Melina Kanakaredes LEAVING 'CSI: NY'

LOS ANGELES — Melina Kanakaredes (kah-nah-KAH'-ree-deez) is taking herself off the case for "CSI: NY."

CBS said Monday that the actress has decided to leave the crime drama after six seasons. The network expressed disappointment but said it respected her choice to "move on."

The actress says she would treasure the "amazing" friendships she made on "CSI: NY."

Kanakaredes' departure was announced just weeks before the shows resumes production on July 28.

"CSI: NY" will move from Wednesday to Friday night this fall.

There was no word from CBS on a possible replacement for Kanakaredes, who played police Detective Stella Bonasera.

Comments

[KataVideo]

12:55 AM on 07/14/2010

wow.. I wonder what her next project will be, so I won't be able to pronounce her name on that..

[stagebandman]

11:31 PM on 07/13/2010

I think when they had her sleep with the lab guy, the writing was on the wall. She probably wants to find the right role where she's still a sexy star. Can't really do that on CSI.

And if they're really bringing on Sela Ward, that's perfect. I have loved her ever since "Emerald Point N.A.S." back in the early 80s. I was intrigued from my very first view of the cast photo. If she doesn't, though, I'd love to see Alicia Coppola get another series. She's one of the most interesting and beautiful actresses out there.

[kndam72]

08:33 PM on 07/13/2010

well she is taking her 2 assets with her. the only loss

[OnlyIfIHaveTo]

04:22 PM on 07/13/2010

I've always had a crush on Melina Kanakaredes but in this pic, she's more like two face from Seinfelds Strike episode.

[Sandra Stipp]

03:17 PM on 07/13/2010

I love CSI NY and I really enjoyed her character. I will miss her. But...moving from Wed. to Fri. night isn't the best idea for the show. But....we the viewers have nothing to say about that. :(

[user]

12:51 PM on 07/13/2010

Thank god she is one of the less believable characters on TV. Wooden and wearing the most ridiculous attire I've ever seen on TV who could afford to dress like that on a cops salary?. I know it's TV but there is supposed to be like at least a kernel of truth there her character didn't even have that kernel. The only thing she was is pleasant on the eyes but there are too many pretty people on TV. To bad they don't get to kill her off in some grizzly manner. I

[Fudgefase]

10:39 AM on 07/13/2010

Shame, I like her and the character she plays.

[PHM]

07:42 AM on 07/13/2010

I like Alana De La Garza...formerly of Law and Order, which I'm so bummed has been cancelled.

[BlackJAC]

12:29 PM on 07/13/2010

The LAW & ORDER spinoffs are what did the original one in; after all the sex crimes went to SVU and the really twisty crimes went to CRIMINAL INTENT, all the original was left with were remakes of real-life news stories.

[Heidi McClure]

01:36 AM on 07/13/2010

NOOOO!!

Ok, I don't actually watch this anymore (bored with cop shows, even good ones), but I did like her.

[GirlOutWest]

11:35 PM on 07/12/2010

CSI is the least good of the CSI series in my opinion...still like the original Vegas version but don't watch regular television too much.

[lilkunta]

11:20 PM on 07/12/2010

I LOVED her on Providence. csiNY is just ok.

Hmm, the show is moving to Fridays? That is the death slot. This show may be on its way to cancellation.

[tiredofpc]

10:58 PM on 07/12/2010

Another really dumb move on the part of CBS.

[BlackJAC]

12:27 PM on 07/13/2010

How's it a dumb move on CBS's part that she doesn't want to extend the six-year contract she'd signed at the beginning of the series?

[lcr999]

12:26 AM on 07/14/2010

moving to Friday is dumb.

[Leniere Miley]

10:49 PM on 07/12/2010

I love Det. Bonasera. I hope they kill her off - great fodder for the show.

[marylandtravelinman]

10:26 PM on 07/12/2010

I went to college with Melina and just thought I let all you haters know that she was one of the nicest women in school.

I wish her only happiness and joy.

[BlackJAC]

12:27 PM on 07/13/2010

She's a cousin of some family friends of mine.

[RevBookburn]

10:25 PM on 07/12/2010

She was always great. I loved her acting in Guiding Light.

[WorldGoneWild]

12:02 AM on 07/13/2010

Same here. Loved her on GL.