called Life, Friday Night Lights, 90210, NYPD Blue, Riverdale and Once and Again. He also directed the Gossip Girl series finale, "New York, I Love You XOXO." Beyond television, Piznarski directed the 2000 theatrical film Here on Earth, starring Chris Klein, Leelee Sobieski and Josh Hartnett, as well as television films including Death Benefit, The '60s and Soccer Moms. The Veronica Mars character Stosh "Piz" Piznarski was named in tribute to him, reflecting his early work on that series. He died in 2026 at the age of 71.