CSI Actors Fired

[Technical Support]

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Two stars of the CBS hit television series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" were fired for breach of contract, KCBS-TV and Variety reported Thursday.

Actors Jorja Fox and George Eads, who play investigators Sara Sidle and Nick Stokes, were fired after asking for more money to stay on the show, according to the reports.

Danica Smith, publicist for both Fox and Eads, told The Associated Press that Fox was fired Wednesday but did not have details. Smith could not confirm whether Eads was fired.

A CBS spokesman said the network had no comment.

Eads didn't show up for work Thursday, the first day of production for the next season, according to the news station and Variety, which posted a story on its Web site Thursday.

The actors were in the fifth of their seven-year contracts.

Though a search was under way for their replacements, it's unclear whether show creators will recast the characters or develop new ones, the reports said.

The show picked up four Emmy nominations Thursday, including one for best drama series.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) - The firing of two "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" stars in a salary dispute was fair and intended to help the TV industry draw the fiscal line, CBS chief Leslie Moonves said Sunday.

Actors Jorja Fox and George Eads, who play investigators Sara Sidle and Nick Stokes on the hit CBS crime drama, were dumped last week when they failed to report for work on the upcoming season, he said.

"There comes a point where we feel a contract is a contract. ... We all have to look out for the future of the network television business," said Moonves, co-president and co-chief operating officer of CBS parent company Viacom.

Among the major broadcast networks only CBS and NBC avoided losses last year, he told the Television Critics Association.

Deals with Fox and Eads were renegotiated after two years and a raise was offered for this fifth season although there was no contractual obligation to do so, he said. The actors reportedly wanted a raise in their $100,000-per-episode pay.

Discussions had been under way with their lawyers and there were certain "veiled threats about their not showing up," Moonves said.

A call seeking comment from the actors was not immediately returned Sunday by their publicist.

Production will be halted this week while script revisions are made, Moonves said. The roles played by Fox and Eads have not been recast but the network is "looking at certain people," Moonves added.

Another cast member, Marg Helgenberger, reported to work as scheduled last week, he said. Co-star William Petersen is a producer on the series, and was on call for next week.

Asked if he was concerned about damage to one of TV's top-rated series, Moonves said, "Of course." Later, he said it was possible cast members Eric Szmanda and Paul Guilfoyle might play bigger roles.

Last year, "Everybody Loves Raymond" star Brad Garrett successfully staged a salary walkout. Asked to compare the "CSI" actors' situation with that of the Emmy-winning Garrett, Moonves was vague.

"We did a negotiation, we brought him (Garrett) back into the fold," Moonves said. "We're very happy we did."

In a subsequent session with the critics' group, "CSI" co-creator Anthony Zuiker said CBS executives make the business decisions on the show.

Zuiker said he was "saddened by the news," but expressed confidence in the ability of the series' executive producers, Ann Donahue and Carol Mendelsohn, to keep the series on track.

"It is show business and the show must go on," said Zuiker, who was on hand to publicize the second "CSI" spinoff, called "CSI: NY." The other spinoff is "CSI: Miami."

When "CSI NY" cast members were asked to comment on the actions by Fox and Eads, only Carmine Giovinazzo was game.

"I'd be shining Moonves' shoes and caddying for him every weekend if I was making that much money," the actor said.

[Technical Support]

"I'd be shining Moonves' shoes and caddying for him every weekend if I was making that much money," the actor said.At $1 million per week (episode), you would think those two Yankee actors would have been smart to stay with their contracts for the remaining two years.

[Kurk Petterson]

It will always amaze me how people can ruin a good thing.

Unless there is more to the story, the two actors probably closed several doors of opportunity for the future.

Go Grissom! ;)

[William Brassfield]

At $1 million per week (episode), you would think those two Yankee actors would have been smart to stay with their contracts for the remaining two years.

Unfortunatly, they seem to be carrying on another old American tradition: greed :(

[Amber B. Moore]

That is awful I really liked them..... That is so greedy.....yeah Go Grissom

[Patrice-Maria Love]

Well, these two people lost for themselves. Greedy people wants more money and more money!

[John Zettler]

It is sad to this that money is becoming a tool to 'do what we please'. My girlfriend and I are an avid watcher of the show. That my favorite character is Greg, and if you watch the opening, and they show all the names, I like to do is say "GREG!!" when he comes on the screen. When watching NCIS, and they show Abby, I do "NOT GREG!!" and if you time it just right, she jumps up and down as if she heard me.

My girlfriend does not know of this yet, either did I, now I have to break the news to her. At least we are looking foward to CSI: New York.

[Heather Burnett]

As long as there is Grissom and Marg H. in the cast, it will be successful. I never miss an episode. I love the forensic science and the way the investigators think. I have found myself starting to think like a CSI--my husband used to be in insurance claims and although he could not tell me the names of people involved,he did share alot of stories. Of course alot of people lie about who was at fault,etc-so in many cases he would have to interview both parties and witnesses and go take pictures of the accident site. he even took pics of skid marks to determine how fast the driver was going. I think all of that is part of the reason I joined the International Private Investigators Union.

[Petra Post]

Too bad, so sad... money talks, bs walks, right? Greed makes ugly people (inside). We'll see what happens next. Never know (given benefit of doubt) maybe it was all a mistake??? Love the show myself...

[Julie Mercer -]

What I am curious about is, how are they going to write them off? Petra, you are absolutely right about greed making someone ugly inside. Heather, Ya, Grissom & Catherine do make that show! John, I always wondered why they didn't do more with Greg. Maybe, they will now that the other two are gone.

I really didn't like where the story line was going with Jorja Fox anyway. Because of the way the season ended, I thought Grissom and her character would end up together this fall. Plus, she had that drinking problem that was just now being developed in the last few episodes. I really liked George Eads. I will hate to see him go.

Pure arrogance! $100,000-per-episode pay - that is staggering! HOLLYWOOD? :confused: Who can figure them out? Anyone of us would be ecstatic to get $100,000 a year! :D

I am interested to see the new CSI:NY. I like Gary Sinise, he is quite the different casting choice.
http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1%2C1002%2C273|3837|1|%2C00.html (http://)

Julie Mercer

[Technical Support]

Pure arrogance! $100,000-per-episode pay - that is staggering! No, Julie.

They were earning $1 MILLION per episode! :eek:



I am interested to see the new CSI:NY. I like Gary Sinise, he is quite the different casting choice.
Here is an interesting item on David Caruso of CSI Miami:

David Caruso was the original detective on the premier of NYPD. After the first season ended, he began demanding more money, etc. What did the producers do? They cancelled his contract and wrote his character out of the script! (See the Season 1 DVD Box set of NYPD)

Now, after nearly ten years of running around, he is smarter and more apt to take on CSI-Miami. Hopefully he is in an iron clad contract. ;)

[Julie Mercer -]

Sinise was the original detective on the premier of NYPD. After the first season ended, he began demanding more money, etc. What did the producers do? They cancelled his contract and wrote his character out of the script! (See the Season 1 DVD Box set of NYPD)

Actually, that was David Caruso on CSI: Miami that was on NYPD Blue. I really liked him on that show. I was glad to see him back on TV. He did want more money and they told him no. What is really weird is Kim Dalaney who was also on NYPD Blue (Diane) later went to CSI: Miami with David Caruso. They let her go because they said that her character didn't fit. I am glad that they brought Emily Procter (Calleigh Duquesne) to the forefront. She is must better.
Julie Mercer

[John Zettler]

Julie,

The did make Greg help out on some investigations, and learn some of the ways they worked, but I can see if this all happens, that they will make Greg more active. Since Grissom said to Greg once that if he does better, he can get out of th office more and Grissom will find a replacement for Greg. If I am mistaken correct me (anyone). I would like to see more of Greg. An interesting side note, if you noticed Greg hair, and Katherine, at one time they were seeing who would have the worse hair day. My vote goes for Greg.

Also, it is interesting how Nick got promoted, and this happens, does that mean they could show him being or asked for a transfer. Plus Sara was a friend of Grissom and was asked to join CSI due to the other agent was killed.

Ok, so I follow the show too much, (of course got my girlfriend season 1-3).

[Heather Burnett]

Hey-
I just saw it on E-BOTH of the characters-george eads and jorja fox will be on csi. cbs is saying it was a miscommunication...which means they got more money!

[John Zettler]

Heather,

If so, are they going to share with all of us ? :)

[Heather Burnett]

HA! I wish they would. You know, their salary is as high as it is because people like us watch them..so its only fair to split the money!!

[Kim Barker]

That is really too bad those actors let greed take over. CSI is my favorite show. I am sure it will go on and continue to be a success.

[John Zettler]

On the TV, on Extra or something of that, said that George was not fired, all a misunderstanding, and that he -only- overslept by 3 1/2 hours? If so, what about Jorja, that part was not talked about.. hmmm, is this a way that CBS wants us to be glued to our TV and raise their rantings.. :rolleyes:

[Kurk Petterson]

Of course it's a big media frenzy. :rolleyes:

Sounds like the show will not change at all, in the end both actors will remain on the show and there will be no harm done.

Apparently, Fox (Sara) is back on the show and I am sure in time Eads (Nick) will be too. The whole ordeal should have been kept under wraps.

As I said: "Go Grissom!" ;)

[Technical Support]

Actually, that was David Caruso on CSI: Miami that was on NYPD Blue. I really liked him on that show. I was glad to see him back on TV. He did want more money and they told him no. What is really weird is Kim Dalaney who was also on NYPD Blue (Diane) later went to CSI: Miami with David Caruso. They let her go because they said that her character didn't fit. I am glad that they brought Emily Procter (Calleigh Duquesne) to the forefront. She is must better.
Julie MercerThank you for the correction. I have edited the name. With so many CSI's, I guess the actors start to look and sound similar. ;)

[Julie Mercer -]

Ok, so I follow the show too much, (of course got my girlfriend season 1-3).
John,
Follow it too much, NO WAY! I am absolutely hooked on the show. Great ideas how to write those character off.

Julie Mercer

[Jim Ryan]

Just to be controversial.....Everyone here seems to be talking about the bad, bad, greedy actors. Lets take a look at the network for a second. As these actors have made this series more and more popular, the advertising slots have become more valuable. The actors have actually made the show worth more so why shouldn't they be able to negotiate their salary, no matter how much they make per episode. If you were in their shoes, wouldn't you? Skills = money. Not to mention that the networks have been notorious in the past for putting it to the actors. Maybe not so much anymore. Lets not cast the first stone. ;)

[Julie Mercer -]

Jim,
Oh, I agree with you regarding the network and how they get rich on the actor's talent. But, the fact is they had a contract to honor. Once that obligation was met, then they could negotiate for more money. Just my 2 cents.
Julie Mercer

[Marvin Watts]

Quote:


'CSI' Actors Rehired After Pay Flap

POSTED: 3:25 pm EDT July 23, 2004
UPDATED: 2:43 pm EDT July 24, 2004

Actors George Eads and Jorja Fox are returning to the scene of the crime.

Eads has been rehired by CBS and has reached agreement to return to television's most popular drama, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

An executive close to the production said Eads was hired back at his old salary, a reported $100,000 per episode.

Fox had reached her own agreement on Thursday.

The actors portray investigators Nick Stokes and Sara Sidle on the Las Vegas-based forensics drama.

Eads was fired for skipping work in what CBS believed was a power play to get a pay raise. But the actor told a group of reporters this week he had overslept on the first day of filming and that the whole thing was a misunderstanding.

[Technical Support]

Just to be controversial.....Everyone here seems to be talking about the bad, bad, greedy actors. Lets take a look at the network for a second. As these actors have made this series more and more popular, the advertising slots have become more valuable. The actors have actually made the show worth more so why shouldn't they be able to negotiate their salary, no matter how much they make per episode. If you were in their shoes, wouldn't you? Skills = money. Not to mention that the networks have been notorious in the past for putting it to the actors. Maybe not so much anymore. Lets not cast the first stone. ;)
Maybe they signed a pre-nup agreement for such a marriage contract. :D

[Michael Harris]

Actually, that was David Caruso on CSI: Miami that was on NYPD Blue. I really liked him on that show. I was glad to see him back on TV. He did want more money and they told him no. What is really weird is Kim Dalaney who was also on NYPD Blue (Diane) later went to CSI: Miami with David Caruso. They let her go because they said that her character didn't fit. I am glad that they brought Emily Procter (Calleigh Duquesne) to the forefront. She is must better.
Julie Mercer
Unfortunately, David Caruso cannot act.

[Julie Mercer -]

Maybe they signed a pre-nup agreement for such a marriage contract. :D
That is funny!!! :D What a great idea.
Julie Mercer

[Mark B Littman -]

I tell you what..I will step in and do the shows for them for 10 cents on the dollar....

[Julie Mercer -]

I tell you what..I will step in and do the shows for them for 10 cents on the dollar....
Now there's a creative idea!

[Anne Lilly -]

What a shame. I enjoyed watching CSI when it first came out, but lately it didn't seem that good. American greed is right - how embarassing.

[John Zettler]

It is almost the Fall Season, and already egar to see how CSI New York will fair out with CSI, and CSI: Miami. I find that other shows are doing the same thing as CSI does to draw the viewer into the show to understand what they see we will see.

Also waiting for the return of NCIS! So I can say "NOT GREG!" again. LOL!

John

[Vincent Sasso]

It's a shame to hear about this news, but that is an actor for ya, kings and queens of greed. I think they will do just fine with the recast. Who knows, maybe a member of IPIU will make the cast! Mark, did you put your bid in for the recast, maybe it will be you.

[Edward Ruebensam]

I like watching CSI, so I hope it is still as good as it was before this happen.

The networks are just trying to make money just like any business. If you sign a contract read it before you sign it.

As for the spin-offs of CSI (CSI: Miami and now CSI: NY) you just have to look at Law & Order ( Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: CI). Hopefully CSI will be as big of a hit.

[Eloisa Mooney]

It is unfortunate but their move will open the door for two others who are just happy to get an opportunity to get their foot in the door. That type of hungry energy (the newbie) is good and a great lesson for the greed monster.

Life goes on.

[Julie Mercer -]

Shortly after Jorja Fox & George Eads were fired they were re-hired. They re-negotiated their contracts & got more money. They will still be very much part of the cast.
Julie

[William Hastings]

which csi was that? vegas or miami. both shows are very intresting.

[Julie Mercer -]

which csi was that? vegas or miami. both shows are very intresting.
William,
It was CSI Vegas.
Julie :)

[Denise Damazio]

I just love that show. I can't wait for the new season to begin.

[Sandra R McGeorge -]

CSI is such a strong, quality show that it can stand on its own...

The REAL "star" of the show is the EVIDENCE, and the manner in which it is laid out there so that you can easily understand it...

[Josh T Mischler]

It's also possible that the stories floating around are just to hype the show up more. Or perhaps the 2 actors were let go, but they're trying to keep it hush-hush so that people will continue to watch. Either way, any publicity is good publicity I guess.

[Chanda Freeman]

I am glad that they are both back with the show. It would be difficult to picture Grisson and Catherine working as well with new people. I think we will be seeing Greg a lot more this season, as he was told if he could find a replacement and train him/her, Greg would finally be out of the lab and in the field.

[Julie Mercer -]

Does anyone watch CSI Miami? I wasn't able to see the season premium & I heard Speed died. What happened?
Julie

[Tami Miller]

Isn't it sickening when a person on TV makes $100,000 per episode and wants a raise? I would be happy if I made half that much in one year. Geez.....

[Leah Riley]

Ok, 100.000 per episode? Hmm, where do I sign up to replace these actors? I never saw this show that I am aware of...really never heard of it. Who has time to watch tv anyway? Cop and detective shows don't really appeal to me. Maybe they should, you would think, huh? I'm more of the sitcom/reality show type.

[Sandra Collins]

I would imagine when these actors signed their contracts they were living the high life thinking they were set for years to come. Then the greed factor kicks in and they feel they desire so much more, come on, 100,000 per episode isnt that enough. Plus all the fringe benifits that come from the show ...commercials, talk shows etc. that they also get paid for. Why is it so many just want to take all they can get, always have more than the actor next to them? Sad thing is, most of the actors do get the increases they demand, its nice to see this time they didn't. I like this show, and the characters, but I can get use to seeing someone else playing the investigative role with no problem. Good job CBS!

Sandi

[Greg Moeller--]

It is a toss-up,Hollywood or Wall Street that breeds the most greedy on the planet!

[Diane Adele Pitts]

I'd like to know what the real story is...but I come from where a contract is a contract, a handshake is a contract, and your word is your bond. I sold my mother's house on a handshake. The guy rented for a year and honored our handshake on the price and timing of the sale from our agreement a year earlier...nothing was written. But I knew I would stand by my word and I knew him to be a man of his word as well. The show did well, but it could also have bombed. The producers would have lost out. Do you think the actors would have gone in and said I'll take less money in that situation?? What becomes the point of a contract???

[Michael Harris]

Diane,

Oral contracts are valid for everything except real estate and the government.

You cannot sell a house in the US without a written contract. It appears that you had an oral committment that the person honored. Had the person backed out, you would have had no recourse.

In the case of the CSI actors, the issue was greed, not a contract.

From another point of view, a contract is only valid when you try to enforce it. If you have a contract that neither party cares about, you can do anything you like until one party becomes unhappy about what is happening.

[Diane Adele Pitts]

I think we are talking about two different things.. you are talking about contracts and the law, I'm taking about character. I only used that as an example of the latter and the apparent loss of it today.

[Michael Harris]

Diane,

I assume that you are responding to me. You should identify who is being addressed.

Character - something lacking in modern lilfe.

[Diane Adele Pitts]

Michael, I am still new , as you probably see. I scrolled up and did not see any other personalized responses, so I assumed they were not required. It appeared to me that most responses were directly answering the comment prior. I will, of course, correct this.

I agree...it is missing in modern life... but one person can make a difference. Otherwise, what is the point in our trying to do what is good and right? Would you agree?? Diane

[Michael Harris]

Diane,

If only one person has character, that is a GREAT start.

[Diane Adele Pitts]

Michael, I agree. We are ultimately responsible for our own actions, not those of others. I am most anxious to begin work and my goal is to operate in an ethical and truthful way. I have so much to learn and I know training will be exciting. I think that's what I will like about being a PI. Everyday will be different and new. I wouldn't think it would become boring. Diane