News Archive 2004

Below are various news items about Billy, Marg and the show. If you have any news items you'd like to submit please send the link to news@graveshiftcsi.com

October 1 Now every home can have a crime lab September 30, 2004 In the immortal words of Dave Barry, we are not making this up. Planet Toys has signed a licensing agreement with CBS Consumer Products to produce a line of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" forensic activity kits to be sold at Toys 'R Us, the CBS Store and the CBS Online Store. The first kit will be a CSI: Forensic Facial Reconstructive Kit, available Friday. The other two kits will be available in late October. "These activity kits will appeal to the younger fans of 'CSI,' " says John Tullock, director of marketing for Planet Toys. "The target age is 14 and up. The kits will give the user a chance to discover what it's really like to be a crime scene investigator, and further their interest in forensics." Does this mean your kids will be busy trying it out on every dead squirrel, bird and raccoon in the neighborhood? Let's hope not. The CSI: Forensic Facial Reconstructive Kit will allow the investigator to recreate the skull and realistic facial likeness of a crime scene victim. The kit comes complete with a case that the investigator must solve with the clues provided. (Older readers will remember the board game Clue. The second product released will be a CSI: Forensics Lab. "Everything the young investigator needs to solve the case will be included, such as a microscope and fingerprinting kit," says the toymaker. Bid On Marg's Dress You can bid on the dress Marg wore to the Golden Globe Awards here: Clothes off Our Backs Current price is $1100. More Magazines The cast is on the cover on Entertainment Weekly this week. September 28 'CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION' COMES TO TOYS 'R US THIS FALL Released by CBS "CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION" COMES TO TOYS 'R US THIS FALL NEW YORK, Sept. 28 -- Planet Toys has signed a licensing agreement with CBS Consumer Products to produce a line of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation forensic activity kits to be sold at Toys 'R Us, the CBS Store and the CBS Online Store. The first kit will be a CSI: Forensic Facial Reconstructive Kit, available on October 1, 2004. The other two kits will be available in late October. "These activity kits will appeal to the younger fans of CSI:," says John Tullock, Director of Marketing for Planet Toys. "The target age is 14 and up. The kits will give the user a chance to discover what it's really like to be a crime scene investigator, and further their interest in forensics." Ken Ross, VP and General Manager of CBS Consumer Products, says, "We are pleased with this latest extension of the CSI: brand. As interest in forensic science grows in popularity, this is the perfect addition to our successful licensing program." Jennifer Bennett, Vice President, Merchandising and Licensing of Alliance Atlantis, adds, "These unique products are a terrific example of the perfect license application. In essence, they will allow fans of the show to dive into the world of the series and its characters and deliver a hands-on experience." The CSI: Forensic Facial Reconstructive Kit will allow the investigator to recreate the skull and realistic facial likeness of a crime scene victim. The kit comes complete with a case that the investigator must solve with the clues provided. When they complete the skull and combine it with the clues, they will be able to solve the case and identify the perpetrator. The second product released will be a CSI: Forensics Lab. Everything the young investigator needs to solve the case will be included, such as a microscope and fingerprinting kit. A third kit will be a CSI: DNA Laboratory. This kit will allow the budding scientist to perform different experiments, including exposing the double helix and creating DNA fingerprints. Each kit parallels a CSI: case that must be solved by completing the experiments and analyzing the results. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is currently the #1 drama on television, reaching an average of 26 million viewers per week in the United States. CSI: is starting its fifth season this Fall on CBS. More information about CSI: can be obtained by visiting the official Web site at www.CBS.com and clicking on the CSI: link. Alliance Atlantis Communications holds the worldwide (excluding the U.S.) merchandising rights for the CSI: franchise. CBS Consumer Products, a unit of CBS Enterprises, manages the worldwide licensing, merchandising and video activities for a diverse slate of properties from CBS Productions and King World Productions, Inc. Additional information is available by visiting www.CBS.com. Planet Toys International, Inc. was incorporated in October 1998. They have offices in New York City, Hong Kong, Sarasota, Florida and Massachusetts. They produce over 10 different lines in six different product categories. Other successful licenses they hold are from Warner Bros., Mattel, Little Tikes, Harley Davidson, Discovery, Hit Entertainment and Disney. September 28 CSI coming to X-Box Ubisoft is pleased to announce that its popular PC franchise CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, based on the hit CBS TV series, will soon make its console debut on the Xbox by Microsoft. A combination of Ubisofts top selling PC-CD ROM titles, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and CSI: Dark Motives, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation for the Xbox offers twice the content. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation for the Xbox is a first-person adventure game that puts the fate of unsolved mysteries into the hands of the console gamer as they examine crime scenes, question witnesses and analyze evidence utilizing the latest in forensic equipment. The adaptation of televisions No. 1 show, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation for the Xbox includes all ten cases from the previous two PC releases and all the in-depth evidence examination and interactive lab functionality. The game will ship to North American retailers in November and is expected to have an ESRB rating of M(Mature) and will carry an MSRP of US$29.99. Magazines The September 29 issue of "InTouch" Weekly is reporting that William Petersen's wife, Gina, is pregnant. Congratulations Billy and Gina! The October issue of "Lifetime" magazine has an interview with Marg and she's on the cover. Thanks to Alex for the tip. The season four DVD release will have commentary on seven episodes: "Homebodies", "Assume Nothing", "Invisible Evidence", "Feeling The Heat", "Butterflied", "Jackpot", and "Bad To The Bone." Thanks to Nic for the tip. September 14 The September 10 issue of Entertainment Weekly has a small article on CSI. There is also a small picture of Gil and Catherine from the second episode "Down The Drain." CSI: CBS 9-10 p.m Thursday "Consequences", utters CBS exec producer Carol Mendelsohn. It's the one-word theme for the new season and something cast members Jorja Fox and George Eads know a heck of a lot about after asking for raises in July and getting the boot. Now that the duo has been rehired, says Mendelsohn, "life on the set has pretty much returned to normal." For CSI, that means creepy villains, like the surprise return of season 3's Blue Paint Killer, which thoroughly shakes Grissom (William Petersen). It also means addressing the whole DUI thing with Sara (Fox). "She's not drinking because of Grissom. It's something that makes her who she is," Mendelson teases. Also '24's' Reiko Aylesworth comes aboard as a lab tech at the start of Season 4. Will she last? Says Mendelsohn: "All I can tell you is she'll be on the premiere." Hmmm...a mystery. (Sept 23) Thanks to Manda for the tip Talking Windy City sports with CSI's Petersen Actor and die-hard Chicago sports fan William Petersen was interviewed for this week's Sports Illustrated Q&A. Here is the rest of the interview. SI: What person in sports would make an interesting film subject? Petersen: I'm not right for the part, but Al Davis would be great. SI: Now that George Eads is back at CSI and everyone is happy again, shouldn't you as executive producer fine him for playing Evel Knievel? Petersen: Who says everyone is happy [laughs]? But I can't fine him. He was excited about playing Evel. I think he simply liked the suit. But I'm glad George did it, and I'm glad it wasn't me. SI: Who is your favorite Chicago athlete? Petersen: Ron Santo, and now having him as a kind of a friend is remarkable to me because there I am when I was 10 years old, looking up to No. 10 and thinking, 'God, I'd love to get his autograph.' Now he's signing pictures, balls and bats for me. SI: Last June you sang "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at Wrigley and someone was quoted in the Chicago Tribune as saying you did things to the song that are illegal most southern states. Fair or unfair? Petersen: That's totally unfair. I totally sang that song great. As long as they don't let any of the Chicago Bears sing that song, nobody can mess that song up. SI: While you were filming Manhunter in 1985, you left the set in Atlanta to fly to Washington D.C. just so you could watch the Bears on TV, correct? Petersen: Yeah. Dennis Farina and I were shooting in Atlanta on a Saturday afternoon and we saw that the Bears were playing the Skins, a huge game. So we wrapped shooting Saturday night and jumped on a 9 p.m. flight. On the flight, the stewardesses invited us to some United Airlines party in D.C. So we went to the party and at 3 a.m., I pulled Farina into a cab and we checked into the Bristol Hotel. The next day, we ordered room service and sat there and watched the Bears win. At 5 p.m. that day, we flew back to Atlanta so we could shoot Monday morning. It was great. SI: Every year Cub fans say, "This is the year." But is this really the year? Petersen: Well, you know, last year at the All-Star break everybody was like,"They are going to get there." But I was like, "They are still a year away." Then they get in the playoffs and get right to the brink. When it all ended on that horrible night, ESPN had a remote outside. They were going to grab Cubs fans as soon as it ended, and I was stuck at Hollywood Park shooting. All of a sudden, I had to go on the air right after this tragedy happened. You don't want to weep and I could just imagine the people at Wrigley just filing out. So I said, "You know, I'm not disappointed by this year because I expect it next year," which is now this year. So I was saying "wait till next year" last year. Now I can't say it. This is supposed to be the year, and if they get into the playoffs, which I think they will do, I think in a playoff they can take St. Louis. SI: Best sports movie ever made? Petersen: I made a pretty good one [Long Gone], but my favorite sports movie of all time -- and it's just terrible if you look at it now -- is Ray Milland in It Happens Every Spring, an old baseball movie where the guy develops a substance in the lab where he can throw an unbelievable curve ball. He takes the team to the championship game and then he loses the stuff. It's fabulous. SI: Best job by an actor playing an athlete? Petersen: Will Smith was pretty good in Ali. SI: What's the best event that you have gotten to attend thanks to your celebrity? Petersen: I'm not a big fan of the Super Bowl, but I did that. Playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach tournament, though, is as good as the world gets. SI: You intended to play football at Idaho State but it never happened. What went down there? Petersen: I went there, but I had such a bad great point average -- I went to five high schools and played football my senior year in Idaho -- that they said I had to come and get my grade point average up to be eligible. So they put me in these theater classes that were easy. We were just painting flats and hanging lamps and getting A's. There were no tests. So I took three of these classes and fell in love with the people in the theater department. I never did play any ball. The theater department eventually gave me a scholarship. I was getting $3.50 an hour to be the auditorium manager. Then they gave me service scholarship for making sets. And there were no girls on the football team. All the guys in theater department were gay and all the girls were horny. The great thing now is that Idaho State wants to give me an honorary degree. I took eight classes there and they want to call me an alumni now. I'm like: "You're just giving way college degrees" [laughs]. SI: Do you envision staying with CSI as long as it lasts? Petersen: You know, as far as I'm concerned, television has become like Major League Baseball or the NBA. You have a contract, they can trade or you or dump you, or you can leave them. The only difference is we don't have free agency, which is something I'm going to work for someday because they don't want to renegotiate with my actors. I don't think that would fly past a sports agent. Quite frankly, I don't think they handled this well, and that incudes all the powers that be that have something to do with CSI. If somehow the stress gets less and the party gets better, yes, I'll stay. But like an an athlete, I'm just trying just to figure out things day by day and week by week. SI: Just in case CBS decides to bleed the franchise again and make another CSI spinoff: How about CSI-SI after Sports Illustrated? Petersen: Why not? You guys can go out and dig up all the skeletons in the closet. September 8 CBS Ebay store opened ebay.cbs.com is now open. The site will eventually auction off tickets to the 100th episode CSI cast party. All proceeds benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS foundation. September 3 CBS offers stuff on eBay Big News Network.com CBS has signed a deal with eBay to create a separate page on the Internet auction site devoted to CBS shows and personalties, Daily Variety said Friday. CBS marketing executive George Schweitzer told the paper the deal is the first comprehensive arrangement between the online auction site and a TV network. This is the first time anyone has done a large partnership with eBay to promote multiple shows, said Schweitzer. We think this can help generate excitement and attraction for our premiere week. In an attempt to extend brand awareness for CBS shows, the network will offer for sale such items as tickets to the filming of the 100th episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, dinner with Rupert or dancing lessons from Big Tom of Survivor: All Stars, a tour of the Big Brother house or breakfast with Early Show weatherman Dave Price. Visitors to the site will also get a chance to bid on a pair of sunglasses worn by David Caruso in CSI: Miami and a gavel signed by stars of Judging Amy. August 29 The September 6, 2004 issue of InTouch Magazine has a small picture of Billy and Marg on page 57 (from what appears to be "Down The Drain") The small heading under the picture reads: CSI Thursday, September 23, CBS, 9 p.m. ET The characters go under the microscope: We'll discover why Grissom (William Petersen) is vulnerable and what makes Sara (Jorja Fox) tick. Plus, Greg (Eric Szmanda) leaves the CNA lab to venture into the field. August 26 Dramatic Turn for Busy Tyler with 'CSI,' '24' Thu Aug 26, 2004 01:48 AM ET By Nellie Andreeva LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Actress/stand-up comedian Aisha Tyler has landed guest-starring roles on two Emmy-nominated crime dramas: CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and Fox's "24." On "CSI," she will play a quirky scientist who comes to work with Las Vegas' nocturnal crime-fighters. On "24," Tyler will play a data analyst who shakes things up at the Counter Terrorism Unit. She will debut in the third episodes of both series and will appear in three episodes of each show with an option for three more. Tyler is best known for her comedic performances, most notably a stint on NBC's "Friends" last year, and her hosting duties on E! Entertainment's "Talk Soup." She departed from her comedy roots with a guest-starring role on FX's cosmetic surgery drama "Nip/Tuck" this summer. Her performance as a Somali model and victim of genital mutilation who undergoes reconstructive surgery drew the attention of drama series casting directors and led to her gigs on "CSI" and "24." "Both '24' and 'CSI' are great shows. I'm a huge fan of both," Tyler said. "It was an opportunity to do something very, very different because not only are they dramas, but the characters are very different from any characters I've played in the past. And as an actor, you always want to spread your wings as far as you can." Tyler's book of comic essays, "Swerve: Reckless Observations of a Post-Modern Girl," came out in February. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter August 25. North bend native, husband organize fundraiser Emmy Award-winning actress Marg Helgenberger, formerly of North Bend, and her husband, Alan Rosenberg, are once again hosting an event to raise funds and promote awareness of breast cancer. The Sixth Annual Marg and Alan's Celebrity Weekend is scheduled from Friday-Sunday. Activities include a celebrity poker tournament, auction and golf tournament. Helgenberger co-stars in the CBS' television crime drama "CSI," in which she plays Catherine Willows, a single mother and ex-stripper turned crime scene investigator. Helgenberger won an Emmy for her portrayal of K.C., a cunning prostitute caught up in the Vietnam War in the ABC drama, "China Beach." She co-starred in the hit film "Erin Brockovich" opposite Julia Roberts and in the CBS mini-series "JonBenet," in which she played Patsy Ramsey. Her spouse, actor Alan Rosenberg, was a regular in the television shows "Chicago Hope," "Cybill," "L.A. Law" and "Civil Wars." He starred in the critically acclaimed television mini-series, "The Temptations." Several celebrities already have said they will be part of the event. They include: Willie Garson ("Sex and The City"), Carl Lumbly ("Alias"), Jason Gedrick ("Boomtown"), Jake Thomas ("Lizzie McGuire"), Zachery Ty Bryan ("Center of the Universe," "Home Improvement"), Robert Hays ("Airplane"), Richard Grieco ("21 Jump Street"), Jim Turner ("Arli$$") along with music legend Meat Loaf, and PGA history maker Lee Elder and over 20 more stars. Scheduled events include: Friday - a Celebrity Poker Tournament, 8 p.m. at Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino; admission is free. Saturday - The Nebraska Medical Center presents "A Celebration of Courage: A Breakfast for Cancer Survivors, 9 -11 a.m., QWest Center Omaha's Peter Kiewit Ballroom. Admission is free for cancer survivors and one guest. Costs for other guests is $20 per person. Special guest is Jack McGee (star of the new FX series "Rescue Me.") Tickets available by calling 1-800-922-0000. "Lights, Camera ... Auction!" starts at 7:30 p.m. at Harrah's Council Bluff's Casino and Hotel. This Hollywood style variety show includes a live auction with comedian Tom Parks. Tickets, which cost $75, include dinner and non-alcoholic drinks, and are available by calling 1-712-396-6040. Sunday - Bad Golf, Good Cause! 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dodge Riverside Golf Course, Council Bluffs, Iowa; rain or shine. Tickets are: adults, $10, teens and seniors $5. Children under age 12 get in for free. Golf tickets available at Hy-Vee stores in Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jennie Edmundson Hospital Gift Shop and Dodge Riverside Golf Club; to become a corporate sponsor or to play in the Celebrity-Amateur Rounds please call 1-661-294-9999, Ext. 210. The Breast Health Center at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs will receive all proceeds from ticket and auction revenues from "Lights, Camera ... Auction," and ticket and amateur participation fees in the golf tournament. The Nebraska Medical Center will receive all of the proceeds from "A Celebration of Courage: A Breakfast for Cancer Survivors." August 12 Spike TV Highlights - September 2004 Thursday August 12, 10:41 am ET NEW YORK, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Spike TV Special Events/Marathons CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION Starting Monday, September 13, CSI can be seen five nights a week only on Spike TV. Series will telecast Mondays-Fridays (7:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) and Fridays (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT). To kick-off CSI's move to five nights a week, the network presents a weeklong marathon beginning Labor Day, Monday, September 6. CSI's "Best Of" marathon features the best episodes from the first four seasons of the hit crime drama series. The weeklong CSI schedule is as follows: * Monday, September 6 (9:00 AM-9:00 PM, ET/PT & 11:00 PM-3:00 AM, ET/PT) -Best of Season 1 * Tuesday, September 7 (9:00 AM-3:00 AM, ET/PT)-Best of Season 2 * Wednesday, September 8 (9:00 AM -3:00 AM, ET/PT)-Best of Season 3 * Thursday, September 9 (9:00 AM-9:00 PM, ET/PT & 10:00 PM-3:00 AM, ET/PT)-Best of Season 4 * Friday, September 10 (9:00 AM -3:00 AM, ET/PT)-Best of All Seasons MXC SPECIAL CSI-THEMED EPISODE Premieres Thursday, September 2 (10:00-10:30 PM, ET/PT) To celebrate CSI's move to five nights a week on Spike TV, the network presents a special themed episode of MXC. In homage to CBS' popular series, MXC has pitted a special "CSI" forensics team challenging the combative "Kids Entertainment Industry". MXC's Vic Romano and Kenny Blankenship along with Inspector Guy LeDouche look to solve a grisly crime on the set. July 27. E! News Live aired a segment of the ACLU awards, Marg and her husband won an award, and Billy was there to support her. The talked to him and he said: "Oh I'm fine, I'm fine. I'm out. You know. No, No. I'm fine. I look alright. Right? I got my jacket. (slight chuckle) It's all going to be fine, I know that. We're all going to be on the show. And we're all going to be together, and that's all I care about, quite frankly." July 26. William Petersen ill. E! is running a comment on the bottom of their programs that shooting for CSI is again delayed. This time due to health reasons. According to the LA Times, Billy has been suffering from an irregular heartbeat. He hasn't been hospitalized, but the problem has kept him off the set. The LA Times, Calendarlive section (a pay to view site) has an article about this. Tension on scene of 'CSI' Health and salary issues are creating uncertainty as the flagship show enters its fifth season. By Scott Collins, Times Staff Writer The set of CBS' whodunit "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" has become a perilous, suspenseful place lately — and the cameras haven't even been rolling. TV's most-watched drama is scheduled to resume production for its fifth season Wednesday, following a 10-day shutdown that has been publicly attributed to a complicated string of salary-related clashes involving CBS management and cast members George Eads and Jorja Fox, who were swiftly fired and just as quickly rehired in recent days. What's received less attention is the absence of William L. Petersen, who stars as "CSI" investigator Gil Grissom. Shortly before shooting started earlier this month, Petersen notified the network that he would temporarily miss work due to a recently discovered medical condition. Three sources familiar with the situation say that Petersen was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. A Petersen representative confirmed that the actor has "some health-related matters" but declined to offer specifics. A CBS spokesman declined to comment on Petersen's health. While nobody's predicting an untimely end for the highly lucrative CBS franchise, the health and salary matters are rocking the boat just as the flagship show enters a new season, and the network, which has launched one spinoff, is preparing another to debut this fall. CBS says the "CSI" actors and crew are to receive instructions today about returning to work later this week. "Billy and the rest of the cast are expected back on the set this Wednesday," network spokesman Chris Ender said Sunday. "Everyone is excited to resume production and get started on the fifth season." This fall's "CSI: New York" will star Gary Sinise. "CSI: Miami," which premiered two seasons ago, is a hit on Mondays. But growth has slowed for the original "CSI," with ratings flat at 23 million total viewers for the season to date compared to last year, according to figures from Nielsen Media Research. Still, the series is the linchpin of CBS' Thursday night, which Viacom's co-president and co-chief operating officer, Leslie Moonves, has said earns more money than any other network lineup on any night. With half the series' six principal actors out of service — in addition to Petersen, Eads and Fox, the others are Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan and Eric Szmanda — shooting stopped after July 16 and has not resumed. Although Helgenberger is also in salary talks, sources said, she worked as scheduled before the shutdown and is expected to return when called. Actors' negotiating tactics are a sensitive subject for networks and studios, especially because so many hit shows depend heavily on the chemistry of the cast. Brad Garrett, who plays Ray Romano's brother on the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," won a pay hike last year after missing a few days of work. Jane Kaczmarek, the mother on Fox's "Malcolm in the Middle," reportedly skipped work due to migraine headaches during a 2002 salary dispute. Eads and Fox were fired earlier this month after their representatives tangled with the network over the stars' salary demands. The network said it axed Fox after failing to receive timely assurances that she would report for work as planned. Eads was dismissed after not showing up for work the morning of July 15, the first day of production. The actor later told reporters he overslept. Moonves, who oversees CBS, told reporters last week that lawyers for Eads and Fox had made "certain veiled threats about their not showing up." "A deal is a deal," Moonves said, adding that the network started looking to recast the roles and the writers began revising scripts. "Les was really looking to make an example of somebody," one agent involved in the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of Moonves. "Les felt he's been taken advantage of in some of these renegotiation situations." After extensive coverage of the firings in the entertainment media, the network felt its point had been made. Late last week, after a public apology from Eads, the network rehired both actors at an estimated salary of $95,000 each per episode, the figure each was making before the firings. Petersen, who earns an estimated $350,000 per episode on "CSI," including a producer's fee, has also been seeking a raise from the network. The actor received a substantial pay hike two years ago, after "CSI" became a major hit. But by all accounts, Petersen is not staging a "sickout" in an effort to win new salary concessions. In fact, a doctor hired by the network is said to have discovered the heart problem, although a CBS spokesman would not confirm this. Jennifer Allen, Petersen's publicist, confirmed that there have been "some health-related matters that have kept Billy at home." She declined to elaborate, but said that Petersen, 51, had not been hospitalized. While Hollywood insiders will happily discuss money and contract terms off the record, health matters are often off-limits. That's especially true for actors, who typically have a vested interest in projecting an image of health and vitality. Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991 but did not disclose the condition for seven years, as he continued starring in the hit ABC sitcom "Spin City." Several people in a position to know specifics of Petersen's health, including Jonathan Littman, president of Jerry Bruckheimer Television, which produces "CSI," the show's executive producer Carol Mendelson and Petersen's agent, Marty Lesak of UTA, did not return calls. More news will be posted on this latest development as it unfolds. More articles below Yahoo news story July 21. 'CBS' Kills Back To Live? Click the link for more on the ever-ending saga. To sum it up... Jorja is back. And George probably will be by the end of the week. July 18. Moonves: 'CSI' Firings Were All Business By Rick Porter LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) For CBS chief Les Moonves, the firing of "CSI" stars George Eads and Jorja Fox comes down to this: They didn't live up to their contracts. Eads and Fox, who have been with CBS' top-rated series for four seasons, were sacked this week after they failed to show up for their first day of shooting on the show's fifth year. Both actors were reportedly holding out in an effort to be paid more than they currently are. "There comes a point where we feel a contract is a contract," Moonves, co-president and co-COO of CBS parent Viacom, told reporters Sunday (July 18) at the TV Critics Association press tour. "We had been having discussions with their lawyers. There were certain veiled threats about their not showing up, and there comes a point where we all have to look out for the future of the network television business." Not showing up for work as a negotiation tactic has worked for a number of actors in recent years, including several members of "The West Wing" cast and another CBS star, Brad Garrett of "Everybody Loves Raymond." But Moonves believes that "this behavior has to stop." "I'm sort of old-fashioned," he says. "I believe when you and I shake hands and we sign a deal, it's a deal. ... And if by the fourth episode of the season we had decided that George Eads, we wanted to fire him, guess what? I couldn't pick up a phone and say 'You know what, I want to fire you, but the contract really doesn't matter, so I'm not going to pay you for the other 18 episodes that I owe you." A representative for the two actors couldn't be reached Sunday. "CSI" creator Anthony Zuiker says he's "saddened" by the news but understands the business reasons behind Moonves' and CBS Entertainment president Nancy Tellem's decision. "We have full faith and confidence in Carol Mendelsohn show-running 'CSI' to make that show great," Zuiker says. "And, you know, it is show business, and the show must go on." Moonves says "we're talking to certain people" about filling the shoes of Eads and Fox on "CSI," but no one's been cast yet. He offers a flat "no comment" about the possibility of either actor returning to the series. Meanwhile, production will stop this week to allow for some rewrites. It's expected to resume shooting the following week and is on schedule for its season premiere Thursday, Sept. 23. If recasting doesn't happen quickly, Moonves expects other members of the cast -- he mentions Eric Szmanda and Paul Guilfoyle by name -- to take on larger roles. "'CSI' has wonderful actors, but if we make a change here and there, I don't think it will hurt the show," Moonves says. July 17. William Petersen issues statement about firings "CSI" star, producer respond to firing of actors The Associated Press LOS ANGELES -- William Petersen, star and executive producer of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," issued a statement Friday concerning reports that co-stars Jorja Fox and George Eads were fired. Fox and Eads, who play investigators Sara Sidle and Nick Stokes, were fired after asking for more money to stay on the show, according to reports from KCBS-TV and Variety. Petersen said he is "very saddened and deeply disappointed that this is the turn of events," and that he hopes "cooler heads will prevail and everything will be rectified and restored in due course." A call left for Petersen's publicist was not immediately returned Friday. Eads didn't show up for work Thursday, the first day of production for the next season, according to the news station and Variety. The actors were in the fifth of their seven-year contracts. Danica Smith, publicist for both Fox and Eads, told The Associated Press that Fox was fired Wednesday but did not have details. Smith could not confirm whether Eads was fired. A CBS spokesman said the network had no comment. Though a search was underway for their replacements, it's unclear whether show creators will recast the characters or develop new ones, KCBS-TV and Variety reports said. The show picked up four Emmy nominations Thursday, including one for best drama series. July 16. E! News Live had a statement from Marg regarding the firings. "They are both friends of mine and wonderful actors to work with every day. I don't know the details of what is going on, but I hope that it all works itself out very quickly." July 16. Futon Critic Frisday, July 16, 2004 - 9:49 AM Pay Dispute Sacks 'C.S.I.'s' Fox, Eads By Brian Ford Sullivan LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- In one of the industry's most surprising moves in recent memory, actors George Eads and Jorja Fox have been fired from CBS' top-rated drama "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation" over breach of contract. The duo was sacked after neither appeared for work yesterday, the first day of production on the show's fifth season. Both Eads and Fox had reportedly been looking for a pay raise from their current estimated salaries of $100,000 per episode. Many actors over the years have attempted to secure a pay raise by not showing up for work, as was the case for "Everybody Loves Raymond's" Brad Garrett last season. No doubt expecting a similar situation, CBS had requested a letter from all of the show's actors confirming their intent to return to work. Both Fox and Eads were then terminated on Wednesday and Thursday respectively after the Eye didn't receive their letters. Both nevertheless insist theirs letters were sent and are mystified over their terminations. Co-stars Marg Helgenberger and William Petersen also failed to appear for work yesterday but each is said to be missing for legitimate health reasons. Co-stars Paul Guilfoyle and Gary Dourdan, both of whom are in the same pay range as Eads and Fox, were also said to be looking for raises however each is understood to have accepted modest pay bumps in exchange for more air time this season. Peterson and Helgenberger, who make significantly more than their co-stars, have apparently not made any rumblings about raises, making their absences likely nothing but coincidental. Helgenberger is believed to make $200,000 per episode while Peterson, who also has executive producing duties on the series, pulls down $500,000 per episode. Each of the show's principal cast members is in the fifth year of the industry standard seven-year contract. Casting is currently underway for actors to play new characters that will replace Fox and Eads' roles on the show. No statements have been released from either camp however the news will undoubtedly be a key issue during today's CBS session of the TCA's summer press tour. July 16. Casting call for season premiere in Las Vegas. CBS is hosting a local casting call for Elvis Presley impersonators on Saturday. The winner gets to be on the hit show "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" -- with scenes to be filmed on Monday. The episode will be shown in September and will be the show's season premiere. It is a nonspeaking (and nonsinging) role. "CSI" writer and Las Vegas local Dustin Abraham will be on hand to judge the auditions. "CSI" creator -- and former Mirage tram driver -- Anthony Zuiker and show stars including William Petersen, Marg Helgenberger, Gary Dourdan, Eric Szmanda and Robert David Hall all arrive in town today for filming, and might also attend some of the casting call. Anyone interested in appearing on the show must be dressed as Elvis, and producers will only see the first 100 hopefuls -- which raises the question: How many Elvis impersonators actually are there in Las Vegas? The call starts at 10 a.m. at CBS Television City at the MGM Grand. The public is invited to watch the spectacle. July 16: Season 4 DVD's Delayed. The release of the season 4 DVD's has been pushed back to October 12. According to www.tvshowsondvd.com the set will contain 4 featurettes and have commentary on 7 episodes. July 15. CBS Fired Jorja and George Eye axes 'CSI' duo Thu Jul 15, 4:12 PM ET Josef Adalian, Michael Fleming, STAFF Blood is on the floor at "CSI": CBS has fired thesps George Eads and Jorja Fox from the hit Eye drama for breach of contract. Eye toppers Leslie Moonves and Nancy Tellem, apparently drawing a line in their sand, made the decision after Eads -- looking for a pay hike -- failed to show up to work Thursday, the first day of production on the new season of the skein. Fox reported to duty, but insiders said her reps had been asking for more coin, and the Eye acted after Fox failed to reply to a letter asking her if she had any plans to not show up to work. Both actors were in the fifth year of seven-year pacts. A search has already begun for new actors to join the show. It's unclear if their parts will be recast or if creators will come up with new characters. It's not unusual for producers and nets to fire thesps on procedural dramas as part of salary disputes. Dick Wolf, for example, fired the stars of "New York Undercover" after they went public with their salary beefs. Moonves also played hardball with the supporting cast of "Becker," refusing to meet their salary demands. Thesps ulimately relented. For more articles on this story, use the following links: CBS 4 Denver USA Today CBS 4 Tucson AZCentral.com CBS 2 Chicago E! News Article Duluth News Tribune SFGate CBS News Zap2It.com CNN July 15 Emmy nominations were announced today. CSI was nominated. But Marg and Billy were shut out. The show got a total of four nominations, Best Series, Outstanding Cinematography For A Single-Camera Series for the episode "Xx", Outstanding Makeup For A Series (Non-Prosthetic) for the episode "Assume Nothing"/"All For Our Country", Outstanding Single-Camera Sound Mixing For A Series for the episode "Grissom Versus The Volcano" July 11. CSI walk on role You can bid on a walk on role on CSI through ebay. Current price is $3,827.00 and there are six days left in the auction. July 11. Marg receiving award. LOS ANGELES On Monday, July 26, 2004, at 6:00 P.M., the ACLU Foundation of Southern California will host its annual Torch of Liberty Awards Dinner at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. The event honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of civil liberties. This year's event will honor actor/activists Marg Helgenberger and Alan Rosenberg and Co-Chairman of Loeb & Loeb LLP, John T. Frankenheimer. Marg Helgenberger and Alan Rosenberg are an inspirational couple. Their work on screen and their personal commitment to social activism off screen show a tremendous dedication to equality and justice. If you look at their careers in hindsight, one could argue that they have both actively pursued work that is not only rewarding as an actor, but also rife with socially relevant material. This is evidenced by Alan's impressive work on the legal dramas The Guardian and L.A. Law and Marg's award-winning work on China Beach and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and her performance in Steven Soderbergh's widely acclaimed Erin Brockovich. Their activism is confirmed by their long-time support of the ACLU, their annual fundraiser for the cancer center at Jennie Edmunson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Omaha, and their involvement with organizations including Penny Lane, serving abused and neglected children; the Lili Claire/UNLV Life Skills Center, helping people with neurogenic disabilities; Huckleberry Fund for the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles; Diving for Life, International Gay & Lesbian SCUBA Jamboree and The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance. We are proud to present them with the 2004 Torch of Liberty Award for their strong commitment to "liberty and justice for all." July 2. CBS tops rerun heavy Thursday By Cynthia Littleton LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS' reruns beat up the competition's reruns on Thursday as the network easily won the night with a "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" encore bookended by repeats of "Without a Trace." The 9 p.m. "CSI" airing was, as usual, the most-watched program of the night with an average of 15.7 million viewers and 4.7 rating/15 share in the adults 18-49 demographic, according to preliminary estimates from Nielsen Media Research. ABC was in hash-mark territory with the finale of the long-ago canceled drama "Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital" (2.6 million, 1.1/3) at 9 p.m. ABC was only a little better off at 8 p.m. with an original installment of "Whose Line is it Anyway" (5.1 million, 1.8/7) followed by a "Whose Line" repeat (5 million, 2.0/7). Fox was off the radar for the night with repeats of dramas "North Shore" (2.7 million, 1.1/4) and "Tru Calling" (2.3 million, 0.9/3). NBC's rerun slate of "Friends," "Will & Grace," "Scrubs" and "ER" couldn't compete with CBS' dramas, yielding a nightly average of 5.5 million viewers and 2.4/8. CBS led the night in both measures with 12.8 million viewers and 3.7/12 in adults 18-49. UPN was competitive with its "WWE Smackdown!" block (4.5 million, 1.6/6). Reuters/Hollywood Reporter July 2. CSI for Xbox? By Chris Faylor of Gamerfeed Published 5:54 PM PDT July 1, 2004 EB Games certainly seems to think so, but our investigating skills didn't uncover much more. EB Games has begun listing a CSI title for the Xbox, GameGossip reported today. While not officially announced by Ubisoft, EB Games details a November release date and a $29.99 price point. At this time it remains unseen if the title is an original game, a port of a PC CSI adventure, or merely a listing error. Thus far, Ubisoft has released two CSI-based games, CSI: Dark Motives and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, for the PC. A third title, CSI Miami, is currently slated to ship in November July 2. CSI revenue will allow Alliance Atlantis to slash debt Talks about the finances for Alliance Atlantis. But the interesting part is this little quote: Mr. MacMillan said some people have suggested there should be a fourth CSI series, but "we're not looking at it . . . it's way premature." June 28. ComingSoon.net has listed a release date for Marg's new movie "Synergy." It's set for release in NY and LA for December 29, which is very good, limited release in December usually means a push for the Oscars. June 27. This Old Cub This independent movie has an interview with Billy in it. "This Old Cub" will be coming soon to other cities including: Peoria, IL, Champaign, IL, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco. It will also be coming out on DVD in September. June 25. CBS Pounds Rivals With Reruns Thursday By Nellie Andreeva LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS dominated another summertime Thursday with reruns of its crime dramas. The network, which aired two repeats of "Without a Trace" and an encore of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," averaged 12.5 million viewers and a 3.5 rating/11 share among adults 18-49, according to preliminary Nielsen estimates. "CSI" (15.3 million, 4.6/14) also ranked once again as the top program for the night. NBC (5.8 million, 2.7/9) was second with a rerun of "Friends" (6.6 million, 2.9/11) and a new "Come to Papa" (5.5 million, 2.5/9) leading the 8-9 p.m. hour in 18-49. ABC managed 4.8 million viewers and a 1.8/6 with mostly original lineup featuring "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," "Stephen King's Kingdom Hospital" and "Primetime Thursday." Fox (3.0 million, 1.3/4) was fourth with reruns of "North Shore" and "Tru Calling." Reuters/Hollywood Reporter June 21. Northwest Herald Online interviewed Billy. Click the link to read the entire article. William Petersen put a hold on much of the rest of his life when he helped launch "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" four years ago. The 51-year-old actor and Evanston native said Tuesday that he spends 10 months a year filming the nation's top-rated show. During the rest of the time he squeezes in events like SCORE radio's 13th Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament held June 8 at Chalet Hills Golf Club in Cary. Petersen was the guest host for a field of 172 golfers, including a number of present and past Chicago Bears players. Alex Brown, David Terrell, Ed O'Bradovich, Jim Covert, Al Harris, Shaun Gale, Bobby Douglass, Ahmad Merrit and Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera were among those who teed off at about 12:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Children's Memorial Hospital. Last year's tournament raised $10,000. Petersen said he hopes to play more golf, but balancing that with his family and career can be tough. He divides his time between Los Angeles and Jefferson Park, where his wife and former teacher, Gina Cirrone, owns a house. They married last June after dating for 10 years. "She likes the award ceremonies," Petersen said. "It gives her an excuse to go out and buy a new dress." According to Nielsen Media Research of New York "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" is the top ranked show on television. It is a distinction it held in 2003, moving up from second place behind "Friends." It is watched by 25.6 million viewers June 20. The Chicago Tribune ran a story called "Does Baseball Still Matter?" and interviewed Billy in for the article. Click the link to read the entire article. (requires free registration) William L. Petersen, noted Chicago stage actor, devoted Cubs fan and star of the CBS-TV series "CSI," has spent the last two months in town. In May, walking his dog in Wilmette, he came upon a Little League game and sat down to watch a few innings. "I marveled at their uniforms," he says. "They all had these pro-like uniforms, with fancy logos. When I was a kid we were lucky to get a hat." Petersen is 51, part of the last generation that would habitually grab a bat, a ball and a few friends and take off for a playground or park for a day of baseball. "Be home before it gets dark," the mothers would say. But the world has become too dangerous for such "disorganized" ball. "I hardly ever see kids in parks or school playgrounds just playing pickup games," says Levenson, who is 46. "It's all organized ball now." That's not such a bad thing. The ball's still round, isn't it? And the ballparks are still here. Asked to recall his first visit to a professional baseball game, Petersen hesitated not one second, saying, "My sister took me. I was 6. I was there with my mitt and at first it was the beer men that most impressed me with their shouting. But that was the game [Aug. 4, 1960] that Billy Martin [Cincinnati Reds second baseman] threw his bat at Cubs pitcher Jim Brewer and then they got into it. Martin hit Brewer with an overhand right and the benches emptied." Brewer would suffer a fracture of the orbital bone of his right eye. He required surgery and was out for a month. Martin was fined $500 but would be sued for $1 million and was eventually liable for $25,000. By the way, the Cubs won 5-3. When Petersen now goes to Cubs games, as he frequently has during this stay, he has problems that didn't exist when he was younger. "Now," he says, "all I'm trying to do is not get recognized." But as he says that, he grows wistful, traveling back in time. "I can remember I always wanted to be Ernie [Banks] except when the Sox won the pennant. Then I was Nellie [Fox]. But mostly Ernie. "Later I lived within a couple of blocks of Wrigley and Remains [Theater Company, of which he was one of the founders] performed at the Ginger Man [bar] just north on Clark. I spent a lot of summer days in the bleachers. "Sure the crowds have changed, [but] there are crowds. The Cubs were really lousy back then. You could just wander around, sit anywhere. And this was back before the neighborhood exploded, all these bars, all this stuff going on outside." But it will ever be what's inside that counts. And that's the game. June 18. Two photos of Marg can be found in the June 28th issue of InTouch Weekly on page 97. June 18. William Petersen threw out the first pitch at the Chicago Cubs game today. He also sang the 7th inning stretch.