Eric Szmanda (Greg Sanders) has seen his character go from goofy lab technician to serious CSI, and the actor couldn't be happier about Greg's long journey.

"I had a few seasons to prepare for this transition," the actor told the Canadian magazine, TV Times. "I was always hoping it was going to happen and I've been pushing for it to happen." The transition has been long and arduous but an admirable one at that. The character of Greg Sanders has been around since the Pilot, but Szmanda wasn't given star billing until the beginning of season three. After a continued expressed interest in field work, the character finally became a regular CSI this season. "Greg is definitely the underdog. He always has been the underdog and probably will continue to be. I'm glad the audience has been supporting me because they're the reason why this is all happening."

Though the actor has been around since the show's conception, Szmanda has not failed to notice the differences between playing a lab technician and playing a CSI. "It's kind of like a new job, even though I'm doing the same thing. Every time I walk onto the set, it's like a new experience. It's a new procedure and I'm getting to work with guest stars and do interrogations--and sit in on autopsies. So, it's a lot of fun, I'm very fortunate."

With an extensive background in theatre, Szmanda voiced interest in expanding his acting horizons, but the actor admits CSI's hectic schedule isn't always conductive to a lot of time off the set. Still, his ambitions don't stop at acting. "With the TV schedule, you can't be available. But it's time to start branching out. I've been trying to produce some TV shows and write some scripts. I don't get as many now because I'm busy 10 months out of the year. So now, it's a matter of finding the right choice for the hiatus."

Until then, Szmanda is perfectly happy to continue his work on CSI. "I've definitely been enjoying the fruits of my labour," the actor added. "The real change has been the public response to the show and all the characters. I'm very lucky."

Pick up a copy of TV Times to read the full article, which includes more on Szmanda's reaction to his character's promotion. Thank you to beautiful_loser at the message board for transcribing the interview!

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