Image Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBSSela Ward is back! EW obtained this exclusive first look of Ward as Jo Danville, a former FBI agent from Washington, D.C. whose work is driven by her empathy for victims in the new season of CSI: NY. She’s pictured here with Gary Sinise as Det. Mac Taylor.
This summer, the CBS drama lured the former Sisters star to join the drama as a series regular — her first such role since starring on ABC’s Once and Again from 1999 to 2002. (She had a recurring part on House from 2005 to 2006.) ”It’s going to be a whole new world,” Ward, 54, told EW exclusively. ”On Sisters, I was always in the kitchen, saying things like ‘Could you pass the cookies, Georgie?’ Now I’m going to be doing this and…oh my. I’m just stepping into a room I’ve never been in.”
The producers reassured the veteran TV actress that she won’t be replacing Melina Kanakaredes, who opted to leave the show before it started production on its seventh season (her final episode as Det. Stella Bonasera aired in May). ”We wanted to make this a unique character for Sela,” explains exec producer Pam Veasey. ”It was all so unexpected but invigorating. She’ll help revitalize and jump-start our show. We get to reintroduce it and maybe attract new audiences, now that it’s on Friday.”
CSI: NY returns to CBS on Sept. 24.
I stopped watching CSI: NY a few years ago. With Sela Ward joining the cast, I’ll be watching now.
Same here. I love her.
Love her, love Sinese. It’s all good.
Yeah. Sela Ward is awesome.
Right, because bringing in washed-up old ladies who aren’t named Betty White always help draw in viewers.
I will assume you’re joking about Sela Ward being either washed up or old.
Sela is probably one of the most respected veteran actresses out there and looks damn good for being 54 now.
It appears to me CSI: NY got a clue that going for younger viewers wasn’t doing their show any favors. I look forward to this new direction and wish Sela Ward all the best.
Fake me,
Ouch! This one actually really hurts. I’ve had a crush on Sela Ward for a long time. (And still do.)
I’ve loved her since Once & Again… so it’s awesome to have her now in another of my favorite shows. I think she is going to fit in really well.
Wow!! She is still a beautiful lady…I will definately tune in to CSI to catch Sela..
Always liked her from SISTERS so now I’ll watch CSI:NY for her; saw one episode last year and liked it.
Ah, Pam Veasey…you are *that* delusional huh. Anthony Zuiker, please come back.
why they brought her in i’ll never know, she could never act and that really really bad face job will only scare viewers away, i know it did me, as long as shes on there i’ll never watch it again
You really need to buy a clue! Sela has won three emmys. One for Sisters and 2 for Once and Again. Not bad for someone who can’t act. Obviously, you have no idea what you are talking about. Maybe you should rent those shows, and watch a great actress at work
She was terrible on House — there was something just strange about her acting. Here’s hoping she does a better job on CSI: NY.
Yeah Tillie, I will hedge a bet that your 500 pounds and eatting tortilla chips dipped in vanilla cake icing as you wrote that crap. They dont need your lard but as a viewer anyhow.
The show has been moved to Friday nights and let’s not forget how bad season six was. Trust me, CSI:NY needs as much viewers (and good writers) as it can get!
It’s Sela Ward as … Sela Ward. Whoopee-Freakin’-Doo.
That is the hottest looking 54 year-old that I have ever seen.
can not wait to see how Sela’s character works with the others on csi ny. the producers may have wound up hitting gold with Sela viewers will find out. if Sela is the perfect fit for csi ny as fresh over due blood.
Have Billy Campbell stop by as her ex or lover.
I don’t like this show but I’ll watch just because of Sela. Her pairing up with Gary Sinise will be worth it. I really admire her and she just has to be on TV. She’s excellent.
hey sela ward we have the same name which is cool to know that there is a famous hollywood actress has the same name as me