" Theater in Chicago will always be my first love. It started careers for me and about 50 of my friends. We all love coming back. As soon as the TV show is over, I’ll be back in Chicago, doing live theater. "
- William Petersen

The quote reflects a deep personal connection that William Petersen has with Chicago's theater scene. He expresses his enduring affection for live theater in Chicago, which not only kick-started his career but also provided opportunities for many others. The statement highlights the significant role theater played in shaping his professional journey and his ongoing desire to return to it.

On a deeper level, this quote underscores the profound impact that local communities can have on an artist's development and success. Petersen’s words suggest that despite achieving fame through television, his roots are deeply embedded in live performance. He recognizes the unique environment theater offers for creative expression and connection with audiences, which cannot be fully replicated by other forms of entertainment such as TV or film. This sentiment also touches upon the idea of loyalty to one's origins and the importance of giving back to the community that nurtured a career.

William Petersen is best known for his role as Gil Grissom in the long-running CBS crime drama "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." His return to Chicago’s theater scene after completing work on his television show demonstrates not only his appreciation for live performance but also his commitment to staying connected with the place that was pivotal in shaping his career.