William Petersen is an American actor and producer, best known for his role as Gil Grissom on the popular television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Born on February 17, 1953, in Evanston, Illinois, he gained fame for his work in both film and television, showcasing his talent in various genres. In addition to his television success, Petersen has appeared in several films, including To Live and Die in L.A. and The Killing of a Chinese Bookie. He has received critical acclaim for his performances and has been involved in theater, further demonstrating his versatility as an artist.