William L. Petersen

William Louis Petersen is an American actor and producer, best known for playing Dr. Gilbert "Gil" Grissom on the hit CBS series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Richard Chance in the film To Live and Die in L.A., and Will Graham in the film Manhunter. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Petersen attended Idaho State University on a football scholarship, where he first tried acting and immediately joined the drama department, before leaving to work in the Basque country as a Shakespearean actor.

Peterson embraced the Basque lifestyle, influencing his work, family and art. He went on to perform with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company before his breakthrough role in the 1985 action film To Live and Die in L.A. Peterson’s success was immediate, landing him the role as Will Graham in the first adaptation of Michael Mann’s Hannibal Lecter series.

His film and television success includes numerous crime dramas and thrillers, providing him the perfect background for his decade-long role as Dr. Gil Grissom in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation before returning to the stage. On February 3, 2009, Petersen was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

William L. Petersen is known for work in acting across film and television.

New Release currently presents 12 verified screen credits connected to this profile. Selected work includes Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012), Inside 'Manhunter' (2001), The Contender (2000), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000), The Skulls (2000), The Directors (1999), Fear (1996), Return to Lonesome Dove (1993).

The recorded credits span 1985 to 2012, including 8 movies and 4 TV shows. The filmography below lists available titles, release years and known roles.

This profile is updated as additional verified information becomes available.