'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAf/xAAfEAABAwQDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAAIFAwQGERITMSH/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AjmI5tBxWIPjpKHp3Eiw1OmsLK3qAg/W83PaXEh2/D5oKcEgnaIg//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
CBS's longest-running police procedural, Criminal Minds, has seen many cast entries and exits throughout its run, with many main cast members also choosing to opt out of the show to focus on other work opportunities.
Here is a list of 7 such actors.
7 stars who left CBS' Criminal Minds
1) Thomas Gibson as Aaron Hotchner
The most fitting replacement for Jason Gideon, Special Agent Aaron Hotchner, was among the most influential characters on Criminal Minds. Hotch was like a fatherly figure and a befitting leader in the Behavioural Analysis Units Team.
However, the audiences were robbed of Hotch in Season 12 because actor Gibson was allegedly fired. Deadline reported news from the set about Gibson misbehaving with assistant directors, eventually getting him fired. His character was shown quitting his job for his son's safety in Season 12.
2) Jennifer Love Hewitt as Kate Callahan
While Hewitt's Kate joined Criminal Minds for only one season (Season 10), fans were starting to like her character. She had a family with her husband Chris and niece Meg and worked in the Domestic Trafficking Unit before coming in as a replacement for Alex in the BAU.
However, writers had to write off Hewitt's character in the Season 10 finale because she was expecting a child in real life and would not be able to continue (as reported by Entertainment Weekly). Her character Kate was also shown pregnant in the Season 10 finale and resigned from the job to focus on her family.
3) Jeanne Tripplehorn as Alex Blake
Another actress whose time was short but influential on Criminal Minds was Jeanne Tripplehorn, who joined the BAU as a linguistics expert in Season 8. She was a liked character and started forming her identity within the show.
However, as confirmed by TV Guide, her time was cut short when it was revealed that Jeanne only signed a two-year contract with the makers and did not desire to renew it. Her character was written off in Season 9 when a case brought back memories of her dead son Etahn, and she decided to quit and go back to her teaching job.
4) Mandy Patkin as Jason Gideon
Patkin's character was introduced in Criminal Minds Season 1 as Jason Gideon, the lead Detective in the FBI. He was the fatherly figure for other detectives in the BAU, and fans were shocked when he left the show in Season 3.
After Gideon could not take the deaths of other officers, who died on his watch, he hands in his batch. While he left in Season 3, his character was shown dead in Season 10. He was murdered by a serial killer, Donnie Mallick, who found his cabin in the woods and shot him.
New York Times Magazine reported that after he departed from the show, Patkin said he did not like the dark themes of his character on the show.
.5) Lola Glaudini as Elle Greenaway
Lola's character was introduced in Criminal Minds Season 1, and she was an important part of the BAU. She was a specialist in sexual crimes against women and often gave her team a hard time.
Her character was written off after Season 2 because Lola was shifting to her home on the East Coast, as reported by LA Times. After she kills a suspect in cold blood while on a stakeout, Jason and Aaron question her methods, and she hands in her badge to them and resigns from the job.
6) Shemar Moore as Derek Morgan
Another original cast member on the show was Shemar Moore's Derek Morgan, who was introduced in Season 1. The Special Agent was an expert with weapons, which often came in handy while solving cases. He was a hot-headed agent, who later struck a romance with Penelope.
Moore left the show after a long run of eleven seasons to focus on his family life and explore more opportunities in his career. He has since played the role of Sergeant II Daniel in SWAT.
7) Rachel Nichols as Ashley Seaver
Ashley Seaver joined the BAU in Season 6, as a rookie agent who was honing her detective skills when she was written off from the show.
Her character was written off just after ten episodes following the drama that followed with AJ Cook and Paget Brewster's exits. After their characters exited the show due to budgetary cuts, fans revolted, and makers had to bring them back.
According to TV Guide, it looks like newbie Rachel had to suffer the consequences as she was written off to accommodate Cook and Brewster's characters.
Trending
For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.
Your perspective matters!
Start the conversation
