Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

As a huge fan of “Criminal Minds,” I can’t help but be in awe of the incredible journey of the actors who graced our screens with their remarkable performances. I’ve always been fascinated by how their real-life experiences have shaped their roles on the show, adding depth and authenticity to the characters they portrayed.


Criminal Minds has long been a favorite and successful TV series on CBS. With its new home on Paramount+ as “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” the show remains captivating for devoted fans who have followed it since the beginning. A significant part of the show’s allure lies in the agents we’ve grown attached to over the years.

Despite being taken off the air by CBS following season 15, the show made a comeback as a streaming series two years later. With a total run of over 17 seasons beginning on Sept. 22, 2005, numerous actors have come and gone throughout the years, portraying special agents in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).

Despite some changes, the main cast members have generally remained the same since the beginning. Only one original actor from the first episode still appears regularly: Kirsten Vangness as Penelope Garcia.

A.J. Cook debuted as Jennifer “JJ” Jareau in episode 2, and she has continued to be a regular character, despite her temporary absence alongside newcomer Paget Brewster, who joined as Emily Prentiss in season 2. In honor of the show’s enduring success, we’re revisiting the original cast members and their current roles.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Mandy Patinkin

Mandy Patinkin, renowned actor, may have departed from “Criminal Minds” after seasons 2 and a few episodes in 3, yet his significance to the BAU team endures. Jason Gideon, an agent haunted by a past case resulting in the death of many agents, returned to the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Though Patinkin chose to leave due to the show’s graphic content, his character remains a vital piece of the BAU’s history.

I was around fifty-three when “the show” first aired, born on November 30, 1952. People might remember me as Inigo Montoya from “The Princess Bride,” and more recently, I’ve been acting in the Hulu series titled “Death and Other Details.” Now, at the age of seventy-one, I continue to explore new roles and challenges in my acting career.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Thomas Gibson

Gibson portrayed BAU Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner for eleven consecutive seasons on the show, but he departed following conflicts behind the scenes. On the program, Agent Hotchner exited after their son was identified as a victim of a serial killer under investigation by the team. To shield his son and ensure his own safety, Hotchner entered witness protection and eventually opted against returning to the team, preferring to focus on being a devoted father instead.

I, Gibson, were born on the 3rd of July, 1962. People recognize me not just from my gaming career, but also from “Dharma & Greg.” At that time, I was 43 years old when the show debuted. Now, at age 62, I continue to live my life with passion and enthusiasm.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Shemar Moore

Moore brought the character of SSA Derek Morgan to life on the show, making it one of the most compelling aspects. Through his portrayal, we saw how his past filled with pain influenced his actions as an agent. Born on April 20, 1970, Moore was 35 when the series began airing.

I’m a big fan of the talented actor Shemar Moore, who gained widespread recognition for his long-running role on “The Young and the Restless.” Now, he graces our screens on CBS’s “S.W.A.T.,” which underwent some uncertainty with cancellation and renewal before securing a spot for season 8. With “S.W.A.T.” keeping him occupied, we might not get to see Moore revisit the set of “Criminal Minds” anytime soon. But if he does make an appearance there again, we certainly won’t be disappointed!

After welcoming the birth of their on-screen son in season 11, Moore chose to exit the show. However, he graciously returned for two guest roles in subsequent seasons. At present, the talented actor is 54 years old.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Matthew Gray Gubler

Gubler, born on March 9, 1980, played the role of Dr. Spencer Reid in “Criminal Minds” until its fifteenth season. Although he hasn’t been present in “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” we eagerly anticipate that he will rejoin the team at some point, despite scheduling issues. When “Criminal Minds” first aired, Gubler was 25 years old.

I’ve been featured not only in our beloved game series but also in other projects like “500 Days of Summer” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” Currently, I’m in my mid-forties, turning 45 soon.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Lola Glaudini

Despite exiting the show during its second run, Glaudini was among the initial cast members when “Airdate” first premiered. Her character, Elle Greenaway, departed following an attack by a stalking unsub, who had also previously taken another unsub’s life. Consequently, she chose to resign.

Glaudini was born on the 24th of November, 1971, which means she was nearly 34 when the show first aired. Currently at the age of 52, she has additionally featured in both “Invincible” and “The Offer”.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Kirsten Vangsness

As a gamer, I’ve always been captivated by Penelope Garcia, played brilliantly by Vangsness. Born on July 7, 1972, she’s the tech analyst who adds a delightful touch of humor to an otherwise chilling show. From day one, her presence has been a staple in the series, and despite the constant exposure to sadness and death in her line of work, she manages to keep her spirits high.

Alongside her role in the show, Vangsness has also made appearances in “In My Sleep” and “Pretty The Series.” She turns 53 this year.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

A.J. Cook

I was thrilled when I first discovered Jennifer “JJ” Jareau on Criminal Minds back in 2005, at just 27 years old, she graced our screens in the second episode of season 1. This compassionate and empathetic character has always held a special place in my heart. Her transformation from a media liaison to a fully-fledged agent with the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) is truly inspiring.

In addition to “Criminal Minds,” Cook has acted in various other productions such as “The Virgin Suicides,” “Final Destination 2,” and “Back Fork.” Her birthday falls in July 2024, making her almost 46 years old.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Joe Mantegna

In the third season of “Criminal Minds,” Mantegna made his first appearance as David Rossi, a writer who played a significant role in the beginning of the Behavioral Analysis Unit together with Jason Gideon. Born on November 13, 1947, Mantegna is an experienced actor who has featured in numerous films and TV shows including “The Godfather Part III,” “Joan of Arcadia,” and “Searching for Bobby Fischer.” When his episode premiered in season 3, he was on the verge of turning 60.

In “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” Mantegna once again plays the character of Rossi. At 76 years old, he skillfully depicts Rossi’s hardships following the tragic loss of his wife and the lingering impacts of being kidnapped by the current adversary, Elias Voit. His portrayal of these challenges has left a significant impression on viewers.

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Paget Brewster

Starting with season 2, Brewster came on board as Emily Prentiss and has since become a regular character on “Criminal Minds.” She temporarily departed from the show following her dismissal after season 7. However, she reappeared sporadically before eventually rejoining the team in season 12. When Hotchner left, Brewster was promoted to lead BAU, a role she has maintained ever since.

I was born on March 10, 1969, making me 37 when my episode first aired in 2006. Now, at the age of 55, I’ve had the privilege of appearing in shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and “Community.”

Criminal Minds cast ages: How old were the actors when they first appeared on the CBS show (and now)?

Daniel Henney, Adam Rodriguez, and Aisha Tyler

I’ve been an avid fan of “Criminal Minds” since its early seasons, and I must admit that the show’s stellar cast has always been one of its strongest suits. Having followed the series closely for years, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the original lineup of stars who graced our screens in the show’s formative years.

Agent Matt Simmons, later known as Henney, initially appeared in the brief series “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” as a character. Later, he became an official member of the BAU team during season 13, having made an appearance in the preceding season. Born on November 28, 1979, Henney joined the group when he was 38 years old.

Henney’s substantial role in “The Wheel of Time” has hindered him from reappearing as Matt Simmons on the show, but he continues to collaborate with the team on a new assignment. Patiently, fans anticipate the day when Henney and Gubler both rejoin the series.)

I’ve had the pleasure of observing the fascinating world of Criminal Minds and its remarkable cast additions over the years. Among those who left a lasting impression were Rodriguez and Tyler. Their arrivals were quite recent, with Rodriguez joining our beloved show as Luke Alvez in season 12, and Tyler gracing us with her presence as Dr. Tara Lewis in season 11.

Tyler was born on September 18, 1970, making her 45 when she began the show. At present, she is 53 years old and has previously acted in “Friends” and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”

On Hulu, you have the ability to stream every season of “Criminal Minds,” and simultaneously, on Paramount+, you can access the ongoing season of “Criminal Minds: Evolution.”

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2024-07-17 00:54