I think I hear CSI fans everywhere screaming. We teased casting changes for the CBS drama in a recent Mega Minute, and alas, those changes include William Petersen, whose recently signed contract only guarantees his appearance until the upcoming season's 10th episode, a rep for CBS confirms, following a report from EW's Ausiello. Petersen isn't gone for good, though. He will be staying on as an executive producer, and has agreed to make special appearances throughout the remaining run of the series. This marks the third original cast member to leave the show, following Jorja Fox and Gary Dourdan's departures last season. Producers, however, promise a memorable exit for Grissom (including Fox's return next season for a multi-episode, Grissom-Sidle arc) and some exciting changes in the show's future. "We're out to add new characters to the show, and the show will change as a result," said exec producer Carol Mendehlson. "But that's a good thing."So, how do you feel about Petersen's c...
read more
The latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight, doesn't open until July 18, but an animated DVD out 10 days earlier should satisfy any Caped Crusader cravings. Batman Gotham Knight helps set the stage for Christopher Nolan's feature film, with a series of six interlocking animé tales. The voice cast of this visually stunning interpretation of the DC Comics legend includes Kevin Conroy, who played the title character in Batman: The Animated Series and later in Justice League, ER's Parminder Nagra, Ugly Betty's Ana Ortiz and ex-CSI star Gary Dourdan. Ortiz plays Detective Anna Ramirez,a part she was also up for in The Dark Knight. She lost out to Monique Curnen but got a unique second chance for the animated version. "I audition for so many things, it all just sort of rolls off your back," she says. "But I was glad that I got to play her one way or the other. And I get to put my own spin on it." She worked closely with Dourdan, who plays Ramirez's partner, Detective Crispus Allen. "T...
read more
Former CSI-er Gary Dourdan on Wednesday pleaded guilty to two felony drug possession charges, and will not have to serve any jail time, reports TMZ. The first charge regarding possession of heroin was dropped and according to his (clearly talented) lawyers, once he completes a 30-hour treatment program — not rehab — all charges against him will be dropped. Wow, from three felony charges and jail time to only participating in a 30-hour program, and all the charges will be dropped? Maybe Kiefer should have hooked up with Dourdan's lawyers before doing his time in the big house. Do you think Gary got off easy? — Erin FoxRelated• Dourdan's Exit from CSI• Dourdan "Embarrassed" about Arrest
read more
Get ready for the most shocking episode of CSI ever according to exec producer Carol Mendelsohn Given that past finales have featured Nick George Eads buried alive and a shocking revelation that Grissom William Petersen and Sara Jorja Fox had been sleeping together theyve got a lot to live up to But Mendelsohn promises theyll deliver Its a very personal episode she says Warrick Gary Dourdan finds himself in more trouble following past episodes in which he was suspected of murder and suspended while investigating a Vegas mobster The result is that sides will be drawn and as TV Guide has reported Dourdan who was recently arrested is leaving CSI The question remains how Mendelsohn says No one will ever forget it and it will change the show forever
read more
Gary Dourdan on Saturday acknowledged regret over his recent arrest in Palm Springs. In his statement to People the former CSI star says, "Obviously I am embarrassed to find myself in this situation, and I am profoundly grateful to everyone for their support."Earlier Saturday, AccessHollywood.com posted a personal email Dourdan purportedly sent in which he lamented the situation, insisted on his innocence and apologized to fans. Dourdan had been at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival prior to his arrest. "The after party, it ran me ragged," he explains, "but I'm glad pulling over did prevent a DUI. I recommend not driving at all, but a little [nap] is always good."Dourdan continued, "I am blessed that the [sergeant] realized that the luggage carrying whatever [drugs] they found was not mine and that my tests have been coming back negative." The actor also apologized to fans, "especially the young ones, like Taylor Swift." (Dourdan was slated to present an award to the cou...
read more
