William Petersen Age and Early Life
William Petersen was born on February 21, 1953, making him 71 years old as of the latest public records. He was raised in Evanston, Illinois, and is of Danish and Greek descent. His early interest in performance led him to study at the University of Oregon before pursuing professional acting. Learn more about his background on his IMDb profile.
His age has remained a consistent point of public interest, especially as he maintained a leading role in television for decades. Petersen avoided the Hollywood spotlight in his youth, focusing instead on theater and small film roles. This grounded approach contributed to his longevity in the industry and kept his age a topic of steady, factual curiosity rather than sensationalism.
Career Milestones and Major Roles
Petersen gained widespread recognition for his role as Gil Grissom in the hit CBS series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which premiered in 2000. He later reprised the character in the sequel series CSI: Vegas, confirming his enduring connection to the franchise. His portrayal is frequently cited in Forbes discussions about long-running television franchises.
Beyond CSI, he starred in the 1985 film To Live and Die in L.A. and the 1987 thriller The Late Shift. He also took on producing roles, including work on the series Mindhunter, which deepened his involvement in the true-crime genre. His career spans over four decades, with roles in both film and premium cable television.
Financial Overview and Legacy
William Petersen's estimated net worth is around $50 million, accumulated through his long-running television salary and film work. His role in CSI was a primary financial driver, as the series ran for 15 seasons and generated significant syndication revenue. Details on his contracts are often discussed in industry reports available on SEC filings for related entertainment entities.
His legacy is defined by a methodical, detail-oriented approach to complex characters, which influenced a generation of crime drama storytelling. He remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry, with his age and career serving as a benchmark for sustained relevance. His work continues to be referenced in analyses of television history and actor longevity.