Net Worth Ranker
What is William Petersen’s Net Worth?
William Petersen, the celebrated American actor and producer, has cultivated a substantial net worth of $50 million. This financial achievement is largely attributed to his successful career in television and film, with a significant portion stemming from his iconic role as Gil Grissom on the CBS series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” His financial success is not solely dependent on acting; he has also produced several projects, which has augmented his wealth.
William Petersen’s Earnings from CSI
Petersen’s role in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” was financially rewarding. At the series’ zenith, he commanded a salary of $600,000 per episode. This translated to approximately $18 million per season, firmly establishing him as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors. His financial benefits extended beyond his per-episode salary; syndication points and other fees allowed him to continue earning an estimated $15-18 million annually from the “CSI” franchise even after his departure from the show. While the specifics of his syndication deals are not publicly detailed, these types of agreements typically involve a percentage of the revenue generated from reruns and international sales, thus contributing significantly to his sustained income.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born William Louis Petersen on February 21, 1953, in Evanston, Illinois, Petersen’s early life provided the foundation for his eventual success. He grew up in a Roman Catholic family, the son of June and Arthur Petersen, and was raised alongside his siblings Elizabeth, Arthur Jr., Anne, Robert, and Mary Kay. He attended Bishop Kelly High School in Idaho, graduating in 1972. Petersen initially pursued a football scholarship at Idaho State University. However, after taking an acting class, he shifted his focus to acting, indicating a pivotal moment in his career trajectory. He furthered his acting education by studying Shakespearean acting in Spain’s Basque country, following one of his acting professors. Upon returning to the U.S., he immersed himself in Chicago’s local theatrical scene, securing his Actors’ Equity card. His involvement with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where he became an ensemble member in 2008, and his co-founding of the Remains Theater Ensemble with future stars like Ted Levine and Gary Cole, highlight his early commitment to and immersion in the craft of acting. These early endeavors laid the groundwork for his future financial success by honing his skills and building industry connections.
Notable Roles and Financial Impact
Petersen’s career encompasses a variety of roles across film and television, each contributing to his overall financial standing. His big screen debut in the 1981 film “Thief” marked the beginning of his cinematic journey. Subsequent roles, such as that of a Secret Service agent in 1985’s “To Live and Die in L.A.” and FBI agent Will Graham in 1986’s “Manhunter,” solidified his presence in Hollywood. Although specific financial details for these early roles are not publicly available, they provided crucial experience and exposure, leading to more lucrative opportunities later in his career. His appearances in the 1990 miniseries “The Kennedys of Massachusetts” and the 1993 miniseries “Return to Lonesome Dove” further enhanced his reputation. The 1996 film “Fear,” co-starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Wahlberg, likely provided a substantial paycheck, though the exact figure remains undisclosed. It was his role as Dr. Gil Grissom in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” starting in 2000, that proved to be the most financially rewarding, catapulting him into the upper echelons of Hollywood earners. While the financial specifics of his roles in films like “The Skulls” (2000), “The Contender” (2000), “Detachment” (2011), and “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World” (2012) are not detailed, these projects contributed incrementally to his net worth over time.
Production Ventures and Earnings
In addition to his acting career, Petersen has also worked as a producer, which has further contributed to his financial success. He served as a producer on “CSI,” the 1991 feature film “Hard Promises,” and the 1992 TV movie “Keep the Change.” While the precise financial gains from these production roles are not publicly available, producers typically earn a percentage of the overall revenue generated by the project, in addition to a salary or fee. As an executive producer on “CSI,” Petersen likely received a significant share of the show’s profits, particularly given its immense popularity and long run. These earnings from production ventures are factored into his overall net worth, supplementing his income from acting.
Awards, Nominations, and Recognition
Petersen’s career has been punctuated by numerous awards and nominations, which, while not directly translating into immediate financial gains, have undoubtedly enhanced his reputation and marketability. A Golden Globe nomination in 2004 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama for “CSI,” a Satellite Award nomination in 2002, and a “TV Guide” Award nomination in 2001, all underscore his critical acclaim. The Alan J. Pakula Award received by the cast of “The Contender” in 2001 and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series shared with his “CSI” castmates in 2005 further highlight his contributions to acclaimed projects. His three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Drama Series as a “CSI” producer (2002, 2003, and 2004) and three PGA Award nominations for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television, Drama (2003, 2004, and 2005) acknowledge his success behind the camera. His Joseph Jefferson Award for “In the Belly of the Beast” (1985) and a Jeff Award for “Blackbird” (2009) recognize his achievements in theatre. The star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame he received in 2009 serves as a lasting testament to his contributions to the entertainment industry. These accolades, while not directly quantifiable in monetary terms, have undoubtedly bolstered his career and financial prospects by increasing his visibility and credibility within the industry. They contribute indirectly to William Petersen’s net worth.
Personal Life and Real Estate
While specific details regarding William Petersen’s real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is common for high-earning actors to invest in property. Real estate can include primary residences, vacation homes, or investment properties. Given his $50 million net worth, it is plausible that Petersen owns one or more properties, which would contribute to his overall asset portfolio. The value of these properties would fluctuate based on market conditions and property improvements. However, without specific information, it is impossible to determine the exact value of his real estate assets. His personal life also includes his marriage to Joanne Brady in 1974, which resulted in one daughter, Maite (born in 1975), before they divorced in 1981. Petersen remarried Gina Cirone on June 14, 2003, and they have twins, a son and daughter, born via surrogate on July 5, 2011. While his personal life does not directly contribute to his earnings, it provides context for his financial decisions and stability. Being a fan of the Chicago Cubs and having sung “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at several of their games at Wrigley Field, as well as narrating the 2001 documentary “Wrigley Field: Beyond the Ivy,” highlights his personal interests and connections to his hometown. These activities are unlikely to have a significant impact on his net worth, but they reflect his personal brand and values.
