MANILA, Philippines—Hollywood actor Wallace Langham says fans of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” often accost him.

“It’s funny, though, usually, they aren’t sure it’s me. They do a double take or they gawk and point at me,” Langham relates in a phone interview arranged by AXN, which airs the popular crime drama, now on its 8th season, Wednesday nights.

He says, chortling: “They keep saying: ‘I know you!’ I usually let them sweat it out a bit before telling them I’m on ‘CSI.’”

It’s because his character, lab technician David Hodges, can get easily lost in a crowd—like a nerd in high school, or the co-worker who just sits in a corner.

He seems to have cornered the market on Everyguy roles. On “The Larry Sanders Show,” he was cynical writer Phil; on “Veronica’s Closet,” the sexually confused assistant Josh. In the Oscar-nominated indie hit “Little Miss Sunshine,” he has a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role as a pageant staffer. In his own words: “I’ve had big parts in small films and small parts in big films.”

On “CSI,” he’s the resident geek. He says that the show’s writers usually turn to Hodges if the story requires a weird plot twist. In season 7’s “Lab Rats,” Hodges helps solve the “Miniature Killer” case. This season, Hodges shines once again in tonight’s episode “You Kill Me.”

From a “recurring role” (beginning season 3), he was elevated to mainstay status at the start of the current season. Now that Hodges is gaining prominence, Langham can only hope that CSI fans will start recognizing him more quickly, “instead of going through [a] slow dawning realization.”

He’s getting there. Some of these questions are from a 10-year-old Filipino fan. And Langham answers them with relish.

What’s the appeal of playing Hodges?

That he can be anything and anybody. The writers have imbued him with extraordinary gifts, quirks and interests which keep him interesting. Every time something needs to be done that’s off-the-beaten path, the writers give it to Hodges.

How similar or different are you from Hodges?

I wish I can say I’m as smart as he is. I’m glad I’m not as lonely as he is. (Laughs)

What do you like and hate about Hodges?

I like that he’s endowed with bizarre affectations and genetic predispositions. I hate that he still lives with his mother. (Laughs)

Why is it that we know so little about him? Does he have friends outside of the lab?

I think that, like a lot of people dedicated to their jobs, Hodges doesn’t have the chance to socialize.

But he’s not a serial killer in the making?

No! People should sleep more soundly knowing that he’s on the law enforcement side.

Do you see Hodges doing more field work?

I doubt it. Hodges likes the lab’s safety and cleanliness. In an episode at the end of season 8 (“The Theory of Everything”), he had to do field work and he wasn’t so happy about that.

What’s your take on the quirky relationship between Hodges and his boss Gil Grissom (played by William Petersen)?

Basically, it’s hero worship. Hodges thinks Grissom is the smartest man he knows and that they’re on the same level. Hodges also feels he’s unappreciated. He’s wrong on both counts—they’re not on the same level and he’s not unappreciated.

Do you see him having a girlfriend soon?

The writers are developing a relationship between Hodges and Wendy Simms (Liz Vassey).

Do you see Hodges having his own spin-off show? Where would it be set?

That would be the death of Hodges! I’m very happy in Vegas. But if he were to have his own show, it would have to be in a tropical location.

Like the Philippines?

Absolutely. Or some remote island in Malaysia.

What’s your favorite “CSI” episode?

“You Kill Me” was fun. The other one is “Lab Rats.”

Are you interested in forensics?

Yes, I am. With our technical adviser, I went to Washington DC last year, to raise money for crime labs across the country. A real crime lab in action is fascinating. On the show, we try to be accurate scientifically, even though we can’t do that in terms of time line. You can’t get a DNA result in an hour, for example. But the machines we have on the set are still used in real labs.

(E-mail: bayanisandiego@hotmail.com)