Why Paget Brewster Left Criminal Minds?
Paget Brewster’s departure from the hit CBS show Criminal Minds has been a topic of speculation and intrigue for fans and critics alike. The talented actress, known for her portrayal of Agent Emily Prentiss, left the show after nine seasons. In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons behind her decision to exit the series and explore what happened during her time on the show.
Contents
Paget Brewster’s Career Before Criminal Minds
Before joining the cast of Criminal Minds, Paget Brewster had a thriving career in television and film. Born on March 10, 1969, in Concord, Massachusetts, Brewster began her acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in a string of minor roles. Her breakout performance came in 1995 when she landed the lead role in the ABC sitcom The Associates. However, the show was canceled after one season.
Brewster went on to appear in numerous TV shows, including Frasier, Andy Richter Controls the Universe, and Masters of Horror. She also made a name for herself on stage, with roles in Broadway productions and regional theater productions.
Why Paget Brewster Joined Criminal Minds
When Criminal Minds premiered in 2005, Brewster was cast as a special guest star for the season finale. Her character, Emily Prentiss, was introduced as a suspect in a mole hunt and was initially suspected of being a double agent. Despite her limited appearance, Prentiss was a strong and intriguing character, and Brewster’s performance caught the attention of the show’s creator, Jeff Davis.
Brewster went on to join the show’s main cast for its second season and remained with the show until her departure in 2012.
The Reasons Behind Paget Brewster’s Departure
When Brewster announced her decision to leave Criminal Minds, rumors began circulating about the reasons behind her departure. The actress released a statement at the time, stating:
"I think it’s been a tremendous run… We’ve done nine seasons, and we’ve done an incredible show. I’m very grateful to have been a part of it. But sometimes, you know, these things come to an end, and you have to move on."
However, there were whispers of discontent among the cast and crew, particularly surrounding the treatment of certain characters. One of the primary reasons Brewster left was due to the constant character displacement.
During her nine seasons on the show, Brewster’s character was moved up and down the FBI ranks. She was often relegated to the sidelines or given lackluster storylines. This inconsistency frustrated Brewster, who felt that Prentiss deserved better development and exploration.
Additional Factors:
• Contractual Disputes: There were reports of disagreements between Brewster and the show’s producers over her contract. The actress was seeking a higher salary and better creative control.
• Brewster’s Priorities: By 2012, Brewster was devoting more time to her personal life, including her marriage to actor Keith David and the birth of her son.
Brewster’s Post-Criminal Minds Career
After departing Criminal Minds, Brewster focused on film and television projects outside of the FBI crime drama genre. She made appearances on shows like Modern Family and Community, and had recurring roles in Trust and The Last Defense.
In 2020, Brewster launched her own production company, Red Hour Productions, which has produced several independent films and TV pilots. She also returned to the stage, starring in productions like The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.
Conclusion:
Paget Brewster’s departure from Criminal Minds was a complex and multi-faceted decision, driven by factors such as character displacement, contractual disputes, and a desire for creative control and personal time. While Brewster has continued to enjoy a successful career in film and television, her legacy as Emily Prentiss remains one of the most beloved characters in the show’s nine-season history.
Paget Brewster’s Role in Criminal Minds: By the Numbers
| Year | Role | Episodes | Awards/Nominations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Special Guest Star (Emily Prentiss) | 1 | |
| 2005-2012 | Main Cast (Emily Prentiss) | 181 | 1 Emmy nomination |
Awards and Nominations
- 1 Emmy Nomination (Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series) for her 2006 guest appearance.
Fun Facts
• First Kiss: Paget Brewster’s character, Emily Prentiss, shared a romantic kiss with JJ Craig (Shemar Moore) in the 2010 season finale.
• Musical Background: Brewster is a talented singer-songwriter and has released two albums, I Russell and The Things We Did Last Summer.
• Comedy Roots: Before joining the cast of Criminal Minds, Brewster spent several years developing her comedic skills, appearing in shows like Frasier and Andy Richter Controls the Universe.
