Patinkin Departs "Criminal Minds"

(CBS)  "Criminal Minds" star Mandy Patinkin has asked to be released from his role on the CBS show, the network announced Monday. The actor said in a statement that his departure was due to "creative differences."

"We have honored this request, which was not in any way connected to contract renegotiations or salary issues," ABC Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television said in a statement.

"Due to creative differences, Mandy has asked not to return to 'Criminal Minds' this season," a statement from the actor said. "Mandy would like to thank the studios and network for releasing him from the series and wishes the cast and crew continued success in all of their endeavors, and he looks forward to continuing to work with the Disney and CBS companies in other capacities in the future."

Patinkin's departure from the drama will be explained to audiences in an episode to be filmed in the near future and broadcast early next season, the network said. In addition, a new character will be added to the series next season.

Patinkin has played Jason Gideon on "Criminal Minds" since its premiere in 2005. The drama also stars Shemar Moore and Thomas Gibson.

[canal175]

I have to agree with MissSuZQ. He is not the centre stage. They have a very good complete cast. A great show..I just love it. Sorry to see him go but I'm sure they can find a good actor to replace him.

[vcdb]

these show is unnessacerily graphic for a network show. It reminds me of a comic who can only get a laugh by shocking the audience. Give me a story with good actors not the visual shock.

[erasmus6]

If I recall, I think Mandy left Chicago Hope because he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Him leaving over creative differences make me think that he is very particular about what he does.

[kimhunt88]

This is one of the best crime shows on TV now. I am shocked to hear that Mandy Patinkin is leaving the show. I wish there was a way the "creative differences" could have been resolved, because I am not sure how his character can be replaced.

Good luck to Mandy and the show!

Big Criminal Minds Fan
Kim

[beachdreams5]

I have loved Mandy Patinkin since I saw him years ago on Broadway in Evita. I wish him luck in whatever he does.

[misssuzq]

LOVE the show, but he is not center stage to me and although he was very good, it is also a very good ensemble cast and he can easily be replaced like Elle was, although I liked her character.

He did this with Chicago Hope, too. Just gone one day. Has a prima donna sort of attitude evidently.

[ajaxrose1]

He's a good actor! I think I liked him best in Dead Like Me. I watch the reruns every time they're on! I hope he's going to something else as good!

[erasmus6]

I loved Mandy Patinkin when he was in Chicago Hope.

[samthetvcat]

Oh I love this show . . . not sure why they changed the brunette ladies, but hopefully they will be able to find somebody as good as Mandy Patinkin to fill his shoes. So long as Shemar Moore stays (lol - yum yum!)