Irregular Heartbeat Sidelines Petersen Temporarily

Like his co-star George Eads (Nick Stokes), William Petersen (Gil Grissom) didn't show up for the first day of filming for CSI: Crime Scene Investigation's fifth season, but his reasons were health related.

According to the Los Angeles Times (via the William Petersen Appreciation Page), Petersen had notified CBS prior to when shooting began that he would miss the first few days of work because of the recently-diagnosed heart condition. Petersen's representitive confirmed that it was "health-related matters" that kept the actor away from the set of "Viva Las Vegas". Petersen was not hospitalized.

According to CBS, filming is expected to resume on Wednesday, with Petersen, Eads, and Jorja Fox (Sara Sidle) all expected back on the set. Fox and Eads were fired on July 16th after salary disputes with the network, but both actors have since been rehired. "Billy and the rest of the cast are expected back on the set this Wednesday," Chris Ender, a CBS spokesman, said. "Everyone is excited to resume production and get started on the fifth season."

Petersen is also reportedly seeking a salary increase, but his absense from the CSI set was completely unrelated to the negotiations. Marg Helgenberger (Catherine Willows) is looking for a pay hike as well, but the actress reported for work. According to E!Online, both Gary Dourdan and Eric Szmanda received raises, and Szmanda will be getting more screentime in the upcoming season.

To read the original reports, please visit William Petersen Appreciation Page and E!Online.

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