William Petersen Plans Exit from CSI
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Drama, Prime Time, CBS, News,
The bleeding just won’t stop at CSI.
In the past year, CBS has seen two actors (Gary Dourdan and Jorja Fox) leave its highest-rated show. Now the network will have to work around another major departure.
Although William Petersen signed a new contract earlier this year, it turns out that deal actually came with an exit plan. Entertainment Weekly reports Gil Grissom will only be with the team for part of the program’s 9th season. Petersen, though, won’t be going very far.
According to executive producer Carol Mendelsohn, “Billy is leaving. But he will remain throughout the run of the series an executive producer. And he will, whenever CBS asks, come back. I don’t think you’ve seen the last of Gil Grissom.”
As for how Grissom will leave is, of course, a secret. We do know though that Jorja Fox - who will briefly return to the series - will somehow play a part.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation returns on October 9.
Entertainment Weekly
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More Departures for CSI and Law & Order Franchises
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Drama, Prime Time, CBS, NBC, News,
Earlier this week, we told you CSI‘s Gary Dourdan would soon be saying goodbye to his role as Warrick Brown. Now CBS will be looking to plug another hole in its hit franchise by next year.
According to TV Guide, actress Khandi Alexander is set to place her sunglasses down shortly. Alexander, who has played Alexx Woods since 2002, will be leaving her medical examiner post by the end of CSI: Miami‘s sixth season.
Producers are expected to refill Khandi’s role.
Meanwhile, NBC is also in the middle of its second departure this week. Just days after hearing Diane Neal would be replaced as A.D.A, we learning that Adam Beach will also be departing the Law & Order: SVU family. Since Beach was only contractually obligated for one year, this latest news doesn’t come as a huge surprise. He and the producers mutually agreed not to exercise his second season option.
SVU‘s creators do not plan to find Adam’s replacement.
Hollywood Reporter
Another Actor Quits CSI
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Drama, Prime Time, CBS, News, Rumors,
UPDATE: You can read about Dourdan’s recent drug-related arrest here.
Fans of CSI will probably have some mixed feelings about their casting lineup this fall.
The good news? Just a few weeks ago, lead player William Petersen extended his contract with the CBS show. His current deal had him on the network until next month; his new terms will have him with program through the end of the 2008-09 season.
The bad news? TV Guide is reporting that another cast member has opted against renewing his gig beyond his May expiration date. Gary Dourdan, who has starred as Warrick Brown since 2000, has informed his bosses that he will be leaving the successful franchise. This news comes one year after Jorja Fox chose to walk away as well. (Though her last air date was technically in November.)
Although it’s unclear when or how Dourdan will depart CSI, make sure you have your Tivos prepared for the season finale on May 15.
TV Guide
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