Melina Kanakaredes Leaving "CSI: NY"
by Kim Potts
posted Jul 12th 2010


It's not exactly LeBron James bidding Cleveland adieu, but Deadline.com's report that Melina Kanakaredes is leaving "CSI: NY" after six seasons is another surprising bit of casting turmoil for CBS this summer.

"I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on 'CSI: NY,' and I will treasure them forever," Kanakaredes said via a statement.





EW.com reports that the actress may have been asked to take a pay cut, and when she refused, her role was axed altogether.




CBS' official comment:

"We hoped Melina would return to 'CSI: NY' for another season, but we respect her decision to move on. Her amazing talent and invaluable contribution to the success of the series are greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

She will forever remain a friend to the network and studio, and we wish her the very best."

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/07/12/melina-kanakaredes-leaving-csi-ny/

Wow - I didn't see that one coming!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

I remember her when she was on Guiding Light. She was one of my favorite people on the show. I loved her on Providence too. I never got into CSI:NY. Hopefully she'll go on to another show. She's always had star appeal.

I LOVED Providence and was so angry when it was cancelled. They had so many more stories to tell. :( Plus, I love Melina because she's a hometown girl (actually - Akron). Unlike a certain athlete who will remain nameless, Melina is proud of her roots and often comes back to Akron as she still has relatives there. I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors!!!

Sela Ward to Replace Melina Kanakaredes on "CSI: NY"
by Chris Harnick
posted Jul 13th 2010


Welcome back to primetime, Sela Ward!

Yes, after resurfacing on "House" for a handful of episodes, Ward has signed on the dotted line to replace departing series star Melina Kanakaredes in "CSI: NY", according to Ausiello Files.

CBS described her character as an empathetic and experienced investigator from Washington.






"We are delighted to have Sela joining 'CSI: NY,'" said "CSI: NY" executive producer Pam Veasey in a statement. "With the exciting stories planned for Season 7, she'll be a dynamic addition to the cast and the team."


"I am thrilled to be working with Gary Sinise and this terrific group of people," Ward, who will make her debut in the show's season 7 premiere this fall, said in a statement. "I'm a huge fan."





Ward is best known for her Emmy-winning performances on acclaimed dramas "Once and Again" and "Sisters".

In 2009 she appeared in the The Stepfather with Dylan Walsh and Penn Badgley.

http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/07/13/sela-ward-to-replace-melina-kanakaredes-on-csi-ny/