Criminal Minds Cast - Then & Now

Having just celebrated it's 13th Birthday and 300 episodes, we thought it would be nice to look back at the cast of Criminal Minds and how they have changed in the last 13 years. 

We are looking at the evolution of the 16 main cast members from the show over the last 13 years. Some cast members have been through dramatic, if not rapid, hair changes (Matthew Gray Gubler), some have grown old, some have grown up and some have barely changed at all. 

Take a look at a Then and Now comparison of the cast below and let us know what you think in the comments.

MANDY PATINKIN

Patinkin was part of the original cast when the show premiered back in 2005. He played the role of SSA Jason Gideon. After two and a bit seasons, Patinkin abruptly left the show in 2007. Patinkin's character was then killed off in season 10.

THOMAS GIBSON

Gibson was also part of the original cast when the show premiered back in 2005. Gibson played the role of Unit Chief SSA Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner for twelve seasons until he was fired from the show back in 2016. During his time on the show, Gibson also directed 5 episodes.

LOLA GLAUDINI

Glaudini played the role of SSA Elle Greenaway. Glaudini was only apart of the show for one and a bit seasons until she called it quits in 2006, early in season 2. 

SHEMAR MOORE

Moore played the part of resident hunk, SSA Derek Morgan for eleven seasons. Moore then decided to leave the show in 2016 at the end of season 11 but continued to make guest appearances in seasons 12 and 13. 

MATTHEW GRAY GUBLER

Gubler is one of three remaining original cast members still on the show today. Gubler plays the role of the intelligent Dr. Spencer Reid. Although Gubler has been there since day one, he has only appeared in 290 of the 300 episodes. During his 13 years on the show, he has also directed 12 episodes.

A.J. COOK

Cook is another one of the three remaining original cast members still on the show today. Cook plays the role of SSA Jennifer "JJ" Jareau. In 2010, Cook was fired from the show and only appeared in 4 episodes in season 6. But in 2011, it was announced that Cook would be returning to the show for season 7.

KIRSTEN VANGSNESS

Vangsness is also one of the three remaining original cast members still on the show today. Vangsness plays the role of quirky technical analysis Penelope Garcia. Although Vangness' character was only meant to appear in one episode, she quickly became a fan favorite and appeared in almost every episode of season 1 and was then promoted to series regular in season 2. During her time on the show, Vangness has co-written 4 episodes with current showrunner Erica Messer. 

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