- Mandy Patinkin is a famous actor
- He starred in 'Criminal Minds'
- Learn more about his exit
Fans loved "Jason Gideon" on Criminal Minds in seasons 1 and 2. Mandy Patinkin did an incredible job portraying the experienced profiler who came back to work after a series of mental breakdowns. He starred alongside Matthew Gray Gubler, Shemar Moore and Thomas Gibson to name a few. However, Patinkin decided to leave the show after season 2 and this is why...
Criminal Minds: "Gideon" left before season 3
Mandy Patinkin failed to show up to the season 3 table read of Criminal Minds as he had decided not to return for a third season. His decision was not due to contract or salary matters, but was due to creative differences. Patinkin explained to Monaco Revue that he did not like violent television and felt "uncomfortable" with certain scenes in Criminal Minds.
The actor called his choice to be in Criminal Minds his "biggest public mistake."
"Jason Gideon": Was Mandy's "biggest public mistake"
He "thought it was something very different. I never thought they were going to kill and rape all these women every night, every day, week after week, year after year. It was very destructive to my soul and my personality, and after that, I didn't think I would get to work in television again."
"Jason Gideon" was replaced by "David Rossi"
Mandy Patinkin did leave notes for all of his co-stars upon his departure outlining the reasons for him leaving the show as well as wishing them luck going into season 3. "Jason Gideon" was then written out of the series and replaced by "Special Agent David Rossi" (Joe Mantegna) and then later killed off showing that no special guest appearances would ever be possible in the future.
Mandy Patinkin is still acting today
Mandy Patinkin is still very active in the entertainment industry with his most recent role being in the 2019 movie Before You Know It. YOu can also catch hiim in the 2023 film 'The Magician's Elephant' as a voice actor. He has also returned to recording music which is one of his many passions.
