Biography
Who is William Petersen?
Early life
William Petersen Louis Petersen was born on February 21, 1953, in Evanston, Illinois. He grew up as the youngest of six children in his family. His parents worked in the furniture business. He attended Bishop Kelly High School and later attended Idaho State University on a football scholarship. During his time at university, he took an acting course that altered his career path.
In 1974, William traveled to the Basque country where he studied as a Shakespearean actor. He later returned to the United States and became active in the Chicago theater community. He earned his Actors Equity card and performed with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, becoming an ensemble member later in life. He also co-founded the Remains Theater Ensemble alongside other prominent actors.
Career highlights
William made his film debut in the 1981 movie Thief, directed by Michael Mann. He gained wider recognition for his role as a Secret Service agent in the 1985 action film To Live and Die in L.A. In 1986, he portrayed FBI agent Will Graham in the film Manhunter. His other film credits include Young Guns II, Fear, The Contender, and Seeking a Friend for the End of the World.
From 2000 to 2009, William starred as Dr. Gil Grissom in the CBS crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. His work on the series earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award and nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards as a producer. He reprised his role in the sequel series CSI: Vegas before announcing his retirement from acting in October 2025.
Personal life
William shares a daughter named Maite with his first wife, Joanne. In June 2003, he married Gina Cirone. The couple welcomed twins, a daughter and a son, via surrogate in July 2011. In August 2021, he experienced symptoms of exhaustion while working on the set of CSI: Vegas and spent a brief time in the hospital before being released.
Birthday and age
William Petersen was born on February 21, 1953, which makes William 73 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. William shares the date with 66 other famous people.
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