William Petersen is an American actor and producer best recognized for appearing as Gil Grissom in CBS’ drama series ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,’ for which he earned a Golden Globe Award nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He also garnered three Primetime Emmy Award nominations as the producer of the show. Born in Evanston, Illinois, as the youngest of six children to his parents, Petersen attended Idaho State University on a sport scholarship following high school. He then took an acting course at Idaho State and went on to study as a Shakespearean actor, eventually landing roles on stage and ultimately on the small screen. Petersen has also been active in movies since 1981. His most notable performances include those of Will Graham in ‘Manhunter’, Jack Hathaway in ‘The Contender,’ and Sarge in ‘Detachment.’ A father of three, Petersen has been married to his longtime girlfriend Gina Cirone since 2003. The actor also has two grandsons.
