Sela Ward has officially joined the cast of “CSI: NY” a day after Melina Kanakaredes announced she was taking herself off the case.
After speculations that the Emmy-award winning actress would be replacing Kanakaredes, CBS announced Tuesday that she would be joining the cast in the season premiere as an experienced investigator from Washington, D.C.
“We are delighted to have Sela joining CSI: NY,” said executive producer Pam Veasey. “With the exciting stories planned for Season 7, she’ll be a dynamic addition to the cast and the team.”
CBS expressed dissapointment Monday at Kanakaredes’s decision to leave the crime drama after six seasons.
The actress released a statement saying that 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.
Ward won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1994 and 2000 for her roles on “Sisters” and “Once and Again.”
