Criminal Minds Cast: Where Are They Now?
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It has been almost two decades since viewers were first introduced to the dedicated special agents of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) on the hit TV series, Criminal Minds, which premiered on CBS in September 2005. The show, created by Jeff Davis, follows a team of FBI profilers within the BAU who work together to predict and prevent the actions of some of the country’s most depraved criminals. Each episode delves into a new case while also exploring the personal lives of team members such as the tech whiz Penelope Garcia (played by Kirsten Vangsness) and the genius Dr. Spencer Reid (portrayed by Matthew Gray Gubler). After a successful 15-season run, the series concluded in February 2020. However, fans were treated to a revival on Paramount+ called Criminal Minds: Evolution, which premiered in 2022 and is set to launch its third season on May 8th.
Kirsten Vangsness, who brought to life the quirky tech analyst Penelope Garcia, appeared on Criminal Minds throughout its entire run from seasons 1 to 15. Known for her comedic timing and heartwarming interactions with Derek Morgan (played by Shemar Moore), Vangsness also made appearances on the show’s spin-offs, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders and Criminal Minds: Suspect Behaviors. Besides her role on Criminal Minds, Vangsness has taken on various acting projects including films like The Chicago 8 (2011) and Kill Me, Deadly (2015). She currently stars in the Paramount+ revival, Evolution, which kicked off in November 2022.
Matthew Gray Gubler portrayed the socially awkward yet brilliant Spencer Reid from the show’s inception in 2005 until its finale in 2020. Gubler expressed his gratitude for his time on Criminal Minds, calling it an “honour” and emphasizing the familial bond amongst the cast and crew. Apart from his stint on Criminal Minds, Gubler has showcased his talent in movies like RV (2006), (500) Days of Summer (2009), and television series such as Dollface on Hulu. Fans can look forward to his guest appearance in an episode of Criminal Minds: Evolution season 3.
A.J. Cook, who played special agent Jennifer Jareau, also known as JJ, joined the series when she was just 27 years old and remained a mainstay until the final season. In an interview, Cook reminisced about the show’s finale, likening the cast’s journey to that of a graduating class. Alongside her role on Criminal Minds, Cook has made appearances in other TV shows and movies, including Law & Order: SVU and Mother’s Day (2016). Cook now stars in the Paramount+ continuation, Evolution.
Joe Mantegna’s David Rossi became a fatherly figure within the BAU when he joined the team in season 3. Mantegna bid farewell to the show in 2019, expressing his appreciation for the unforgettable experiences and connections formed during his time on Criminal Minds. Post-Criminal Minds, Mantegna ventured into projects like As We See It on Prime Video and a guest appearance on HBO’s Barry. Additionally, Mantegna continues to voice Fat Tony on The Simpsons. The actor has been happily married to Arlene Vrhel since 1975 and is a proud father of two daughters, Gia and Mia.
Thomas Gibson’s portrayal of Aaron “Hotch” Hotchner lasted for 12 seasons until his departure due to a physical altercation on set. Despite the incident, Gibson reflected on his time on the show, expressing hurt at the tarnishing of his reputation. The actor has since been involved in limited acting projects, such as the 2019 TV movie, Shadow Wolves. Gibson shares three children with his ex-wife, Christine.
Shemar Moore’s Derek Morgan left a lasting impact on viewers during his tenure on Criminal Minds from seasons 1 to 11 and subsequent guest appearances. Moore’s decision to exit the show was driven by a desire to seek a better work-life balance. Since then, Moore has starred in S.W.A.T. on CBS and returned to his roots in The Young and the Restless. The actor also lent his voice to DC Comics character Cyborg in animated films. In 2023, Moore welcomed his daughter, Frankie, with his ex-girlfriend Jesiree Dizon.
Paget Brewster embarked on a rollercoaster ride as special agent Emily Prentiss, initially stepping away after season 7 only to return as a series regular in season 12. Brewster’s acting prowess extends beyond Criminal Minds, with roles in diverse projects like Community, Another Period, and her involvement in multiple animated series. Brewster tied the knot with musician Steve Damstra in 2014 and has since made a comeback in the Paramount+ reboot of Criminal Minds.
Aisha Tyler joined as Dr. Tara Lewis for seasons 11 to 15, showcasing her versatility by directing several episodes of the crime drama. Tyler expressed mixed emotions about the conclusion of Criminal Minds, acknowledging the bittersweet farewell and the lasting memories from her time on set. Post-Criminal Minds, Tyler has lent her voice to various animated characters and acted in series such as Monsters at Work on Disney+. Tyler continues to host Whose Line Is It Anyway? and her own talk show, Unapologetic with Aisha Tyler. The multi-talented actress made a return to the Paramount+ revival of Criminal Minds in 2022.
Adam Rodriguez brought agent Luke Alvez to life on season 12 after starring on CSI: Miami as Eric Delko for ten seasons. Rodriguez showcased his acting chops in films like Magic Mike alongside Channing Tatum and on TV shows such as Ugly Betty and Jane the Virgin. Rodriguez tied the knot with model Grace Gail in 2016, and they are now proud parents of three. Fans can catch Rodriguez in the Paramount+ reboot of Criminal Minds.
Daniel Henney, who played special agent Matt Simmons on Criminal Minds and its spin-off, Beyond Borders, joined the cast in 2015. With a background in modelling and acting, Henney’s portfolio also includes Disney’s Big Hero 6 as the character Tadashi and the Prime Video series, The Wheel of Time in 2021. Henney exchanged vows with actress Ru Kumagai in 2023. Though he did not return for the show’s revival, Henney continues to make strides in his acting career.
Mandy Patinkin kickstarted Criminal Minds as show lead Jason Gideon but exited after season 2. Since then, Patinkin has engaged in a variety of acting projects, such as his role as Saul Berenson on Homeland and a stint on The Good Fight. The seasoned actor has been happily married to actress Kathryn Grody since 1980, with whom he shares two sons, Isaac and Gideon.
Lola Glaudini captivated audiences as Elle Greenaway during the show’s debut season, creating a buzz with her dramatic exit after a shoot-out. Glaudini’s acting credits extend to TV series like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Blue Bloods, and Person of Interest. The actress is married to Stuart England, and together they are parents to two boys.
As the Criminal Minds stars have transitioned into new projects and personal milestones over the years, their impact and contributions to the beloved crime drama continue to resonate with fans worldwide. The deep camaraderie amongst the cast and crew during the show’s original run and subsequent revival have left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, solidifying Criminal Minds as a timeless and cherished series in television history.