Career: Sinise's stage career took off in the 1970s; he also began directing during this time. Steppenwolf's production of Sam Shepard's True West transferred from Chicago to New York, allowing the actor to make his Broadway debut. He returned to directing to make episodes of TV's Crime Story and thirtysomething. His first film behind the camera was Miles from Home in 1988. Sinise's movie debut as an actor was A Midnight Clear in 1992. Big-screen outings since include Forrest Gump (for which he was Oscar-nominated), Apollo 13, The Quick and the Dead, The Green Mile and Ransom. It is as Mac in CSI:NY that he is now best known, though in recent years he has established a sideline as TV documentary narrator.

Career: Following his debut movie, The First Turn-On, in 1983, D'Onofrio became a member of the American Stanislavski Theatre Company and appeared in acclaimed productions of The Petrified Forest, Of Mice and Men, and Sexual Perversity in Chicago. His Broadway debut came in 1984's Open Admissions, and he hasn't looked back since. Films include Full Metal Jacket (for which he gained 70 pounds to play troubled Private Pyle), JFK, Malcolm X, Ed Wood, Men in Black, and The Cell. In 2001, D'Onofrio began playing Detective Robert Goren in TV series Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He quit the role in season nine, but returned in the final season of eight episodes.

Career: After graduating with a Masters degree, Shalhoub spent four years at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, before trying his luck in New York. He enjoyed success on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for his role in Conversations with My Father. This led to TV movies and he made his big-screen debut in 1990 film Companion. Other films followed, including Men in Black, Galaxy Quest and Spy Kids. On the small screen, he joined the cast of US sitcom Wings in season 3 and went on to star in 136 episodes. His next big role on TV was playing the title role in Monk from 2002 until 2009. He won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Adrian Monk. He also provides the voice of Luigi in Disney/Pixar film Cars and its sequel.

Career: In 2002, Phifer starred as Future, opposite Eminem, Brittany Murphy and Kim Basinger in Curtis Hanson's critically acclaimed 8 Mile, as well as Paid in Full, directed by Charles Stone. He was honoured by the American Black Film Festival, receiving the organisation's Rising Star Award. He also appeared in 2001's O opposite Julia Stiles and Josh Hartnett. Based on Shakespeare's Othello, he portrayed Odin, the captain of a champion high school basketball team whose best friend becomes jealous of his relationship with his girlfriend. In addition to his escalating film career, he landed his role in ER in 2002. Since ER ended in 2008, he has appeared in Lie to Me and Torchwood: Miracle Day.

Career: Dourdan gave up on becoming a professional musician and became a model, but was spotted by actress/singer/dancer Debbie Allen, who offered him a role in sitcom A Different World, which she was directing. It led to appearances on other shows, including New York Undercover. His first film was Weekend at Bernie's II, followed by The Paper, Alien: Resurrection, and Dancing in September. Other TV series include Swift Justice, and Soul Food. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation made him a star in 2000.