Marg Helgenberger on Why She Is Leaving the Hit TV Series 'CSI'
It is not easy to walk away from a secure gig in Hollywood especially one that is popular. However, actress Marg Helgenberger is doing just that.
The actress has been collecting fingerprints and other evidence on "CSI" since the hit CBS series began back in 2000. Next week, her character, crime scene investigator Catherine Willows, is turning in her badge.
After 12 seasons the actress will leave the "CSI" in a two-part episode. So, why exactly is Helgenberger leaving the highly successful franchise?
Helgenberger says that she is looking forward to having some time off, hiking with her dog and even looking for work. She would also love to do Broadway.
"I felt the need to kind of step back, because I had been playing this character for 11 and a half years, to reassess and regroup and I'm as scary as that is, I'm also very excited about the great wide open, the future and all the possibilities," the actress shared on "CBS This Morning."
Despite her departure on the show, 53-year-old Helgenberger said she would be willing to return for a special episode or two in the future.
"Oh, absolutely, in fact that was one of the reasons why it was a little easier for me to leave the show because the producers said to me practically every day the door is wide open. If I'm available and I'm up for it you betcha," the actress said.
The actress is proud that the show has inspired some people to become criminalists. She called the role of Catherine Willows "one of the best roles" she has ever had and that she also had quite a journey.
Looking back at older episodes, she likes to remember the crime that was solved, see who the guest stars are and marvel at some of her clothes and hairstyles.
"Sometimes I go, 'What was I thinking'?" she laughed.
Helgenberger has received both Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations for her work on "CSI" and will get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She will also remain in the loop with what is happening behind-the-scenes because her son Hugh is now a production assistant on the show.
"CSI" is known as the most-watched show in the world and has received the International Television Audience Award at the Monte Carlo TV Festival.
