Melina Kanakaredes is leaving “CSI: NY,” just before the start of the long-running series’ seventh season, Access Hollywood has confirmed.
“I made some amazing and lifelong friendships during my six seasons on ‘CSI: NY,’” the actress, who played Detective Stella Bonasera, said in a statement. “And I will treasure them forever!”
CBS expressed disappointment over Melina’s decision to leave, but wished her success in the future.
“We hoped Melina would return to ‘CSI: NY’ for another season, but we respect her decision to move on,” CBS Television Network and CBS Television Studios said in a joint statement. “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.”
Production on the series, which stars Gary Sinise as Detective Mac Taylor, Carmine Giovinazzo as Det. Danny Messer and Hill Harper as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes, begins on July 28.
“CSI: NY” will return this fall to television screens on a new day and time – Fridays at 9 PM.
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