Summary
As an avidGrant Gustinfan, I was amazed to discover his past cameo on a different series, and even more shocked when I learned how the episode coincidentally correlates to his own life. While he became famous for playing the iconic comic book hero Barry Allen afterauditioning for the Arrowverse 11 years ago, Grant Gustin started his acting career playing lesser-known characters. Before surging onto television screens as the Scarlet Speedster untilThe Flash’s season 9 ending,he booked a short-term role that may have fast-tracked his career.
From his early start in a student-made film tohis 2024 Broadway debut, Grant Gustin has taken on a diverse range of characters throughout his time as an actor. However, he remains most recognized for his long-term projects in the mainstream media, such as his recurring role on the seriesGleeand his starring run as the fastest man in the DC universe. I committed years to watching both of these network hits and enjoyed Grant Gustin’s performances in both, soI was surprised to find that he guest-starred in a genre outside of his acclaimed work: police procedural.
Grant Gustin Guest Starred In CSI: Miami’s “Terminal Velocity”
The Spin-off Featured The Actor In An Ironically Titled Episode
In 2012,Gustin appeared in a season 10 episode ofCSI: Miaminamed “Terminal Velocity,“as if foreshadowing his future as a speedster. The episode features a pilot who dies after his parachute is sabotaged, and Gustin plays two of the suspects: twins named Scott and Trent. His casting as a twin is another funny coincidence, given that he has had to play multiple versions of his character numerous times throughoutThe Flash. From the focus on speed to the challenge of acting with himself, Gustin’sCSI: Miamifeature seemed to perfectly prepare him for the leading role to come.
Grant Gustin Was Cast As The Flash Shortly After His CSI Episode
The Connection Between The Productions Makes His Superhero Run Feel Like Fate
Grant Gustin’s episode ofCSI: Miamipremiered in January 2012, while his official casting as Barry Allen came out in September 2013.
Nearly a year after hisCSI: Miamiappearance,Grant Gustin landed a dream role when DC Comics chose him as the next actor to portray Barry Allen.His character was first teased in the similar CW seriesArrowbefore receiving his own Flash TV show, meaning that the actor’s journey to becoming the fastest man alive was instead a slow and steady development. The most shocking part of this process is the fact that it started onCSI: Miamiof all places, giving budding talent like Grant Gustin hope regarding what opportunities might come for themselves in the future.
TheCSIepisode’s emphasis on speed is especially jarring, as the connection between velocity andThe Flashis one that viewers would quickly notice.
Considering thatGrant Gustinhas had conversations with James Gunn about the DCUand his potential role, the actor has clearly attained superhero success, which he might never have seen without his forgottenCSIcameo. TheCSIepisode’s emphasis on speed is especially jarring, asthe connection between velocity andThe Flashis one that viewers would quickly notice.While the coincidence is no more than a fun fact that I can share with my friends, on a deeper level it gives me greater faith in the possibility of destiny, a topic that Barry Allen himself grapples with throughout his character progression.
Grant Gustin
Discover the latest news and filmography for Grant Gustin, known for The Flash and Glee.
