Original cast member Gary Dourdan to leave 'CSI'

Gary Dourdan, the smoldering actor who plays investigator Warrick Brown on CSI, has decided to leave the eight-year-old drama. According to an insider, the decision was a mutual one made by the actor and CBS/Paramount, the studio that produces the procedural drama for CBS. CBS/Paramount would not confirm the date of Dourdan’s last episode, though it will likely occur in the next month since the actor’s contract expires this season. The insider says there’s a chance that Dourdan, one of a handful of African-American men in leading, primetime roles, will reprise his role with occasional guest appearances in coming seasons.

Dourdan’s decision to leave the show comes on the heels of Jorja Fox‘s much ballyhooed departure from the series late last year. The actress told EW then that she would like to return to the series someday, though not in a full-time capacity. Meanwhile, star Billy Petersen just re-upped his CSI deal for one more season, but for a limited amount of episodes so he can do other projects.

More on Dourdan and CSI:

CSI says goodbye to Warrick Brown

Gary Dourdan leaving CSI

Billy Petersen leaving CSI

Jorja Fox Q&A: Why she quit CSI