Actor Eric Szmanda found out firsthand when he brought Greg Sanders to life on CSI: Crime Scene Investigationfrom its start in 2000 until it ended in 2015. He’s an American actor who studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, worked early in the music business in Chicago, and then returned to TV to become a familiar face on a hit crime drama. His steady presence on the show made him a trusted name in TV dramas.
Eric Szmanda was born on July 24, 1975, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in the nearby town of Mukwonago with his parents, Elaine and Donald Szmanda, along with his two brothers, Brett and Rob. He completed his early studies at Mukwonago High School, where he was active in school activities. After graduating from high school, he attended Carroll Collegein Waukesha, Wisconsin, before deciding to focus more seriously on acting. To sharpen his skills, he moved to California and enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Pasadena. He studied there for four years, receiving professional training in acting, which laid the foundation for his later work in television and film.
Eric Szmanda began his acting career on television in 1998 when he appeared in the series The Net, which was based on the 1995 movie of the same name. This role gave him early recognition and helped him step into the entertainment industry. His real breakthrough came in 2000 when he joined the cast of the popular CBS drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. At first, he appeared as a recurring character, playing Greg Sanders, a lab technician with a quirky personality. His performance was well-received, and by the third season he became a main cast member. He continued playing Greg Sanders until the series ended in 2015, appearing in almost every season and becoming one of the longest-running cast members of the show. Years later, in 2023, Szmanda returned to the role when he appeared in CSI: Vegas, showing his lasting connection with the franchise.
Alongside CSI, Szmanda also acted in films and made guest appearances on television. In 2000, he played a computer nerd in the film 100 Girls, and he had small parts in other shows such as Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Janeand FreakyLinks. In 2002, he took on a role as a film student in The Rules of Attraction. He also appeared in movies like True Vinyl(2004), Little Athens(2005), and the television movie Snow Wonderin the same year. Later, he was seen in the TV movie Shadow of Fear(2012), where he played Detective Dominic Leary. After CSIended, he took part in more projects including the film Near Extinction: Shangri-Lain 2018, continuing to work in both television and film.
His career also extended to voice acting, as he provided the voice of Greg Sanders for several CSIvideo games. These included titles such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation(2003), CSI: Dark Motives(2004), CSI: 3 Dimensions of Murder(2006), and more, up until CSI: Fatal Conspiracyin 2010. This work allowed fans to enjoy his character beyond the television series.
In addition to his on-screen roles, Szmanda performed on stage. In 2015, he starred in a play called The Nerdat the Totem Pole Playhouse, where he played the role of Willum Cubbert. According to German sources, he also appeared in a stage production titled Hyenasafter CSIcame to an end.
Szmanda’s work in CSIwas widely recognized, and together with the rest of the cast, he earned several nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. The ensemble received nominations in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and in 2005 they won the award, marking a highlight in his career. His long-running role in CSI, combined with his work in films, stage, and video games, shows the range and dedication he brought to his acting career.
As of 2025, Eric Szmanda's estimated net worth is approximately $8 million. This wealth primarily stems from his long-standing role as Greg Sanders on the television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, where he appeared from 2000 to 2015.