CBS THE EARLY SHOW, TRANSCRIPT OF INTERVIEW
Aired on April 29, 2010
You can watch a clip of this interview on our YouTube channel: Marg on CBS The Early Show, 4/29/10
Maggie: After ten seasons on the air the groundbreaking CBS drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is still a great mix of mystery and science, with an ensemble cast led by Emmy winner Marg Helgenberger.
(Scene from CSI is shown)
Maggie: And Catherine herself, Marg Helgenberger, is here with us live this morning.
Maggie: Good Morning, Marg. Welcome back.
Marg: Thank you. Nice to be here.
Maggie: And congrats, ten seasons in and the show just had one of its most creative seasons yet. How do they do it and how do you do it — staying so enthusiastic?
Marg: You know, I never lose sight of how fortunate I am to have this job. And not just in this economy, but just as an actor. I mean, this is one of these jobs that very few actors get the opportunity to be on a show that’s had this kind of run, but also still has maintained its quality. And that I just attribute to just a wonderful group of writers, directors, crew, cast. I mean, just the sum of its parts. And we all still really care about it, sincerely really care about it.
Maggie: Wonderful cast that last season included Laurence Fishburne. The last time that you were here he was taking over for William Petersen.
Marg: That’s right.
Maggie: He hit the ground running. He has been a hit.
Marg: Yes, he’s been great. I was so excited when he was cast because I’ve been a big fan of his for quite a long time. And he was just like really undaunted by stepping into Billy Petersen’s shoes, and he should be. He certainly earned all of his merit. And he’s seen every single episode actually. He watched every single DVD collection. (Laughs). I can’t claim that. He’s just fun and easy and cool, and you know, all that. He’s great.
Maggie: I want a little hint — because a few weeks ago you did an episode where your character has a love interest, it looks like. Is this going to turn into a full blown affair with detective Vartann?
Marg: Knowing CSI the way I know CSI, no.
Maggie: Awww, darn.
Marg: We do things in a very subtle way. I could be wrong. But yeah, I’m thrilled that we would have a love interest on the show. I’ve sort of been begging for one for a few seasons now. They’re finally like, you know, ‘Okay we’ll let you have a little fun.’ And he’s been great, Alex Carter, who plays detective Vartann. He’s cool.
Maggie: I know that in addition to being very busy with work, you’re also an advocate for breast cancer and breast cancer awareness and prevention. And you’re active in the Revlon Run/Walk. Why is that? Why is that such an important cause?
Marg: My mother, Kay Snyder, is a thirty year breast cancer survivor. And I’ve done so many charity, fundraising events for the past, gosh, twenty years I think it has been now. On May 8th I’m co-hosting the Revlon Run/Walk for cure in Los Angeles. I think the one in New York is this weekend. It’s kind of a big deal throughout the country. So encourage people to go out and participate. The money all goes to a very worthy cause.
Maggie: Do you have big summer plans? I know you wrapped the show up already.
Marg: I’m still sort of figuring that out, you know. I would like to travel. Just trying to work out the schedule with my son and someone else. It’ll happen.
Maggie: Well, enjoy and thanks for being here.
Marg: Thanks for having me.
Maggie: Marg Helgenberger. And we remind everybody you can watch CSI: Crime Scene Investigation tonight at 9:00, 8:00 Central, here on CBS. And in tonight’s episode, Tim Conway.