'CSI' hires Elisabeth Shue to take over for Marg Helgenberger

Elisabeth Shue is joining "CSI" later this season, effectively taking over for departing original cast member Marg Helgenberger.

Shue's first appearance is scheduled to air Feb. 15. She'll be playing a new member of the Las Vegas CSI team -- although she has a history with Ted Danson's character, D.B. Russell. Her character is coming off anger-management therapy, and the rumor around the office is Russell fired her from the crime lab in Seattle.

"While it's difficult to say goodbye to a beloved character like Catherine Willows, it's exciting to start a journey with a new CSI, especially when that character is played by Elisabeth Shue," executive producer Carol Mendolsohn says. "The new CSI struggles with 'brutal honesty issues' and suffers no fools."

Helgenberger, who's been with "CSI" since it debuted in 2000, previously announced she would leave the show midway through this season. Her last episode is scheduled to air in January.

For Shue, the "CSI" role will be her first regular work on a series since very early in her career -- the 1984-85 drama "Call to Glory," to be exact. Her recent credits include "Piranha 3-D" and a couple episodes of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" in the HBO show's 2009 season.