The Real-Life Partners Of The Cast Of CSI: Vegas
Procedural drama and crime show fans surely rejoiced when the "CSI" franchise launched "CSI: Vegas" in 2021. The show was originally billed as a limited series to serve as a sort of spin-off, reboot, and epilog to the original "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." But clearly fans and critics liked the series enough for it to be renewed for a second season. Viewership was high and the series has received predominantly positive reviews, scoring an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes.
The new episodes include "CSI" franchise veterans as well as a few new faces. While the focus of the series has always been on crime and science, that doesn't mean they've entirely shied away from romantic plotlines every now and then. If you're a fan of the program, you might be interested to find out what the stars' IRL romantic lives look like as well. While many of the newer cast members are either single or keep their private lives uber-private, several stars of the series have spouses. Let's take a closer look at the real-life partners of the cast of "CSI: Vegas."
William Petersen has been married since 2003
William Petersen is certainly a "CSI" veteran, having played the character of Dr. Gil Grissom for over 20 years. Even so, he was initially unsure if he would return to the "CSI" franchise for its latest chapter, telling TV Insider he thought the character had been put "to bed a long time ago." Ultimately, he signed on. "I was hesitant, but the idea of coming back and doing this with Jorja. ... It's like riding a bike; you just get right back on. We got a tandem and we know how to do it," he explained to the publication.
In the "CSI" world, his love interest is played by Jorja Fox. In real life, Peterson is married to former schoolteacher Gina Cirone. According to Entertainment Weekly, the couple tied the knot in 2003 in a romantic ceremony in Petrignano, Italy. The wedding was followed by a European honeymoon. They have two children together. According to People, they "welcomed twins via surrogate" in July of 2011. After leaving "CSI" the first time around, Peterson shifted his focus to his family, telling Chicago Tribune, "I had a relationship with CBS that was gold standard. And when 'CSI' ended, I just decided I was going to spend as much time with my two [kids] as I can. I just spend my time chasing them around."
Petersen won't be returning to season 2 of "CSI: Vegas" as a cast member but will remain an executive producer on the series, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Matt Lauria met his wife when they were teenagers
You might know Matt Lauria from his roles in several TV series, including "Friday Night Lights," "Parenthood," and "Dickinson." On "CSI: Vegas," he breathes life into the role of Josh Folsom, a character he described as "really sharp and confident" in an interview with TV Fanatic, explaining that he "sometimes has that Han Solo edge ... while being in touch with the victim and being sensitive to people who have been taken advantage of, including animals."
When he's not busy on set, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Michelle Armstrong. The couple's story started when they were only teenagers. In an interview with Broadway.com, Lauria described the origins of their relationship, saying, "We first met in the Denver airport when we were 16 and then the following summer, I was working in Colorado again as a ranch hand and she was working as a white water rafting guide through Browns Canyon and so I made sure that I hit on her and when we were 17, we started dating and the rest is history." The couple got married in 2006.
Armstrong is a musician and according to her Hymnstream page, "she has recorded 5 albums, written hundreds of songs and toured around the country." The bio also states that Lauria and Armstrong have children and reside in Southern California.
Paul Guilfoyle's wife is an aerial choreographer
Paul Guilfoyle played Jim Brass on the original "CSI" and appeared in two episodes of "CSI: Vegas" as the same character. Even though he has portrayed the role since 2000, it doesn't seem he's grown tired of the "CSI" world yet. As he told Digital Spy, "The thing that attracted me to 'CSI' is that these guys are always professional, but underneath it's teeming with a heavy shadow. Maybe even some decadence and some weirdness with certain characters! And that always intrigued me as an actor."
Guilfoyle's CBS bio page states that he "lives in New York City with his wife, choreographer Lisa Giobbi, and their daughter, Snowden." According to Giobbi's website, she is the founder of her own artistic business, the Lisa Giobbi Movement Theatre. Specializing in aerial movement, "the company has performed in theaters and opera houses throughout Europe and the United States."
Mel Rodriguez and his wife made it through tough times
Before Mel Rodriguez took on the role of Hugo Ramirez on "CSI: Vegas," he was recognized for his roles on the comedies "The Last Man on Earth" and "Getting On." Having joined the cast of "CSI: Vegas" in 2021, he is a newcomer to the franchise.
Rodriquez is married to Desiree Dundr Rodriguez. According to her Instagram, she is a photographer and dancer. Prior to Rodriguez getting cast on "Getting On," the couple was reportedly struggling to get by, according to The Hollywood Reporter. In a 2020 interview with the publication, the actor stated, "My wife and I were close to homeless about eight or nine years ago." They now have two children, who Rodriguez posts about on Instagram from time to time, and the Rodriguez family is seemingly happy and thriving.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Rodriguez is one of several "CSI: Vegas" stars who will not be returning for Season 2 of the series.