Criminal Minds Cast List

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Updated June 15, 2019 198.0K views 35 items

Criminal Minds cast list, including photos of the actors when available. This list includes all of the Criminal Minds main actors and actresses, so if they are an integral part of the show you'll find them below. You can various bits of trivia about these Criminal Minds stars, such as where the actor was born and what their year of birth is. This cast list of actors from Criminal Minds focuses primarily on the main characters, but there may be a few actors who played smaller roles on Criminal Minds that are on here as well.

This list features items like Sierra Nicole McCormick Jane Lynch, and many more.

If you are wondering, "Who are the actors from Criminal Minds?" or "Who starred on Criminal Minds?" then this list will help you answer those questions.

In most cases you can click on the names of these popular Criminal Minds actors and actresses to find out more information about them. If you're looking for a particular Criminal Minds actor or actress, then type their name into the "search" bar to find them directly.
  • A. J. Cook
    Criminal Minds, Tru Calling, Higher Ground
    Andrea Joy Cook (born July 22, 1978) is a Canadian actress best known for her role as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau on the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds. She has also appeared in films such as The Virgin Suicides (1999), Out Cold (2001), and Final Destination 2 (2003).
  • Andrea Roth
    Blue Bloods, Ringer, Highlander: The Series
    Andrea Roth (born September 30, 1967) is a Canadian actress. She is perhaps best known for her roles as Janet Gavin, the wife of main character Tommy Gavin, on the FX television series Rescue Me (2004–2011), as Victoria Chase in The Collector (2009), and before that, as Diana Powers/NeuroBrain on RoboCop: The Series (1994).
  • Jeanne Tripplehorn
    Criminal Minds, Big Love
    Jeanne Marie Tripplehorn (born June 10, 1963) is an American actress. She began her career in theatre, acting in several plays throughout the early 1990s, including Anton Chekov's Three Sisters on Broadway. Her film career began with the role of a police psychologist in the erotic thriller Basic Instinct (1992). Her other film roles include The Firm (1993), Waterworld (1995) and Sliding Doors (1998). On television, she starred as Barbara Henrickson on the HBO drama series Big Love (2006–11) and as Dr. Alex Blake on the CBS police drama Criminal Minds (2012–14), and she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her performance as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the 2009 HBO movie Grey Gardens.
  • Joe Mantegna
    Criminal Minds, Joan of Arcadia, The Starter Wife
    Joe Mantegna, a name that stands tall in the world of entertainment, is an actor of enduring versatility. Born November 13, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Mantegna's journey to stardom was paved with hard work and relentless determination. Drawing from his Italian roots, Mantegna developed a deep love for acting at an early age which led him to attend the Goodman School of Drama in Chicago. Mantegna's exceptional skills were first recognized when he won a Tony Award for his Broadway debut in David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross. However, the actor's talents are not confined to the stage. He participated in various forms of acting - from television series such as Criminal Minds, where he starred as David Rossi, an FBI profiler, to animated programs like The Simpsons, where he lent his voice to the character Fat Tony. His film repertoire is also extensive, with notable performances in The Godfather Part III, Baby's Day Out, and Searching for Bobby Fischer. Aside from acting, Mantegna is also a producer and director, with works such as Lakeboat and 10.5 Apocalypse under his belt. His passion for the arts extends beyond the screen, leading him to co-own a restaurant in Burbank named "Taste Chicago", which celebrates his hometown's culinary favorites. Despite his impressive career, Mantegna has remained down-to-earth, demonstrating a commitment to philanthropy by supporting causes such as autism research and veterans affairs.
  • Kirsten Vangsness

    Kirsten Vangsness

    Criminal Minds, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
    Kirsten Simone Vangsness (born July 7, 1972) is an American actress and writer. She is best known for her portrayal of FBI Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia on the CBS drama series Criminal Minds. She portrayed the same character on the spin-off series Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.
  • Anton Viktorovich Yelchin (Russian: Анто́н Ви́кторович Е́льчин, IPA: [ɐnˈton ˈjelʲtɕɪn]}; March 11, 1989 – June 19, 2016) was an American actor. He played Pavel Chekov in three Star Trek films: Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and the posthumously released Star Trek Beyond (2016). Born to a Russian Jewish family in Leningrad, Yelchin and his family moved to the United States when he was a baby. In the late 1990s, Yelchin began appearing in television and film roles. His role in Steven Spielberg's miniseries Taken helped further his career. Yelchin also starred in Huff, the films Hearts in Atlantis, Alpha Dog, and Like Crazy, and the posthumously released Trollhunters.
  • Lola Glaudini

    Lola Glaudini

    Criminal Minds, Blue Bloods, The Good Guys
    Lola Glaudini (born November 24, 1971) is an American actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Elle Greenaway on CBS's Criminal Minds, and for her role as Deborah Ciccerone-Waldrup on HBO's The Sopranos.
  • Mandy Patinkin
    Homeland, Criminal Minds, Dead Like Me
    Mandy Bruce Patinkin (; born November 30, 1952) is an American actor and singer.Patinkin is well known for his portrayal of Inigo Montoya in the 1987 film The Princess Bride. His other film credits include Yentl (1983), Alien Nation (1988), Dick Tracy (1990), The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, G (1999) Wish I Was Here (2014). He has appeared in major roles in television series such as Chicago Hope, Dead Like Me, and Criminal Minds, and currently plays Saul Berenson in the Showtime series Homeland. He is a noted interpreter of the musical works of Stephen Sondheim and is known for his work in musical theater, originating iconic roles such as Georges Seurat in Sunday in the Park with George and Ché in the original Broadway production of Evita.
  • Brianna Brown
    Devious Maids, Robbery Homicide Division, Lost at Home
    Brianna Lynn Brown (born October 2, 1979) is an American actress and producer. She is known for her television roles as Lisa Niles in the ABC soap opera General Hospital, and as Taylor Stappord in the Lifetime series Devious Maids.
  • Matthew Gray Gubler
    Criminal Minds
    Matthew Gray Gubler (born March 9, 1980) is an American actor, filmmaker, fashion model, painter, and author. He is best known for his role as criminal profiler Dr. Spencer Reid in the CBS television show Criminal Minds (2005–present), of which he has also directed eleven episodes. Gubler has appeared in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, (500) Days of Summer, Life After Beth, Suburban Gothic, Newness, and as the voice of Simon in Alvin and the Chipmunks and its three sequels.
  • Paget Brewster
    Community, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
    Paget Valerie Brewster (; born March 10, 1969) is an American actress, voice actress, and singer. She was first recognized for her recurring role as Kathy on the fourth season of the NBC sitcom Friends. Her breakthrough role came as Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss on the crime drama Criminal Minds, on which she appeared regularly from 2006 to 2012 and has since returned to for guest appearances before returning regularly in 2016. Her other roles include voicing Elise and Mr. Mumbles on Dan Vs., Frankie Dart on the final season of Community, the voice of Birdgirl in Harvey Birdman Attorney at Law, Sara Kingsley on the Fox sitcom Grandfathered, and voicing Donald Duck's twin sister Della in the 2017 series of DuckTales, marking the first animated appearance of the character.
  • Rachel Nichols
    Criminal Minds, Alias, Continuum
    Rachel Emily Nichols (born January 8, 1980) is an American actress and model. Nichols began modeling while attending Columbia University in New York City in the late 1990s, and transitioned into acting by the early 2000s; she had a part in the romantic drama Autumn in New York (2000) and a one-episode role in the fourth season of Sex and the City (2002). Her first major role was in the comedy Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003), and she went on to achieve wider recognition playing Rachel Gibson in the final season of the action television series Alias (2005–06) and for her role in the horror film The Amityville Horror (2005). Nichols obtained her first starring film role in the thriller P2 (2007), and found mainstream success with the science-fiction action films Star Trek (2009) and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009). Her other notable films include The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (2008), Conan the Barbarian (2011), Alex Cross (2012), Raze (2013), and Inside (2016). Nichols starred in the television series Continuum (2012–15), and played notable roles in the sixth season of Criminal Minds (2010–11) and the fourth seasons of Chicago Fire (2015) and The Librarians (2017–18).
  • Courtney Ford is an American actress. She is best known for her roles on television, such as playing Christine Hill on Dexter (2009), Portia Bellefleur on True Blood (2011), Lily on Parenthood (2012), Tonia Pyne on Murder in the First (2014), Kate Taylor on Revenge (2014), Kelly Kline on Supernatural (2016–2018) and Nora Darhk on Legends of Tomorrow (2017–present). She also played the lead role in the Lifetime television film Kept Woman (2015).
  • Shemar Moore
    Criminal Minds, The Young and the Restless, Birds of Prey
    Shemar Franklin Moore was born on April 20, 1970, in Oakland, California. His mother, Marilyn Wilson, a business consultant, and his father, Sherrod Moore, a military professional, instilled in him an appreciation for diversity and determination. This multicultural upbringing, combined with his undeniable talent, has propelled Moore's career in the entertainment industry to remarkable heights. Moore's journey into the world of acting began after graduating from Santa Clara University with a degree in Communications and Theatre Arts. His breakthrough came when he landed the role of Malcolm Winters on the popular daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless in 1994. For eight years, Moore captivated audiences with his portrayal, earning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2000. However, it was Moore's transition to primetime television that truly solidified his status as a versatile actor. In 2005, he joined the cast of the crime drama Criminal Minds, taking on the challenging role of FBI Special Agent Derek Morgan. His performance was met with critical acclaim, further establishing his reputation in the industry.
  • Thomas Gibson
    Criminal Minds, Dharma & Greg, Chicago Hope
    Thomas Ellis Gibson (born July 3, 1962) is an American actor and director. He portrayed Daniel Nyland in the CBS television series Chicago Hope, Greg Montgomery in the ABC television series Dharma & Greg and Aaron Hotchner in the CBS television series Criminal Minds (2005–2016).
  • Eddie Cibrian
    CSI: Miami, Invasion, The Young and the Restless
    Edward Carl Cibrian ( SIB-ree-ən; born June 16, 1973) is an American actor. He played Cole Deschanel on the television series Sunset Beach and has also appeared in films and as a cast member in several other television series, filling such roles as Jimmy Doherty on Third Watch, Russell Varon in Invasion, Jesse Cardoza in CSI: Miami and Eddie Valetik in Take Two.
  • Elle Fanning
    The Lost Room
    Born on April 9, 1998, in Conyers, Georgia, Mary Elle Fanning is a remarkably talented actress known for her captivating performances and versatile acting abilities. Her illustrious career kick-started at the young age of three when she played the younger version of her sister Dakota Fanning's characters in the miniseries Taken and the movie I Am Sam. This early exposure to the world of acting paved the way for Elle's future in the industry. Elle Fanning made her independent debut in 2003 with the highly acclaimed drama film Daddy Day Care. Her breakthrough, however, came in 2011 when she starred as Alice Dainard in J.J. Abrams' science fiction thriller Super 8, earning her a Spotlight Award at the Hollywood Film Festival. Proving her mettle as a skillful actress, Elle's resume boasts an array of diverse roles. She portrayed Princess Aurora in Disney's Maleficent series, a character originally brought to life in the 1959 animated classic Sleeping Beauty. Her portrayal drew wide admiration and solidified her position as a lead actress in Hollywood. Despite her success in the film industry, Elle Fanning has not limited herself to just acting. In 2016, she branched out into modeling and became the face of Tiffany & Co.'s campaign, proving her versatility and broad appeal. Additionally, she's shown a knack for voice-over work, lending her voice to the animated films My Neighbor Totoro and Leap!.
  • Forest Whitaker
    The Shield, North and South, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
    Born in Texas in 1961, Forest Whitaker grew up in California, where he discovered his passion for performing arts. Whitaker's formal education in drama at the University of Southern California set the stage for his illustrious career in the entertainment industry. Whitaker's acting prowess first caught the world's attention in 1982 when he starred in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. His breakthrough role in The Color of Money (1986) paved the way for his critically acclaimed performance in Bird (1988), for which he won the Best Actor award at Cannes Film Festival. However, it was his portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland (2006) that catapulted him to the pinnacle of global recognition. For this role, he bagged numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming the fourth African-American to win this coveted honor. In addition to his acting career, Whitaker has made significant contributions as a director and producer. He directed films like Waiting to Exhale (1995) and Hope Floats (1998), showcasing his ability to weave compelling narratives behind the lens. As a producer, he has lent his expertise to projects like Fruitvale Station (2013) and Dope (2015). Beyond his work in film, Whitaker is known for his humanitarian efforts, particularly his advocacy for peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict. He established the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative, which operates in several countries, underlining his commitment to social change.
  • Gavin Rossdale
    Charity Jam
    Gavin Rossdale, born on October 30, 1965 in London, England, is a renowned British musician and actor. He rose to fame as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Bush, which was formed in 1992. The band's debut album, Sixteen Stone (1994), was a huge commercial success, certified 6x multi-platinum by the RIAA. Post-Bush, Rossdale embarked on a solo career and his first album, WANDERlust, was released in 2008. Rossdale's impact on the music industry extends beyond Bush and his solo work. He was also part of the band Institute, which he formed after Bush disbanded in 2002. The band released one album, Distort Yourself, before disbanding in 2005. Furthermore, he has collaborated with various artists, such as Blue Man Group and Apocalyptica, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His songwriting prowess is evident in Bush's hit songs like "Swallowed" and "The Chemicals Between Us," both of which reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. In addition to his musical endeavors, Rossdale has also made his mark in the acting world. He made his film debut in the movie Zoolander in 2001, playing himself. He went on to appear in a variety of roles in films and television series, including Constantine and Criminal Minds. Despite his multiple talents and interests, it is clear that Rossdale's primary passion has always been music.
  • James Van Der Beek
    Dawson's Creek, Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, Franklin & Bash
    James Van Der Beek, a name synonymous with the golden age of television drama, is an American actor who rose to international prominence in the late 90s. Born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, he demonstrated a flair for acting from an early age, making his professional debut off-Broadway at 16. However, it was his portrayal of Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama Dawson's Creek that catapulted him into stardom and secured his place in the annals of pop culture. Van Der Beek's stint on Dawson's Creek lasted for six seasons, during which he not only won the hearts of millions worldwide but also garnered critical acclaim for his nuanced portrayal of a teenager grappling with love and life. However, Van Der Beek was far from a one-show wonder. Post Dawson's Creek, he showcased his versatility with roles in a range of genres, from comedy in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 to crime in CSI: Cyber. His performance as a fictionalized version of himself in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 was particularly appreciated, revealing a self-deprecating humor that endeared him to a new generation of viewers. Despite his success on the small screen, Van Der Beek has never shied away from the big screen or the stage. He has featured in films like Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction, demonstrating his ability to hold his own in diverse roles. Moreover, he has returned to his roots in theatre several times, with notable performances in Rain Dance and Finding the Sun. Throughout his career, Van Der Beek has shown an unwavering commitment to his craft, etching out a legacy that stretches beyond the confines of Capeside's creek.
  • Jane Lynch
    Glee, Two and a Half Men, Married... with Children
    Jane Lynch, an acclaimed actress, comedian, and author, is known for her diverse roles in both television and film. Born on July 14, 1960, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, she developed an affinity for acting at a young age. Lynch's journey to stardom was not straightforward; after graduating from Illinois State University and later earning a Master's degree in Theater from Cornell University, she spent many years honing her craft in various theater productions and comedy troupes. Lynch has etched her name in the annals of entertainment history through her portrayal of Sue Sylvester in Fox's musical comedy series Glee. This role brought her widespread recognition and earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Her other notable television appearances include roles in series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Criminal Minds. Lynch's talent isn't confined within the small screen, as her filmography boasts of critically acclaimed movies such as Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Apart from her acting pursuits, Lynch has made significant contributions as an author. She has penned down her memoir Happy Accidents, which delves into her personal life and struggles with alcoholism and sexuality, providing an introspective look at her journey. She is also recognized for her humanitarian efforts, especially for LGBTQ+ rights. A boisterous personality, Jane Lynch's impact extends beyond the realm of entertainment, making her a pivotal figure in contemporary culture.
  • Jason Alexander
    Seinfeld, Franklin & Bash, Duckman
    Jason Alexander, born Jason Scott Greenspan, is a widely recognized name in the entertainment industry. Born on September 23, 1959, in Newark, New Jersey, he grew up with an early love for acting. This passion was refined at Boston University, but he left two years into his degree to focus on his acting career. His journey began with work in commercials, and Alexander soon found himself landing significant roles in Broadway productions. Most notably, Alexander's talent shone bright in the Broadway musical Jerome Robbins' Broadway, earning him a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. However, it is his role as George Costanza in the iconic television show, Seinfeld, that catapulted him to worldwide fame. For nine seasons, from 1989 to 1998, Alexander's portrayal of the neurotic and comical character delighted audiences and critics alike. His performance earned him multiple nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. Beyond his famous role in Seinfeld, Alexander has had an extensive career in film, television, and stage. He has lent his voice to animated features such as Duckman and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, exhibited his directing skills in episodes of popular shows including Everybody Hates Chris and Mike & Molly, and shared his talent on stage in productions like The Producers.
  • Jeff Doucette
    The Tick, Bobby's World, Alien Nation
    Jeff Doucette is an American actor who has carved out a distinctive place for himself in the entertainment industry. Born on November 25, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he embarked on his acting journey at a young age. His early years were spent honing his craft in local theater productions, laying a solid foundation for his future career. Doucette's breakthrough came in the late 1970s when he started to make appearances in popular television shows, most notably in Bosom Buddies where he played the role of "Harvey P. Winston". His ability to portray diverse characters with ease led him to work in over 90 television shows including Newhart, Little House on the Prairie, and Desperate Housewives. In addition to his television roles, he also made an impact on the big screen, featuring in films like Splash, Sudden Impact, and Bedazzled. Over the course of his career, Doucette's performances have been recognized by various awards, highlighting his talent and versatility as an actor. Despite facing several health challenges, including battling cancer twice, he continued to be active in the industry, demonstrating his unwavering passion and dedication to his craft.
  • Kari Matchett
    Leverage, Covert Affairs, Invasion
    Kari Matchett (born March 25, 1970) is a Canadian actress. She has appeared in films such as Apartment Hunting (2000), Angel Eyes (2001), Men with Brooms (2002), Cypher (2002), Civic Duty (2006), The Tree of Life (2011), and Maudie (2016). She is perhaps best known for her roles as Joan Campbell on Covert Affairs and as Kate Filmore in the science fiction movie Cube 2: Hypercube.
  • Kelli Williams
    Lie to Me, The Practice, Army Wives
    Kelli Renee Williams (born June 8, 1970) is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Lindsay Dole on the legal drama The Practice, psychologist and deception expert Dr. Gillian Foster on Lie to Me, and Jackie Clark on Army Wives.
  • Meta Golding
    Criminal Minds, The Tomorrow People, Day Break
    Meta Golding (born November 2, 1971) is a Haitian-American actress.
  • Michael Biehn
    James at 15, The Magnificent Seven, Hawaii
    Michael Connell Biehn (born July 31, 1956) is an American actor, primarily known for his military roles in science fiction films directed by James Cameron; as Sgt. Kyle Reese in The Terminator (1984), Cpl. Dwayne Hicks in Aliens (1986) and Lt. Coffey in The Abyss (1989). His other films include The Fan (1981), Navy SEALs (1990), Tombstone (1993), The Rock (1996), Megiddo: The Omega Code 2 (2001) and Planet Terror (2007). On television, he has appeared in Hill Street Blues (1984) and Adventure Inc. (2002-03). Biehn received a Best Actor Saturn Award nomination for Aliens, and received The Life Career Award at the 2011 ceremony.
  • Nicholas Brendon

    Nicholas Brendon

    Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Kitchen Confidential, Buffy the Animated Series
    Nicholas Brendon (born April 12, 1971) is an American actor and writer. He is best known for playing Xander Harris in the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003) and Kevin Lynch in Criminal Minds (2007–2014). In 2014, he was writing for the Buffy Season 10 comic book.
  • Renee O'Connor

    Renee O'Connor

    Xena: Warrior Princess, Teen Angel, FBI: The Untold Stories
    Evelyn Renee O'Connor (born February 15, 1971) is an American actress, producer, and director, known for the role of Gabrielle on the television series Xena: Warrior Princess.
  • Robyn Lively
    CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Doogie Howser, M.D.
    Robyn Elaine Lively (born February 7, 1972) is an American actress. Lively is known for her role in the film Teen Witch, as well as for her roles in the TV shows Doogie Howser, M.D., Twin Peaks, Savannah, and Saving Grace.