About
William Petersen is a retired American actor widely recognized for his leading role as Gil Grissom in the CBS crime drama *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*. His performance in the series earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Golden Globe nomination. Petersen also received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations as a producer of *CSI*. He reprised his role as Gil Grissom in the sequel *CSI: Vegas* in 2021.
Career Timeline
Early Film Roles Begin
Petersen begins his film career with small roles.
*Fear* and *Primal Fear*
He plays roles in both *Fear* and *Primal Fear*.
*The Contender* Film
Petersen stars in *The Contender*.
*CSI* Casting Success
Petersen is cast as Gil Grissom in *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation*, a breakthrough role.
*CSI* Stardom Peak
*CSI* becomes a global phenomenon, making Petersen a household name.
Leaves *CSI* Main Role
Petersen reduces his role on *CSI*, focusing on theater and producing.
*CSI: Vegas* Reprisal
He reprises his role as Gil Grissom in *CSI: Vegas*.
Retired TV Icon
Petersen is largely retired but remains a respected figure in television, recognized for his iconic role in *CSI*.
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Last updated: February 21, 2026