For 15 seasons and a feature-length finale, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation was a series fans watched religiously. For now, we’ll have to stick to re-runs and a few spin-offs – such as CSI: Miami, CSI: NY and CSI: Cyber. Now we don’t want to just focus on the characters of the franchise, but rather the women who made the show what it is. Let’s take a look at what the leading ladies are up to now.
It was the 90’s when Anthony Zuiker caught the attention of the producer Jerry Bruckheimer after he wrote his very first movie script. Zuiker was certain that a series was in the concept of what he was writing; Bruckheimer agreed and set a meeting with the head of Touchstone Pictures. At the time, the head of the studio was keen on the spec script and therefore he presented it to ABC, NBC, and Fox executives, who all decided to pass. However it was the head of drama development at CBS who saw potential in the script, and the network were in a pay-or-play contract with the actor William Petersen, who said he was interested in doing the CSI pilot. Network executives also liked the pilot so much that they decided to include it in their 2000 schedule immediately. They decided it would air on Fridays after The Fugitive. Originally CSI was believed to have benefited from The Fugitive (which was a remake of the 60’s series), which was thought to be sure hit, however at the end of 2000, CSI had a way larger audience.
From CSI, CBS were able to produce a franchise starting in 2002 with the spin-off called CSI: Miami. Set in Miami, Florida, which starred David Caruso and Emily Procter, Miami would later launch CSI: NY in 2004. The Big Apple series starred Gary Sinise, Sela Ward, and Melina Kanakaredes, the premise followed a “Everything is Connected” concept. In 2015, a brand new fourth CSI series, CSI: Cyber, starring Patricia Arquette and Ted Danson, was then created. This focused on the FBI’s elite Cyber Crime Division.
With so many franchises to choose from, we decided to focus on the women who make the shows what they are. From the original series to the spin-offs that followed, we’ve compiled a list of the CSI actresses from the series to where they are now. Let’s get started.
Marg Helgenberger as Catherine Willows
The early 80’s are when Marg Helgenberger began her acting career and boy are we glad she did. From 1982 to 1986, Helgenberger’s name was widely known thanks to her role as Siobhan Ryan on the soap opera Ryan’s Hope. Obviously we have to mention that from 2000 to 2012, and also in 2013, she portrayed the brilliant Catherine Willows – a role which earned her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe Award nominations. Recently she appeared on Hell’s Kitchen.
Jorja Fox as Sara Sidle
Whether you know her from ER as Dr. Maggie Doyle or from The West Wing as the Secret Service Agent Gina Toscano, the point is, you know the name Jorja Fox. However one of her greatest roles was as Sara Sidle, a Las Vegas forensic scientist, on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. While she experienced a lot of behind-the-scenes drama on CSI, that never stopped her from doing her job. She last narrated for the film Unity in 2014.
Elizabeth Berkley as Julia Winston
Yup, Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell once appeared in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and later in CSI: Miami for nine episodes as Julia Winston. Her last TV role was in 2016 as Becky Cavatappi in New Girl.
Dakota Fanning as Brenda Collins
After appearing in the film I Am Sam at age seven, Dakota Fanning’s career skyrocketed. Even from a young age, she has held major roles in film and no doubt you’ve seen more than one. In 2000, she appeared in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Brenda Collins. Currently she stars in the TV series The Alienist.
Louise Lombard as Sofia Curtis
Meet the English actress, Louise Lombard, AKA Sofia Curtis from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. From 2004 to 2011, the character of Sofia Curtis was easily a fan favorite. In 2014, Lombard would star in the Lifetime post-apocalyptic drama series The Lottery.
Lauren Lee Smith as Riley Adams
If there’s one thing Lauren Lee Smith is known for, it’s her brilliant TV roles. Let’s see, she portrayed Emma DeLauro in Mutant X, Riley Adams in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, police Sergeant Michelle McCluskey in The Listener, and Frankie Drake in Frankie Drake Mysteries. Now that’s quite the accomplished list. Smith is still the lead in Frankie Drake Mysteries and appeared in the 2017 film The Shape of Water.
Liz Vassey as Wendy Simms
Most of us know the 45 year old actress as Emily Ann Sago on All My Children, Captain Liberty in The Tick, Wendy Simms in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and as Nikki Beaumont in Nikki & Nora. In 2002, she and fellow actress Kristin Bauer started Neurosis to a T(ee), a company that designs and sells T-shirts for women with witty slogans.
Elisabeth Harnois as Morgan Brody
At just the age of five, Elisabeth Harnois began acting and since then, her career has only exploded. From 2011 to 2015, she portrayed Morgan Brody in CSI. She appeared in the 2017 television film My Baby Is Gone!
Patricia Arquette as Avery Ryan
When it comes to successful Hollywood careers, Patricia Arquette is at the top of the list. With numerous accolades and awards to her name, Arquette is a role model to those who want to follow in her footsteps. Arquette also appeared as Avery Ryan in the CSI franchise, she played the Deputy Director of the FBI in CSI: Cyber.
Taylor Swift as Haley Jones
As if Taylor Swift needs any kind of introduction. The 28 year old has shattered records as a country and pop artist, so say what you want, but this girl is a walking legend. An icon. Swift would make her acting debut in a 2009 episode in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, where she played Haley Jones, a rebellious teenager. Currently she’s embarking on a new tour, reputation.
Emily Procter as Calleigh Duquesne
49 year old Emily Procter is well known for her television roles. To date, she has appeared as Ainsley Hayes in The West Wing and as Det. Calleigh Duquesne in CSI: Miami. In 2013, she landed a recurring role as FBI Special Agent Amanda Callaway in White Collar. Procter was recently a guest judge on Summer Showdown.
Kayden Kross as Stripper
Kimberly Nicole Rathkamp, or as she’s better known, Kayden Kross, her stage name makes the cut. Kross is a highly successful pornographic actress who has earned many awards for her work. She appeared in the 2009 episode “Death and the Maiden” in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation but her role was uncredited.
Amanda Seyfried as Lacey Finn
You definitely recognize this actress, model, and singer-songwriter. Why wouldn’t you? She’s starred in some seriously brilliant productions over the years. Amanda Seyfried guest starred in the 2006 episode “Rashomama” as Lacey Finn. She is reprising her role as Sophie Sheridan in the upcoming upcoming Mamma Mia! sequel, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Grace Park as Convention Attendee
The now 44 year old actress first gained recognition thanks to her role as Sharon “Boomer” Valerii and Sharon “Athena” Agathon on Battlestar Galactica. She’s also known as Shannon Ng from the Canadian series teen soap Edgemont. From 2010 to 2017, Park Park starred as Officer Kono Kalakaua in Hawaii Five-0. In 2009, she had a cameo, uncredited role in CSI.
Rachael Harris as Megan
Actress and comedian Rachel Harris is well known for her TV roles. Such as as Dr. Linda Martin on Lucifer and also as a guest star on as Sister, Sister, New Girl, Suits and The Good Wife. Harris appeared as Megan on CSI for just one episode.
Tahyna Tozzi as Olivia Hamilton
This Australian model, singer and actress appeared in season ten of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as Olivia Hamiltion. Although she’s best known as Perri from the Australian series Blue Water High. Tozzi is married to Tristan MacManus, a dancer from Dancing with the Stars. They have one child together.
Summer Glau as Mandy Cooper
Now here’s an actress who is best known for her science fiction and fantasy television roles. To date, she’s portrayed River Tam in Firefly and Serenity, Tess Doerner in The 4400, Cameron/Allison Young in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Bennett Halverson in Dollhouse, and Isabel Rochev/Ravager in Arrow. Summer Glau appeared in the 2004 CSI episode “What’s Eating Gilbert Grissom?”
Frances Fisher as Joanna
British-American actress Frances Fisher is up next. Fisher is known for her roles in Unforgiven, Titanic, Laws of Attraction, The Kingdom, The Lincoln Lawyer and many more. She guest starred in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Eva LaRue as Natalia Boa Vista
It was her work in the soap opera All My Children that put Eva LaRue on the map. From 2005 to 2015, LaRue starred as Det. Natalia Boa Vista on CSI: Miami. Recently she appeared as Teri Tanner on Fuller House.
Elisabeth Shue as Julie Finlay
Where do we even get started with Elisabeth Shue? She has starred in some of the greatest films ever created – such as The Karate Kid, Adventures in Babysitting, Cocktail, Back to the Future (parts II and III), and recently Death Wish. Yeah, we told you the list was impressive. Shue portrayed Julie Finlay from 2012 to 2015, fans were devastated to see her character killed off.
Robyn Lively as Sarah Myers
The now 46 year old first began acting when she was just a kid. Robyn Lively starred in Silver Spoons, Punky Brewster, Wildcats, The Karate Kid Part III, and Not Quite Human. Since then she’s starred and appeared in multiple films and television series. She appeared in the 2005 episode “Manhattan Manhunt” of CSI: NY.
Cynthia Watros as Barbie Audrey
Most likely you recognize Cynthia Watros as Libby Smith in Lost, Kellie in The Drew Carey Show, Erin in Titus, and Annie Dutton in Guiding Light. She appeared in the 2009 episode “All In” of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Kay Panabaker as Lindsey Willows
Once upon a time Kay Panabaker was a rather successful actress but she retired in 2012. After studying zoology at UCLA, Kay now works as an animal keeper at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You might recognize her from Fame, Phil of the Future and Summerland. Panabaker had a reoccurring role as Lindsey Willows on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Khandi Alexander as Alexx Woods
Here’s the thing, Khandi Alexander started out as a dancer in the 80’s – in fact, she choreographed Whitney Houston’s world tour from 1988 to 1992. From the 90’s, she starred in a string of films and shows, including There’s Something About Mary, ER, and The Corner. From 2002 to 2009, the 60 year old starred as Dr. Alexx Woods in CSI: Miami.
Kim Delaney as Megan Donner
The soap opera All My Children is where Kim Delaney first started out, her career has only blossomed since. She is known for her roles in NYPD Blue, Philly and Army Wives. Obviously she’s also known as Megan Donner from CSI: Miami, even if she only appeared in 10 episodes. Delaney just landed a reoccurring role in Chicago Fire.
Sofia Milos as Yelina Salas
You’re looking at the Swiss-born Italian/Greek actress, Sofia Milos. The 52 year old is known for her roles in The Sopranos as Camorra Boss Annalisa Zucca, and as well as appearances Curb your Enthusiasm, Friends and ER. She is well known as Yelina Salas on CSI: Miami, a role she portrayed from 2003 to 2009. Recently she appeared in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.
Megalyn Echikunwoke as Tara Price
The 34 year old actress is well known as the coroner Tara Price in CSI: Miami, as Isabelle Tyler in The 4400 and as Mari McCabe/Vixen in the Arrowverse. Currently she’s in a relationship with the comedian Chris Rock and is filming for the flick Late Night.
Boti Bliss as Maxine Valera
This film and television actress is known for her roles in Ted Bundy, National Lampoon Presents Dorm Daze and CSI: Miami. From 2003 to 2009, she was the main character of Maxine Valera on CSI: Miami. She last appeared in the film Remote Paradise.
Taylor Cole as Samantha Owens
Meet Taylor Cole, the actress and former fashion model who played lab technician Samantha Owens for 10 episodes in CSI: Miami. While Cole is more focused on her acting career, she’s still signed with the LA agency Nous Models Management.
Melina Kanakaredes as Stella Bonasera
Regardless if you know Melina Kanakaredes as Dr. Sydney Hansen in Providence, Eleni Andros Cooper in Guiding Light or as Detective Stella Bonasera in CSI: NY, the point is that you know the actress. Before landing the lead role in CSI: NY, Kanakaredes appeared as Stella Bonasera in CSI: Miami in the episode “MIA/NYC Nonstop”. She now plays the lead role of Dr. Lane Hunter in the series The Resident.
Vanessa Ferlito as Aiden Burn
Thanks to guest spots and recurring roles, Vanessa Ferlito became a successful actress. Her film roles include Spider-Man 2, Shadowboxer, Nothing Like the Holidays, Madea Goes to Jail, and Stand Up Guys. However her roles in television are far more prominent, she is known as Claudia Hernandez in 24, FBI Agent Charlie DeMarco in Graceland, Detective Aiden Burn in CSI: NY, and now as Special Agent Tammy Gregorio in NCIS: New Orleans.
Anna Belknap as Lindsay Monroe
Before landing her biggest role as Detective Lindsay Monroe Messer on CSI: NY, Anna Belknap appeared in a string of shows. Including Medical Investigation, The Handler, Deadline, Law & Order, and Without a Trace. She last appeared in episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and How To Get Away With Murder in 2015.
Sela Ward as Jo Danville
Roll back to the 80’s because that’s when Sela Ward began her acting career. In fact, Ward’s breakthrough role was as Teddy Reed in Sisters – she did receive the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1994. From there her success only continued. From 2010 to 2013, the 67 year old actress appeared as Jo Danville in CSI: NY for 57 episodes.
Cynthia Preston as Waitress
The Canadian television and film actress Cynthia Preston has been acting since 1986 in both film and television. She appeared in a 2002 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Preston appeared in the 2018 film Stalked by a Reality Star.
Christina Milian as Sydney Preston
At age 19, Christina Milian signed a contract with Def Jam. Since then she has transformed into a highly successful singer, songwriter and actress. In 2011, she appeared in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Milian appeared in the 2016 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again.
Katey Sagal as Annabelle Fundt/Natasha Steele
In the episode “Two And A Half Deaths”, Katey Sagal plays a significant role when her character is found dead. But we know her best as Peggy Bundy on Married… with Children, Leela on Futurama, Cate Hennesy on 8 Simple Rules, and Gemma Teller Morrow on Sons of Anarchy. Currently Sagal stars on Superior Donuts.
Viola Davis as Attorney Campbell
That’s right, the highly decorated, Academy Award-nominated actress Viola Davis starred in a season six episode of CSI. “The Execution of Catherine Willows” is the episode, in case you’re interested.
Aisha Tyler as Mia Dickerson
The 47 year old talk show host, actress, comedian, author, producer, writer, and director really did appear on CSI. Actually Aisha Tyler had a recurring role as Mia Dickerson, the new DNA technician in the lab.
Taraji P. Henson as Christina
In a season six episode of CSI, Taraji P. Henson portrays the victim of an assault and she very bravely talks about all of it to the CSI team. But as we all know, Henson is an incredibly talented actress, singer, and author. With a number of awards to her name, she is breaking barriers everywhere she goes.
Sharon Osbourne as Elise Massey
Season 15 is when Sharon Osbourne plays the manager of a pool hall, Elise Massey. Let’s be real though, we know her as a TV personality and as Ozzy Osbourne’s wife! She is also a TV talent competition judge, published author, music manager, businesswoman, and promoter. A walking Wonder Woman really.
Emmanuelle Vaugier as Detective Jessica Angell
Canadian film and TV actress, and model Emmanuelle Vaugier portrayed Detective Jessica Angell on CSI: NY. When it comes to TV, we also know her as Mia on Two and a Half Men, Dr. Helen Bryce on Smallville, FBI Special Agent Emma Barnes on Human Target, and as The Morrigan on Lost Girl.
Jennette McCurdy as Jackie Trent
Before Jennette McCurdy starred on iCarly and Sam & Cat, she was on CSI. McCurdy plays the younger sister of Jessica Trent, who actually murdered a cat lady at just eight years old. That’s a pretty dark role for someone who went to star in colorful Nickelodeon shows!
Dita Von Teese as Ellen Whitebridge (aka Rita Von Squeeze)
We all know her as the queen of modern day burlesque and also for being the ex-wife of Marilyn Manson. Dita Von Teese’s appearance in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation was actually her first TV acting role. After she appeared in adult movies, an indie film, and multiple documentaries on burlesque and fetish modeling.
Jennifer Tilly as Terpsie
Next up is Jennifer Tilly! Although we know her best as Tiffany in the Bride of Chucky, Celia in Monsters Inc, and Bonnie on Family Guy. Although she has appeared on the big and small screen plenty of times. Including the season 10 episode “Take My Life, Please”.
Melinda Clarke as Lady Heather
Now here’s an actress who is well known for her television roles. Melinda Clarke is known as Faith Taylor on Days of Our Lives, Julie Cooper on The O.C., and of course as Lady Heather, the professional dominatrix, on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She last appeared on the series Gotham alongside her old O.C. co-star Ben McKenzie.
Kim Kardashian as Debbie Fallon
Even the reality television personality and socialite Kim Kardashian appeared on CSI. Crazy. Anyways back in December 2009, she made a guest star appearance on CSI: NY with Vanessa Lachey. Currently she’s a mom of three.
Vanessa Lachey as Grace Chandler
Speaking of Vanessa Lachey. She teamed up with her Disaster Movie co-star Kim Kardashian for an episode of CSI: NY. Pam Veasey, the executive producer said, “The ladies [Vanessa and Kim] portray two women who’ve managed to concoct a very interesting scheme that ends in murder.”
Victoria Prescott as Judy Tremont
Up next is the actress and writer Victoria Prescott. Apart from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Prescott has also appeared in MindFull in 2017 and Pearls in 2018.
Sheeri Rappaport as Mandy Webster
This actresses first TV role was on Clarissa Explains It All. From there, she appeared on Xena: Warrior Princess, 7th Heaven, The Drew Carey Show, and Strong Medicine. Although we know her best as the lab technician Mandy Webster on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Romy Rosemont as Jacqui Franco
53 year old actress Romy Rosement has appeared in numerous TV shows, such as Shark, Grey’s Anatomy, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Prison Break, and Private Practice. She is well known as Carole Hudson in Glee. She is married to fellow actor Stephen Root.
Palmer Davis as Attorney Margaret Finn
Wendy Suzanne Palmer Davis, or as she prefers Palmer Davis, appeared on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in 2000. She also appeared in Stepping High in 2013 and Trew Calling in 2017. Davis is also a casting director. She is married to Eugene Davis with two children.
Meta Golding as Tina Brewster
The Haitian-American actress Meta Golding has appeared on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation a few times as Tina Brewster (or Tina Brown) the ex-wife of Warrick Brown. Golding played the District 2 tribute Enobaria in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. She also temporarily replaced A.J. Cook on Criminal Minds. She recently appeared on the series Colony.
Judith Scott as Dr. Jenna Williams
Fort Bragg, North Carolina may be where Judith Scott was born and raised, but it’s safe to say Hollywood is her new home. The actress has appeared in Guess Who, Fracture and Flightplan. And also, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.
Shelli Bergh as Officer Shelley
Actress Shelli Bergh is known for her roles on CSI: Miami, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and Living Out Loud. To date, those are Bergh’s only acting roles.
Megan Dodds as Christine Whitney
48 year old actress Megan Dodds is well known as Kate in the series Not Going Out, alongside Lee Mack and Tim Vine. With her base in the United Kingdom, she also appeared in Spooks, House, Detroit 1-8-7, and CSI: NY. Plus she appeared in movies like Ever After, The Contract, and Chatroom.