Marg Helgenberger: “I Dream of Theater”
The original interview was published in French and can be found on the TVMag.com website.
The star of CSI should be less present in season 12
By Emmanuelle Litaud
TVMag.com – May 8, 2011
Marg Helgenberger, the leading lady of CSI since the first episode, wants to step back. In Paris for a few days, the 52-year-old actress who looks ten years younger, talks about her future in the show.
Marg Helgenberger, are you here with Alan, your new lover?
No, but we were here last September for a few days. It was really romantic. He had an apartment in Paris for ten years, so he is very familiar with the city. We met through mutual friends a year and a half ago. We’ve been very happy since then.
Are you familiar with Paris?
I’ve been here many times. I love it. Everything is beautiful: the architecture, museums, galleries, shopping, food… You really have everything, it’s amazing!
TF1 is broadcasting season 10. What can you reveal about the next season?
I have a boyfriend and our relationship continues in season 11. I was very happy because I like to play that side of Catherine, the more vulnerable side. Season 11 also marks the return of a serial killer we saw a few years ago.
Will you be in the twelfth season?
Yes, but only a dozen of episodes are being negotiated for. CSI requires ten and a half months a year, which leaves me little time for anything else. I love the show, but I really want to do theater and play other characters.
What are you dreaming about?
I’m meeting with some producers in New York next week. I’d love to do an unpublished play, but just being on the stage would be great already. I haven’t done that in such a long time. I was happy to portray a strong, smart, confident character, because we always take a part of the character with us. But now, I’d love to play the opposite, someone shy, clumsy…
What is the departure of Catherine going to be like?
We need to come up with a scenario that allows her to come back occasionally. For the moment, nothing is decided yet, but one can imagine that she would take over a casino or get promoted to a higher position. ♦
Did you know?
In 1996, Marg Helgenberger appeared in the last four episodes of ER‘s second season. She played Karen Hines, who flirted with Dr. Ross aka George Clooney. “George is very funny. He is very intelligent and has a lot of energy. I really enjoyed working with him,” she says.
