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O.J. Simpson Trial Inspires Criminal Minds Character Name
29 Jul
Summary
- David Rossi's name honors a real LAPD Sergeant from O.J. trial.
- Joe Mantegna wanted to name a character after the officer.
- The officer testified under intense pressure during the trial.
Supervisory Special Agent David Rossi, a key figure in the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit on "Criminal Minds," has a name with a notable real-world connection. Actor Joe Mantegna, who plays Rossi, revealed the character's name was inspired by a law enforcement officer who testified during the highly publicized O.J. Simpson double-murder trial. This trial, which captivated media attention in 1995, became the backdrop for the naming choice.
Mantegna observed Sergeant David Rossi, an LAPD officer, during his testimony. The officer was subjected to aggressive cross-examination by Simpson's defense team. Impressed by the sergeant's resilience under intense scrutiny, Mantegna decided to name his "Criminal Minds" character in his honor, fulfilling a long-held intention to recognize the officer's stoicism.
