William Petersen Age and Personal Background
William Petersen was born on February 21, 1953, making him 72 years old in 2025. He was born in Evanston, Illinois, and grew up in a working-class family with Danish and Greek heritage. His birth name is William Louis Petersen, and he later adopted the stage name William Petersen for his acting career. He is best known for his role as Gil Grissom in the long-running CBS series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. As of the latest public records, he remains active in film and television projects and is widely recognized as one of the most enduring actors in American crime drama.
Petersen attended Idaho State University on a football scholarship before pursuing acting. He later studied at the Organic Theater Company in Chicago, which helped shape his intense, method-driven performance style. His age and career longevity have made him a reference point for fans tracking the timelines of classic television actors. He has maintained a relatively private personal life, with limited public updates on his family and current residence. His consistent presence in entertainment news confirms his ongoing relevance in the industry.
Career Highlights and Major Roles
William Petersen rose to national fame playing Dr. Gil Grissom in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which aired from 2000 to 2015. His portrayal of the meticulous forensic entomologist earned him an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe nomination. Before CSI, he appeared in films such as To Live and Die in L.A. and Manhunter, where he played the iconic serial killer Hannibal Lecktor. His performance in Manhunter remains one of the most cited in the history of the psychological thriller genre.
After leaving CSI, Petersen continued acting in limited but high-profile roles, including the CBS series Without a Trace and the NBC drama Deception. He also returned to the CSI franchise for guest appearances and TV movies, reinforcing his legacy in the procedural drama space. His career spans over four decades, with roles in theater, film, and television. He is frequently cited in discussions about the evolution of forensic-focused storytelling in American entertainment.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
William Petersen's estimated net worth is around $45 million as of the latest available public estimates. His primary income sources include his long-running television career, film roles, and occasional stage performances. CSI was a major contributor to his wealth, as the series ran for 15 seasons and generated significant syndication revenue. He also earned income from producing and directing select projects under his production banner. His financial profile reflects the typical earnings trajectory of a successful American television actor with sustained mainstream visibility.
Unlike some of his CSI co-stars, Petersen has kept his business interests largely private, with no major public ventures in finance or tech. He has not publicly disclosed investments in cryptocurrency, real estate portfolios, or startup companies. His net worth is primarily derived from entertainment industry compensation rather than external investments. Financial databases and celebrity net worth trackers continue to list him as a high-earning actor with a stable career footprint. His financial standing remains consistent with other veteran actors of