CSI star brushing with death

George Eads has gone from being typecast as a "hunk" or "jerk boyfriend" to being recognised as one of TV's most gallant men.

George Eads' voice lowers dramatically when asked about the upcoming series of CSI. We're in for "something horrible", he says, as if the gore wasn't harrowing enough already.

"Gross", "hideous", "godforsaken", agree CSI fans on the internet. What could possibly be worse than the previous season finale when his character Nick Stokes was locked in a glass coffin?

"I grew a horrible moustache," he explains. "I quit smokin' and you get pretty wound up wanting a cigarette, you know, you just want to pick a fight. I guess I grew the moustache sayin', 'Bring it on man'."

Eventually, the long arm of the TV network shaved it off but Eads is already planning its next incarnation - and it may have handlebars - despite the actor laying off the ciggies for four-and-a-half months.

Questionable facial adornment is obviously what happens when your forensics expert alter ego studies hair and fibre for six years.

But even his biggest fans admit the "porn star" mo' hasn't tarnished his sex appeal.

As CSI has established itself as the world's hottest crime drama, the Texan actor has gone from being typecast as a "hunk" or "jerk boyfriend" to being recognised as one of TV's most gallant men.

"I'm jealous of his courage," says Eads. "These jobs in real life can be quite horrible. My dad's a district attorney and I know how much that job affected his life.

"So if in any way I can make these people look cool or draw attention to the profession to make people want to go do it, or somehow thank these service industry people who make $40,000 a year, I'll do it."

He's even over the corpse and blood-splattered nightmares he suffered when he started the show. But little could prepare him for the psychological nightmare of being buried alive in the finale, even if the double episode was directed by Quentin Tarantino.

"It was about as fun as you'd think it is," he says of the morbid ordeal. "I mean, that thing wasn't padded, that's for sure. That plexiglass was hard. My back was aching and my bones were aching and my joints were sore.

"We filmed for three days so it was a good 10 hours a day. I got to know that coffin really well. But if you're crammed in the trunk of the car and Quentin's driving, you're comfortable. Whatever he wanted me to do, I just went for it."

Tarantino would perch on a box right next to Eads in a scene, watching intently to make sure it all looked as real as possible.

"It gave me the confidence to really swing to the fence as hard as I could and even if I missed it I knew he'd throw me up another ball and tell me to swing as hard as I could again.

"He has a way about him where he gives you eye contact and he stares right into your face and gives you the respect. You matter whether you're the lead actor or second fiddle in the wardrobe department."

It wasn't the first time Eads had rubbed shoulders with the grim reaper. In his early 20s he was working in a hamburger bar when a guy stormed in, shoved a revolver in his face and demanded money.

Eads says his life literally flashed before his eyes.

"I just tried to not give eye contact. I didn't want to give him a reason to shoot me. He's staring at my face as I rummaged in my pockets. When it was over, it was euphoric. I just wanted to call both my parents and tell them how much I loved them."

Even though it happened about 16 years ago, Eads still thinks about it every now and then. He was mad for a time, felt "mentally raped". And being a bit of a rogue who rides a motorbike, he could think of cooler ways to go out. "I thought to myself, 'Aah shit man, there's so many more rock star ways to go out than this. Y'know, surfin' the Indo Window [a notorious Indonesian surf break], breakin' up a bank robbery. Not like this."

Had the CSI producers decided Nick wasn't going to make it out of the coffin, Eads says he would have taken it on the chin and made it a death "no one would ever forget". He's learned to be resilient, having worked as an actor in Hollywood for 13 years.

But in Texas there's a saying he likes that you "drive until the wheels fall off"'. He can imagine spending another four years on the show, although his contract is for another two.

"After that, the network has to decide how important I am to the show. My record is a little bit sketchy in the past, and I haven't been treated as if I was really that important."

He's referring to when he and co-star Jorja Fox were fired from the show in 2004 in what appeared to be a hold-out for more money. Eads issued a public apology, stating that it had nothing to do with money and he simply overslept. After a few days the network decided to rehire him. And yes, he confirms, he has a good alarm clock now.

There's also a chance his role could expand should any of his co-stars leave the show. He's anticipating viewers won't be able to help but feel affected by two of the new season's episodes, particularly one where he saves a young girl from being murdered. But anyone hoping for a bit of romance or delving into Nick's personal life will be disappointed - that's not CSI's turf.

"There's times when I go 'Golly! Can we at least show the guy driving?' But there's other TV shows where you can go through the highs and lows from love to hunger. Hopefully we're going to give the people what they want and the series stands to run a long time.

"It's a beautiful thing, believe me, there's no complaints here. Without a wife and a family of my own as yet it is my family and my life, I dedicate myself to it. But it is frustrating having an ensemble of eight and going to work for 10 hours and maybe having a couple of lines. The challenge for me is to make an impact when I'm there."

So that's the reason for the mo', huh?

"Tell 'em not to worry, it's only temporary. And if they really hate it enough, then I'll grow it again for them. Just for a couple episodes. If they hate it nice and proper."