Watch The ‘CSI’ PaleyFest Panel, Plus Tweets & Photos
15 min read
CSI at PaleyFest
As CSI Files previously reported, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation did a panel at PaleyFest last night in honor of the show’s upcoming series finale. The panel included cast members William Petersen (Gil Grissom), Marg Helgenberger (Catherine Willows), Jorja Fox (Sara Sidle), Eric Szmanda (Greg Sanders), Paul Guilfoyle (Jim Brass), Ted Danson (DB Russell), Robert David Hall (Dr Al Robbins), Elisabeth Harnois (Morgan Brody), David Berman (David Phillips), Wallace Langham (David Hodges) and Jon Wellner (Henry Andrews); along with creator Anthony Zuiker, co-creators and executive producers Carol Mendelsohn and Ann Donahue, and executive producers Jonathan Littman and Jerry Bruckheimer. You can watch the CSI panel on Yahoo, or find it embedded below:
Next, check out these 84 tweets, including comments from the panel and reactions from the cast:
Anthony Zuiker is onstage now at #PaleyFest #CSITribute to introduce the clip reel being shown before the panel.
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
#CSI was 27 year old @zuiker's first TV script. Wow! He pitched it to Nina Tassler in 2000. #CBS #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
ANthony Zuiker always wanted to work with @BRUCKHEIMERJB because he loved his movies. Thanks Jerry & David Stapf for their support. @CSI_CBS
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Anthony Zuiker: without William Petersen saying yes, we'd be nowhere. He's like the big brother who beats me up everyday. #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Zuiker: there's so many amazing cast members to thank. I don't know how they do it & they've been doing it for 2 decades. #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Zuiker also thanks all the #CSI fans for making the show one of the biggest shows in TV history. #PaleyFest #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Anthony Zuiker was a tram driver in Vegas before he created @CSI_CBS – he was inspired by the show "New Detectives" #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Zuiker learned the human body was key to crime stories & that led to @CSI_CBS idea. #PaleyFest #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
.@BRUCKHEIMERJB "@zuiker gave the most energetic and entertaining pitch for #CSI".
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Jerry Bruckheimer; Anthony gave the most energetic pitch. It all came down to a fantastic idea. We're here because of all these people.
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
.@BRUCKHEIMERJB "With great words you get great people and that's what you have right here". #CSIFarewellSalute #CSI
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Bruckheimer TV exec Jonathan Littman begged Nina Tassler to hear the #CSI pitch after other networks passed. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Littman: I told Anthony "good luck, this is our last shot" before the pitch to Tassler. @CSI_CBS #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
#CSI didn't go home with the characters – Carol Mendelsohn says we learned things abt them as they worked. #PaleyFest #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Carol Mendelsohn: We knew Willows was a single mom. Ann Donohue tells story of real CSI who once forgot to pick up her kid. #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
What did the cast think of each other initially? Eric Szymanda thought Ted Danson was a really sweet guy& much warmer in person. Never tense
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
"There was never a tense moment on set with @TedDansonReal. He made everyone feel at home." – @ericszmanda #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Ted Danson was a fan of Marg Helgenberger – was terrified when he met her on set first time, nervous on his first day. #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Ted Danson says Marg was elegant, welcoming, gracious to him. "You're so kind." #PaleyFest #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Marg: Wm Petersen's excitement about #CSI got us all going. It was so much fun. — Petersen just handed Marg a flashlight! #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Marg Helgenberger to William Petersen: I can't imagine taking this ride with anyone else. (and they just kissed – awww!) #PaleyFest #CSI
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Jorja Fox says Billy Petersen drove her crazy at first. Remembers going to lunch with him & Anthony Zuiker. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Billy Petersen remembers having lunch with Jorja and thinking "OK, she's cool. Grissom fell for you because you got him." #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Jorja Fox and William Petersen tearing up as they talk to each other at #PaleyFest #CSITribute. #Lumpinthroat
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
"I think Grissom fell in love with Sara because you got him, and you got me too." – William Petersen to Jorja Fox. #CSIFarewellSalute
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Jorja to Paul Guilfoyle: You were this movie star. You were so glamorous. I learned so much from you. You took risks & you're so classy.
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Paul Guilfoyle to Jorja: you were the heart of this whole group to me.Jorja had the biggest heart.Thank you for that. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Paul Guilfoyle turns to Robert David Hall and jokes: George Eads! #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Paul Guilfoyle enjoyed doing scenes with Robert David Hall even though they didn't have a lot of them. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Robert David Hall: I was in awe of Guilfoyle. I loved Wally Langham on "Larry Sanders Show" – was nervous when I met him – he was the nicest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
" I remember what a firebrand you were." @kingoftrace says about @ElisabethHarnoi first day on set. #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Wallace Langham to Elisabeth Harnois: What a firebrand you were! You took no s–t! #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Elisabeth Harnois says she didn't mind the kisses with Langham's character. He thinks she's a great actress. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Elisabeth Harnois: I was so grateful to be part of a show I was such a big fan of for years. I love all these people. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Elisabeth Harnois on David Berman: he was warm & welcoming and he's cooked me some of the best dinners I've ever had. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Harnois on @davidberman: he's a dear friend and a great actor. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
David Berman took an acting class from Jeff Perry (#Scandal) and met @jonwellner there while they admired the same gal. #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
David Berman did research for #CSI before he started acting on the show. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
David Berman and Jon Wellner have an entertainment research company together now. #CSITribute #Paleyfest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Jon Wellner on Eric Szymanda: we've become great friends. He's the best. And the dreamiest! #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
What was it like coming back to do the 2 hour finale movie? Eric: the energy that filled the lab made it seem much bigger. So much laughter.
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Eric Szymanda: it was like getting the band back together. I'm so grateful we got to do it. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
There was so much laughter and reminiscing being back on set together that it was hard to focus –@ericszmanda. #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Did Billy Petersen think he'd come back to say goodbye? He says "No. I wanna thank Mr. Moonves, Nina Tassler, Jerry, Jonathan, for this."
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Petersen thanks the #CSI powers that be for bringing everyone back for the finale. Says he missed everyone from the show. #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Petersen: this was daunting to do as quickly as we did it. The fans have been miraculous & appreciated by all of us. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
It's wonderful to have the opportunity to say goodbye to each other, the characters & most importantly the fans – Billy Petersen #PaleyFest
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Jorja Fox: I think tons of people love Sara Sidle but in the show, she may have the most people who dislike her. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Jorja Fox: it's so cool to play this character – she's very focused, has poor social skills, she won't give up. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Jorja Fox called Sara Sidle "like a steady mule – she won't give up" #CSITRibute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Marg Helgenberger on why Grissom &Willows didn't feel right:it was more fun that we didnt have a romantic connection. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Helgenberger says Grissom and Willows were like an old married couple without the sex. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Petersen: Grissom and Willows understood things in completely different ways. He needed her sensibility in that lab. #CSI #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Petersen: You have to be careful who you go to bed with. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Jorja Fox: the guys in this room are some of my closest friends. We were in these deep trenches together & it wasn't sexual. #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Favorite guest stars or guest directors? Carol Mendelsohn: Quentin Tarantino for Season 5 finale. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Mendelsohn: Tarantino was one of the greatest experiences of all our lives. Had to get it down to 2 hours. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Zuiker says Quentin Tarantino broke the story with the writers in the room in about an hour for the S5 finale. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
David Berman on @TaylorSwift guesting on #CSI: I had to be careful to "do no harm" as the coroner. She brought her CDs to set & signed them
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Berman says @TaylorSwift told the crew to bring their kids to get signed CDs from her personally. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
"Working with @taylorswift13 was amazing." – @davidberman88 in talking about guest stars. #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Ann Donohue on Elizabeth Devine (real life CSI): we had to get someone who knew what CSIs said at crime scenes. #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Ann Donohue met Elizabeth Devine while she was working on a triple homicide case"She was so real. CSIs learn to be storytellers." #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Big round of applause for Elizabeth Devine from everyone on the #CSITribute #PaleyFest panel.
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Q: Why didn't Hodges have any more perfect days?Elisabeth Harnois: because he's an Adonis! Langham: I had fun doing that episode! #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Have any of the cast members been confused with real CSIs in public? David Berman telling a story abt being with Danson when that happened
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
David Berman telling a story about him andDanson with an M.E. who removed the top of a guy's head & had Ted hold one piece & Berman another!
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Danson: I'm so glad I did it. I'll never do it again. David & I bonded forever. I called my wife and sobbed. IT's a huge deal what CSIs do.
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
A real life forensic scientist is in the #PaleyFest audience! Petersen went to a pathologist's convention after Season 2 – met coroners.
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Petersen says the coroners thanked him and said because of #CSI, people talked to them at parties and in public now. #PaleyFest #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Petersen talking about the boom in forensic studies, pathology courses because of #CSI success. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Littman: juries started to expect the things they saw on #CSI. Made life tough for prosecutors. #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Bill Petersen talking about attending jury duty & pointing to his face til the lawyer recognized him from #CSI. #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Once the lawyer recognized Petersen, he got excused from jury duty. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Robert David Hall got an FBI Murder Book once and gave it to Carol Mendelsohn to use for #CSI. #CSITribute #PaleyFest
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Anthony Zuiker: every conversation we have is about the audience – what will they like/think/want – that's been for 16 years. Thank you!
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Every conversation we have had for 16 years has been about the audience and we are here because of you. – @zuiker #CSIFarewellSalute
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Zuiker on the 9/27 #CSIFinale: a large catastrophe paralyzes Vegas. Everyone comes back to work on the case. #PaleyFest #CSITribute
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
It was a #CSI love fest tonight @paleycenter! Huge thanks to all the fans who attended, & who watched live stream. https://t.co/Yhcrh6k5rd
— Marg Helgenberger (@MargHelgen) September 17, 2015
@allaboutmarg Thanks Suzanne! The evening, as well the 15 years, went by in a flash.
— Marg Helgenberger (@MargHelgen) September 17, 2015
Thanks to @paleycenter for an incredible night! https://t.co/jwqNjyNxOF
— Marg Helgenberger (@MargHelgen) September 17, 2015
GREAT hanging with and seeing the #CSI cast tonight. That series finale on 9/27 at 9:00 PM ET/PT will be epic!
— Vernon Cheek (@Cheekv) September 17, 2015
@paleycenter @CSI_CBS Thanks for a wonderful evening! I hope everyone had as great of a time as I did! #CSI #CBS
— wallace langham (@kingoftrace) September 17, 2015
Thank you to all that came out, and to @paleycenter, for making last night unforgettable. #CSIFarewellSalute https://t.co/caDYx0MWtX
— LeFox (@JorjaFoxofficia) September 17, 2015
Several of the actors spoke to Entertainment Weekly on the red carpet before the event, and here’s a quote from Petersen:
I thought [creator Anthony Zuiker’s] idea was fabulous — and I didn’t know if we could pull it off. I didn’t know what we could do with it, but I thought the idea was great. And I always thought that it would be interesting to see how we actually solve these crimes, and the people that actually do that work, that nobody ever knows about.
We always see the cops, we see the lawyers — that’s what television has always been. We wanted to see what happens behind those guys.
These 17 photos are from the venue and the CSI exhibit at PaleyFest, including props and images from the past 15 seasons:
They're back! CSI cupcakes for tonight's Paley Festival in Beverly Hills. Tonight, we officially celebrate goodbye. pic.twitter.com/93BeGENYX2
— Anthony E. Zuiker (@zuiker) September 17, 2015
Hurray for us! pic.twitter.com/ZhvT1MrJ0F
— Anthony E. Zuiker (@zuiker) September 17, 2015
Happening now at #PaleyFest @CSI_CBS Farewell Salute pic.twitter.com/KMbJkCr0Aj
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Jeez!!! pic.twitter.com/oNEVUuahRr
— Anthony E. Zuiker (@zuiker) September 17, 2015
Miniature killer! Late breaking news! pic.twitter.com/A68D8BWOeL
— Anthony E. Zuiker (@zuiker) September 17, 2015
DOA. But little…. pic.twitter.com/GnxAfIXE0P
— Anthony E. Zuiker (@zuiker) September 17, 2015
— Anthony E. Zuiker (@zuiker) September 17, 2015
T Swizzle. pic.twitter.com/nKxZTx0jYV
— Anthony E. Zuiker (@zuiker) September 17, 2015
What started it all … pic.twitter.com/zy5Lo01ERJ
— Anthony E. Zuiker (@zuiker) September 17, 2015
Look who's back! #WilliamPetersen joins @Zuiker at @PaleyCenter for the #CSIFarewellSalute at #PaleyFest! #CSITribute pic.twitter.com/90DjikvFqs
— CBS TV Studios (@CBSTVStudios) September 17, 2015
Fans and stars alike, we're all nostalgic! @MargHelgen taking #CSI exhibit photos at @PaleyCenter. #CSITribute pic.twitter.com/k1gTEDxDej
— CBS TV Studios (@CBSTVStudios) September 17, 2015
Such a blast at last night's #PaleyFest! Don't miss the #CSI Series Finale Sunday, Sept. 27 9/8c on #CBS! #CSITribute pic.twitter.com/47KPqCYi5T
— CBS TV Studios (@CBSTVStudios) September 17, 2015
Here’s a collection of 34 photos from the red carpet and the panel:
.@RobertDavidHal is first to hit the #PaleyFest @CSI_CBS press line — welcome! pic.twitter.com/OprMedWYsH
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Lovely couple: Anthony @zuiker and wife Michelle arrive at #PaleyFest @CSI_CBS Farewell Salute pic.twitter.com/YNM0mk1qa6
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
.@davidberman88 just hit the #PaleyFest @CSI_CBS Farewell Salute – thanks for suiting up for us! pic.twitter.com/BWYQb2WQYD
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
We think @ericszmanda looks very sharp tonight. @CSI_CBS fans – what do you think?? #PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute pic.twitter.com/BOLZeGS3Ls
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
. @ericszmanda has arrived on the red carpet at the #CSIFarewellSalute. #CSI pic.twitter.com/ccSzNc48f0
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
The talent keeps rolling in – hello @jonwellner! @CSI_CBS #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest pic.twitter.com/AH9uK496fS
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Good evening @kingoftrace Wallace Langham – happy youre here for @CSI_CBS #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest pic.twitter.com/8NnCxD5VaG
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
The talented Ms @JorjaFoxofficia has arrived! #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest @CSI_CBS pic.twitter.com/d4VtRg6Goh
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Bringing MAJOR style to #PaleyFest @CSI_CBS salute: @ElisabethHarnoi – total wow! pic.twitter.com/Q1iHqPNLhZ
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
. @ElisabethHarnoi stuns on the #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest purple carpet. #CSI pic.twitter.com/sL2MVlg0A0
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
#WilliamPetersen and wife Gina arrive at #PaleyFest for @CSI_CBS #CSIFarewellSalute #CSITribute pic.twitter.com/SCepzu4NH3
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Carol Mendelsohn, William Petersen and Ann Donahue on the #PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute press line. pic.twitter.com/pgewZrl2Fm
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
The great women behind the man – producers Carol Mendelsohn and Ann Donahue #PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute pic.twitter.com/FYb6e9Xy3Q
— Lynette Rice (@Lynetterice) September 17, 2015
Detail shot: check out Ann Donohue's KILLER jacket! #LikeABOSS #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest pic.twitter.com/H6Y9ocfgHr
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Carol Mendelsohn, @zuiker, Jonathan Littman and Ann Donohue on the #PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute oress line @CSI_CBS pic.twitter.com/9u90sMOq0W
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Photog frenzy for @MargHelgen at #PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute pic.twitter.com/Bok3LbHVw1
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Can't stop the flash frenzy when Ted Danson and Marg Helgenberger are on the press line together! #CSIFarewellSalute pic.twitter.com/LyEaA1sqK8
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Ted Danson radiates cool at #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest @CSI_CBS pic.twitter.com/Dlyhs5Gisl
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
Quick foursquare shot of @CSI_CBS talent at #PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute pic.twitter.com/Q3ISfnDvsX
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
#PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute triple shot! Incredible array of smart, talented folks here. pic.twitter.com/zkyp1BK9sP
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
The gang's all here for the #CSIFarewellSalute at #PaleyFest. #CSI pic.twitter.com/fuocfF8l6n
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
One of our fave tv duos EVER! #WilliamPetersen and @MargHelgen at #PaleyFest #CSITribute @CSI_CBS pic.twitter.com/xOwafSeydV
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
A big thank you to the amazing cast and producers of CSI. #PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute pic.twitter.com/tHt5fy0vtf
— CSI on CBS! (@CSI_CBS) September 17, 2015
Sweet. So long, friends. #CSIFarewellSalute #PaleyFest pic.twitter.com/i2ymRNSsNz
— Lynette Rice (@Lynetterice) September 17, 2015
5 things that were learned at the 'CSI' panel at Paley #CSIFarewellSalute #CSI #csifinale http://t.co/pXyzPF8UsN pic.twitter.com/wROhBS7pDm
— Lynette Rice (@Lynetterice) September 17, 2015
Incredible night at #PaleyFest for @CSI_CBS #CSITribute! My Storify post has tons of photos & tweets @CBSTweet http://t.co/6k2ZZmVTI4
— Diane Gordon (@thesurfreport) September 17, 2015
Finally, check out these four videos:
So much happening on the #PaleyFest press line! @CSI_CBS #csifarewell pic.twitter.com/3hOCAeIQ4E
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
So much talent here for @CSI_CBS #PaleyFest #CSIFarewellSalute, had to use video! pic.twitter.com/9IK2j2VqpM
— Paley Center (@paleycenter) September 17, 2015
About The Author
Great to see most of the CSI cast members in one place the last time around; also very grateful that certain actress didn’t pull a face-licking lewd act-II this time around.