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Did anybody know that Gil Gissom is leaving CSI Nevada?

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" has solved the mystery of who will replace departing CBS series star William Petersen: It's Laurence Fishburne.

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Fishburne, an Emmy and Tony winner, will be introduced in the ninth episode of the upcoming 10th season, the network told The Associated Press on Monday. He'll play a forensics scientist with a secret.

"I am elated and delighted to be joining the cast of `CSI,'" Fishburne said in a statement, adding that he looked forward to a "wonderful collaboration" with those involved in the series.

Fishburne plays a college lecturer and former pathologist who is focused on why people commit acts of violence.

The air date for Petersen's final episode has yet to be determined but will be early next year. Petersen has been with the series since it debuted in fall 2000 and will remain a "CSI" executive producer, the network said.

Fishburne's character has a deep connection to his work: His genetic profile has been identified in serial killers, CBS programming chief Nina Tassler said before Fishburne's casting was announced but as rumors swirled.

"This gentleman knows this about himself and is ... in this journey to discover who his true character will ultimately become," Tassler said last month — but he's keeping the crucial information to himself.

The character meets members of the "CSI" team during a murder investigation and ends up joining them.

Fishburne, 47, received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Ike Turner in 1993's "What's Love Got to Do With It" and a Tony in 1992 for "Two Trains Running." He was a Tony nominee this year for the one-man show, "Thurgood," about Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

His film credits include the "Matrix" sci-fi films, in which he played Morpheus; "Apocalypse Now"; "The Color Purple"; "Mystic River"; "21"; "Akeelah and the Bee"; and "Biker Boyz." He also is a writer and director.

"CBS asked us, `Who's at the top of your dream list?'" "CSI" executive producers Carol Mendelsohn and Naren Shankar said in a joint statement. "Without hesitation, we said Laurence Fishburne. He is a powerful and intense actor, with an incredible range."

Fishburne earned an Emmy for the 1993 premiere episode of Fox's "Tribeca" and another for the movie "Miss Evers' Boys," which marked rare TV projects for the actor. Early in his career, he appeared in shows including "Miami Vice" and "Hill Street Blues."

The long-running "CSI" remains key for CBS: It finished last season as the network's top-rated series, ranking No. 9 among all shows with an average weekly audience of 17 million. Spinoffs "CSI: Miami" and "CSI: New York" ranked 16th and 28th, respectively.

Producers have been mum about upcoming plot points. But they said Petersen's character, Gil Grissom, will be reappraising his life after years of high-tech forensics investigations with the Las Vegas Police Department and after facing personal turmoil.

"CSI," which begins its new season Oct. 9, is ready to deal with Petersen's loss, said Shankar.

"What makes shows go off the rails is they forget who they are. We're a crime-mystery-forensics drama" and that won't change, Shankar said in July.

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  1. I recently heard about it on the radio and read it in a magazine.  For some reason I have lost interest in what was once my favorite show.  First, it really bummed me out that Sara left.  I really loved the chemistry between her and Grissom.  I also heard that Sara will be returning for a few episodes, so I'm hoping that will be one of the reasons that he'll be leaving...maybe he and Sara will go off together.  I'm hoping that they won't kill her off like they did Warrick Brown.  I know that Gary Dourdan had some personal issues, but he truly was one of my favorite characters.  Although, while my interest was still peaked, I really didn't have a character that I did'nt like.  I thought that this was one of the best ensemble casts in quite some time.  I hope that with the addition of a strong new lead, like Mr. Fishburne that my interest in the program might be renewed.  I'd love to see Katherine Willows (one of my favorite actresses, Marge Helgenberger) take on a meatier part in the show.  I've really liked her since her role as K.C. in China Beach (another great show).  

    I must say, if I do start watching the show again, the departure of Gil Grissom will definately be a loss.  William Petersen is also a favorite of mine.  I'd love to see him in a stage play sometime.  I think that he is a very underrated actor.  

      


  2. No!

    But I'm not surprised. Sad for I like that actor!

    Thanks for informing us and a good day to you!

  3. i did not know but i do now.

    it sucks though...I always had a crush on Grissom..he the hottest NERD i have ever seen...he will be missed...if only by me...  :(

  4. I already new that Laurence Fishburne is the replacement

  5. Yes I knew.  I also knew that Fishburne is the replacement.  

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