CBS “YOU ASK, THEY TELL.” – INTERVIEW WITH MARG HELGENBERGER (TRANSCRIPT)
Posted Online November 4, 2011
Hi, I’m Marg Helgenberger, and I play Catherine Willows on the hit CBS drama CSI.
(A highlight clip from CSI 12×04 ‘Maid Man’ with Marg and costar Ted Danson is shown.)
Today, I will be answering some questions that you, the viewers, submitted to the CBS Eyelab.
Let’s get started…
The first question states — Your hometown of North Bend, Nebraska (population 1,200) named a street after you. What was it like to be honored?
It was so touching and so incredible to see some people that I hadn’t seen in — I don’t know — 20 years (laughs). I don’t even want to know how many years, actually. It was the street corner in which I grew, and it has Helgenberger Avenue. It’s an honorary thing. The actual street sign is still there. I didn’t stop smiling from the time we arrived until the time that the whole thing was over. It was really touching.
It has been announced that this is probably your last season on CSI. If you could write the perfect exit for your character, Catherine, what would it be?
I don’t know if there’s any such thing as any kind of a ‘perfect’ exit, but I definitely would like it to be something in which it’s a decision that I’ve made on my own two feet. And always knowing that I have a family back on CSI and know that I have friends for life.
Do you see yourself as a role model for your young fans through the way you portray your character?
I think I felt that responsibility as a role model shortly after we started airing because I didn’t quite anticipate the age range of fans. I love it when young girls come up to me and say “I really want to do what you do on your show,” and they ask me questions about it, and I always encourage them to get into the field because women make very good criminalists.
You’re a big advocate for breast cancer awareness. Do you have any advice for your fans for how they can get involved as well?
I think most people on this planet are touched by someone in their lives who has suffered from breast cancer and/or another type of cancer, and everyone can therefore get involved in various types of fundraising efforts. There’s runs, walks, golf charity tournaments, in addition to just the network of support everyone needs. There’s nothing but a win-win situation when you do get involved.
There has always been a bit of chemistry between Nick and Catherine. Do you think anything will ever happen between those two?
Well, I’ll tell you a funny story…
When we shot the pilot back in, God, March of 2000, Catherine and Nick did have a little fling. We shot it! It took place inside of a car that was going through a car wash. (laughs). You know, with the mops and the soap and — craziness!
(actual footage of the deleted car wash scene from the Pilot is shown)
We always laugh about that scene because I think it was the first scene we actually played: “Nice to meet you. Let’s jump into bed.” Pucker up, breath spray…
I have a great time with George Eads. We have a great chemistry. If they decide to explore that, I’m all for it!
So, that’s it for the questions. Thank you for watching.
You can watch this video clip on the CBS YouTube channel.