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"CSI" Star's Ticker Troubles
Call it the case of the disappearing CSI agents.
It's no secret that production on the forensic-science thriller has been stalled by salary squabbles and MIA stars, but it's only just been revealed that William Petersen called in sick earlier this month after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
On Monday, Petersen's rep, Jennifer Allen, confirmed the report but said her client was scheduled to return to work on Wednesday when shooting is due to resume after a 10-day shutdown.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the thesp, who plays bug-loving crime-lab boss Gil Grissom, told CBS honchos he'd be missing work before shooting started in early July because of a recently discovered "medical condition."
Petersen's publicist said the 51-year-old wasn't hospitalized but has been laying low since being diagnosed with the heart problem.
Call it a matter of bad timing. Petersen's leave coincided with the firing (and eventual rehiring) of costars George Eads and Jorja Fox, who were involved in a failed salary standoff.
In addition, Petersen had also been seeking a considerably salary boost. Following a pay hike in fall 2002, he currently makes about $5.75 million a season for producing and starring in the Emmy-nominated drama.
But Industry watchers don't believe the actor was staging a "sickout" to force CBS' hand. Indeed, the Times suggests it was a network doctor who discovered the irregular heartbeat.
That may be of small comfort to Tiffany net execs, who must have freaked out at the possible threat to their Thursday night flagship series and lucrative franchise launcher.
CSI's first spinoff, CSI: Miami, debuted two seasons ago to solid ratings, while a third installment, CSI: New York, starring Gary Sinise and Melina Kanakaredes, premieres to strong buzz this fall.
But it's the original juggernaut that keeps the bean counters happy. CSI finished last season as the year's top-rated prime-time drama, averaging 23.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Except that when production ground to a halt July 16, half of the series' cast had either been fired of failed to show for work, which didn't bode well for the show's immediate future.
Those still reporting to the set included Marg Helgenberger, who's reportedly angling for a raise, Gary Dourdan, who received a small, unsolicited pay bump, and Eric Szmanda, whose paycheck also received a little padding amid reports he would get more screen time next season.
And even with the hiring of former 24 star Reiko Aylesworth as a recurring character, casting directors would have been hard pressed to staff the show in time for the upcoming season.
Crisis averted. Now the entire cast--including Petersen and Eads and Fox, who were rehired at their original salaries--is scheduled to return to work Wednesday, "happy to be starting on their fifth season of CSI," per a network flack.
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