It's been 12 years of blood, small fibers and gun powder residue for Marg Helgenberger on 'CSI,' but the time has come for her to say goodbye.
"It's been a fifth of my life, and it's been quite a ride," Helgenberger said in a new 'Entertainment Tonight' video. "How can I leave this? ... It's so much more than a job and that's why it has such an impact on me."
Helgenberger has played Catherine Williows on the CBS series since the series premiered in 2000. She's seen cast members leave only to return -- Jorja Fox -- and welcomed several new castmates, most recently Ted Danson. The cast is optimistic Helgenberger hasn't swabbed her last mouth.
"Every other day I'd make some joke about her staying," Danson said. "I totally get it. Eleven and a half years is a long time and part of you must want to strut your stuff elsewhere."
Helgenberger has flirted with exiting the long-running series for sometime, but officially announced her plans to leave in August 2011. Elizabeth Shue is joining the cast as her replacement.
According to EW, Helgenberger is taking home quite a few props, like Catherine's vest and badge. Her goodbye party featured a cake with edible photos of her past and present co-stars.
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the time of my life," she said tearfully.
