Leaving Las Vegas

As CSI is rerun from the very beginning, Marg Helgenberger recalls her 11 years as Catherine Willows

By Mary Comerford and Emma Messenger
Total TVguide – December 3-9, 2011

ON CATHERINE WILLOWS…
I’m going to miss her. She’s been such a big part of my life. Catherine’s smart, she’s tough and she’s a great leader. Her professionalism and cool confidence is something I try to emulate myself. When I read the pilot script it introduced her as a single mother and ex-stripper. But her background was never actually revealed in the episode, so the producers said we could get rid of the stripper bit. But I fought to preserve it. She uses her former life to her advantage, especially in how she relates to men. Plus, the fact that Catherine put herself through school to retrain is pretty impressive.

ON CSI’S SUCCESS…
Even when I read the first script, I knew it was innovative. It was so fresh and the dialogue was great. Having the forensics integral to the storytelling was very clever. It made science interesting, sexy and fun.

ON LEAVING THE SHOW…
In the weeks leading up to my final scenes not a day would go by on set without someone asking me if I’m definitely going or if they could change my mind. I’m going to miss everyone so much. Though maybe some are a little jealous and wish they could be brave and make a bid for freedom too! It’s the best cast and crew I’ve ever worked with. We laughed all the time, which is so important when you’re working 14-hour days for more than 10 months a years. But the good news is that Catherine isn’t killed off, so the door’s open for me to come back…

ON TED DANSON…
I know there are fans who are sad about Catherine leaving, but Ted Danson joining has been brilliant. He’s so delightful. The show’s in really good hands because everyone from the cast to the crew is excited. Ted’s arrival is really going to rejuvenate things.

ON HER FUTURE…
It’s been so long since I’ve done a play, so I’d love to get back on stage. Maybe even in the West End! I’m not opposed to doing a movie or even another TV series, though I need a break right now. My immediate plan is just to have a long vacation and a great Christmas. I’m going to a Hawaiian island. I feel like I’m going to get my life back and do regular things like yoga classes. In January, I get my star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame so my family’s very excited and making plans to come to LA. Half of Nebraska [her home state] will be there, too!     ♦