Original Lead Actors in Criminal Minds
The original Criminal Minds cast centered on the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit. The show premiered in 2005 with a core team of profilers solving serial crimes through behavioral analysis.
Key Characters and Their Actors
Derek Morgan was played by Shemar Moore, while Matthew Gray Gubler portrayed Dr. Spencer Reid. Thomas Gibson starred as Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner, and AJ Cook appeared as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer "JJ" Jareau.
Later Additions to the Original Lineup
Kirsten Vangsness joined as Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia, and Rachel Nichols portrayed SSA Ashley Seaver in later seasons of the original run.
