THE EW 100: THE STARS WE LOVE RIGHT NOW
Marg Helgenberger [Smooth Criminalist]
Entertainment Weekly
June 29-July 6, 2007
Marg Helgenberger
Age: 48
Why Her: A star in an industry in which women over 40 are famously scarce, Helgenberger is one of a rare breed. This past year alone, the actress has starred opposite Kevin Costner in the thriller ‘Mr. Brooks’, filmed ‘Columbus Day’ with Val Kilmer, and helped lead procedural powerhouse ‘CSI’ through a critically acclaimed seventh season, during which it held 20 million viewers opposite ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ “I certainly was motivated by the competition,” she says.
How to thrive in captivity: Helgenberger’s ‘CSI’ character, Catherine Willows, was drugged and abducted in the season opener – an idea she pitched to the producers after a real-life criminalist told her that some Vegas bartenders were being paid to dose women’s drinks with date-rape drugs. “I thought that was an interesting idea, to have a criminalist – someone who’s always watching her back and always hip to suspicious behavior – have that happen to her.”
Liev Strong: While she “loved” working with Costner and found Kilmer “fun and charming,” Helgenberger’s ‘CSI’ arc with Liev Schreiber remains a high point. “He brought so much to the table. He’s just enormously talented both as an actor and as a writer.” A true multi-talent? Sounds like someone else we know.
Secret Ambition: “I’ve often wondered what it must be like to be a war correspondent. Talk about being in the moment.”
*You can view a scan of this article here.
