My CSI Wish Came True
On November 16, 2011, I met Marg Helgenberger and some of the other CSI cast and crew. It was an amazing experience and here are some details:
First, I got to see all the sets. Matt, an assistant on the show, showed me around and answered my many questions. Some highlights were: (1) Props including the sign for the Park Pines Motel where Taylor swift was “murdered” on the show. (2) Saw how they build the sets. Fun fact: they have to build their own hotel rooms because actual local hotels don’t want their hotels associated with dead bodies! (3) I got to sit behind Catherine Willows’ desk.
After the tour of the sets that weren’t filming that day, we were led to the actual set where they were shooting a scene from episode 11 of this season. This is where I got my first glimpse in real life of Marg Helgenberger! She knew I was going to be coming and when she saw me, she came over and gave me a huge hug. I burst into tears because I couldn’t believe it was really happening. It took me a few minutes to “get a grip,” while Marg waited patiently.
I was very excited when Marg invited me and my family to lunch where they cater to the cast and crew. We went through the line together and Marg and I sat across the table from each other. I asked her as many questions as I could think of and she was kind to answer them all. She also gave me many gifts which she signed and wrote personal messages on. I went home with a much fuller suitcase than I brought to L.A.
After lunch, Marg had to get back to the set as she was in the scene they were taping along with Ted Danson. Ted, by the way, was both kind and funny. Elizabeth Harnois, the new actress who plays Morgan Brody, was sweet too. We sat together with the director while Ted and Marg were taping. She was super helpful with my headphones and picked up something I dropped for me.
All in all, the day was wonderful. The highlights for me were when Marg hugged me and kissed my cheek and when we were able to walk hand in hand to her trailer. I have even more respect and love for her than I did before and it was a day I will never forget. I hope I can meet her again someday.