Marc Vann became a massive presence in the hearts of “CSI” fans through his portrayal of Conrad Ecklie, the Assistant Director of the crime lab. Throughout the franchise’s run, Vann graced the screen in every season, save for three and four. Initially introduced as an antagonist to the team, Ecklie’s character underwent a significant transformation.
In season ten, he received a well-deserved promotion to Undersheriff, and his evolution continued as he ascended to the esteemed rank of Sheriff of Clark County by season thirteen. Vann’s nuanced portrayal captured the complexities of Ecklie’s journey, leaving a lasting impact on the “CSI” series and showcasing his exceptional talent to audiences worldwide.
Archie Kao – Then
In the gripping second season of "CSI," viewers were introduced to the captivating character of Archie Johnson, the mastermind behind the crime lab's audiovisual operations. With his tech-savvy prowess, love for motorcycles, and unabashed Star Trek fandom, Archie Johnson stood out as an intriguing presence.
Originally slated for just a single episode, Archie, played by Archie Kao, made such a profound impression on executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer that he swiftly advocated for the character's return as a recurring fixture. Recognizing Kao's remarkable talent, Bruckheimer conveyed his desire to have Archie grace the screen once more, solidifying his place in the series and captivating audiences with each subsequent appearance.
Archie Kao – Now
Before "CSI," Archie Kao made little appearances, primarily on tv shows, but also did voice-over work for video games. Kao might be best recognizable to kids from the turn of the century as he played Kai Chen (or the Blue Ranger) on Power Rangers: Lost Galaxy.
After "CSI," Archie was a part of the "Chicago P.D." cast and also had the opportunity to add the 2015 thriller, "Blackhat" (starring Chris Hemsworth), to his resume. Truth be told, Kao hasn't really been in the spotlight in recent times. In fact, he hasn't had an acting role since 2018. Sadly, Kao divorced his ex-wife Zhou Xun in 2020.
Marc Vann – Now
Marc Vann's illustrious career spans over three decades, beginning in 1992 and leaving a notable mark on both television series and movies. With an impressive portfolio, Vann graced the small screen with appearances in renowned shows such as "Lost," where he showcased his talent in four captivating episodes.
He further left his imprint on popular titles like "Modern Family," "Monk," "Without A Trace," and "Grey's Anatomy." Regrettably, since 2016, Vann's career seemed to have hit a visible pause, with no new projects credited to his name. Nonetheless, his past contributions and undeniable talent ensure that his legacy in the entertainment industry remains enduring.
Alex Carter – Then
Louis Vartann, played by Alex Carter, came to "CSI" with a richer backstory than most homicide detectives. Carter had already starred in TV shows such as "Side Effects," "Due South," and "Black Harbour." Vartann was previously a detective for the homicide unit of the Las Vegas Police Department so he obviously didn't need much training.
He had battled alcoholism and managed to become very personally entangled in one of the cases. He eventually became quite close with one of the team leaders and, in season ten, particularly with Catherine Willows. Throughout the show, Detective Vartann appeared in forty-one episodes of "CSI."