‘Criminal Minds’ Actor Thomas Gibson’s Career Never Recovered After His Dismissal From The Show

May 09, 2023

From 2005 to 2016, Thomas Gibson was a regular fixture on television as FBI Special Agent Aaron Hotchner on the highly-rated series "Criminal Minds" on CBS. But his career took a dive when he was fired from the show following a violent incident involving a producer. 

In 2016, Variety reported on Gibson's dismissal after an internal investigation concluded that he physically hurt writer and producer Virgil Williams. Gibson was initially suspended from appearing on two episodes of "Criminal Minds" but was eventually permanently dismissed.   

A month after his firing, Gibson confirmed to People that the physical incident related to his foot “tapping” on Williams's leg. He implied that he retaliated only because the producer was aggressive. However, he also said he regretted what happened because he loved working on "Criminal Minds." 

Gibson, a native of South Carolina who was born in 1962, started acting in a children's theater when he was 9 years old. As an adult, he made his stage debut at the New York Shakespeare Festival and worked on Broadway for at least a decade. 

In 1987, the actor landed his first TV role in the legal series "Leg Work" and then signed on to daytime shows like "As the World Turns" and "Another World." He then transitioned to movies and even worked with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman for "Far and Away." 

After a few more movies, Gibson became a regular cast member on "Chicago Hope,” but it was his leading role in the sitcom "Dharma & Greg" that landed him a Golden Globe nomination. After the series ended, Gibson was hired to play the most sustainable role of his career as the head of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) on "Criminal Minds." 

As a procedural crime drama, "Criminal Minds" became a huge success for its interesting stories and colorful characters. Gibson's character was like a father figure to the BAU team. The later seasons also focused on his relationship with his son following his divorce from his TV wife. He played a relatable and endearing character. 

However, behind the scenes, there were whispers of Gibson's volatile personality. The incident with Williams was not the first time he had an outburst on the set. 

In 2010, Gibson allegedly pushed an assistant director because he was frustrated about work moving slowly. Though the actor was not suspended, TMZ reported that he was asked to take anger management classes. After he was fired from the show, his co-star, Shemar Moore, hinted that he and Gibson didn't get along in a now-deleted Instagram video, per Deadline. 

Due to his sudden exit, the writers of "Criminal Minds" had to get creative writing off Gibson's character, who was placed under the Witness Protection Program. His final episode on the series aired in October 2016.

“My pride and reputation are hurt, but in the end, I know the good work is what people will remember,” Gibson said. “I just need more opportunities to do good work and be a good guy.”

Since leaving the show, Gibson hasn't had any substantial work in Hollywood. He lent his voice to the 2017 movie "Axis" and starred in the military action film "Shadow Wolves" in 2019. He has finished working on "The Writer's Bible," which he also co-wrote. The movie is in post-production and has no announced release date yet. 

Were you a fan of “Criminal Minds” and did you feel bad about Thomas Gibson’s departure? Do you think his firing was called for? Do you have a friend who liked the series? Pass this story along as it might interest them!