American crime drama CSI first aired on the CBS network in 2000. The show following a team of elite forensic evidence investigators as they work their way through cases quickly rose to become one of the most popular series in the country.
Although some of the CSI cast members already made a name for themselves in the industry before the show, for others, it was a launching pad for their careers. The show has been picked up for a sequel by CBS based on Sin City, as CSI: Vegas was recently released with the addition of a few new faces. Apart from the show's extensive success and awards globally, it has also helped make multi-millionaires out of its cast. Here's how much they have amassed.
8 Jon Wellner - $3 million
Kicking off his career in 1997, Jon Wellner had scored roles in several hit movies before joining the CSI team as Henry Andrews, a toxicologist in 2005. In the beginning, his character only made special appearances but later became a regular character in season 13. Landing a recurring role on the show led to better pay which aided Wellner in accumulating an estimated net worth of $3 million.
7 Jorja Fox - $6 million
Starting her career in 1989, Jorja Fox had her breakout role portraying Dr. Maggie Doyle on NBC’s medical drama ER. Shortly after she started to embrace more roles in film including The Hungry Bachelors Club, Down With The Joneses, Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story, and Lion Ark. Fox’s talents are not limited to acting alone, as she is also a film producer and a Human Rights activist who has been dedicated to the Human Rights Campaign since the age of 19. Fox currently has an estimated net worth of $6 million which she earned from acting and endorsements.
6 Eric Szmanda - $8 million
In his first television appearance, Eric Szmanda starred in the hit series, The Net, a show based on a 1995 film with the same name. Szmanda reprised his role in CSI for two consecutive seasons as Greg Sanders, a DNA specialist. However, the star managed to charm fans with his acting prowess and was made into a constant character on the show. Even though he has appeared in several other projects, his role on CSI was without a doubt a major breakout for his career. He has an estimated net worth of $8 million.
5 Robert David Hall - $8 million
Robert David Hall is one of a few people that have had to reprise their role in the long-running show. He portrays the character of Dr. Albert Robbins, the chief medical examiner of the CSI team. Hall has been in the acting industry since 1983 and has starred in several movies including G.I Joe: The Revenge of Cobra and My Fathers House.
A few years into his career, Hall suffered a ghastly car accident which resulted in an explosion that took both of his legs. However, the setback did not stop the star, as he went on to record even more success in his career. Hall has since featured in a couple of shows and movies including Starship Troopers, Life Goes on and The Practice and all of the roles he has taken have shared his disability. The star is doing very well for himself presently as he is estimated to be worth $8 million.
4 Paul Guilfoyle - $18 million
Portraying the character of Detective Jim Brass on CSI, Paul Guilfoyle consistently appeared on the show for 14 seasons, before finally leaving the franchise. While the show helped him amass a significant amount of this estimated $18 million net worth, Guilfoyle can also tag his successful career in the industry to some of his other credits. Some of which include Air Force 1, Secret Agent Man, Exiled: A Law and Order Movie, and Beverly Hills Cop.
3 Marg Helgenberger - $32 million
While she made her way into the industry with her role on daytime soap opera, Ryan’s Hope, Marg Helgenberger has remained relevant in the entertainment industry for over three decades. She portrayed Catherine Willows in CSI from seasons 1 to 12, before reprising her role in seasons 14 and 16 as a guest star. In 2005, Helgenberger won the People’s Choice Award, further establishing her as a force to reckon with in the industry. While she has made money from other acting projects, it is undeniable that her $390,000 salary from CSI was a major part of her amassing a $32 million net worth.
2 William Petersen - $40 million
William Petersen became notable in the movie industry for portraying Gil Grissom in CSI from season 1 to 9 and consistently returning for guest appearances. The star has been in several other movies including To Live And Die in LA, Young Guns, Return to Lonesome Dove, and Seeking a Friend For The End Of The World. However, his expensive lifestyle and riches can be easily tied to his $600,000 charge per episode for his role in CSI. Petersen is currently estimated to be worth $40 million.
1 Ted Danson - $80 million
Shortly after the exit of William Petersen in season 9, renowned sitcom actor Ted Danson joined the CSI team in season 12 as D.B. Russell, a lead character on the show. As one of the most popular television stars from the '80s and '90s, Danson has been able to acquire an astounding net worth of $80 million. Although Danson has starred in quite a lot of movies, a large part of his fortune came from earning $500,000 per episode on Cheers while it was in its prime. The star also earned a whopping $250,000 salary for his role on CSI.