Kirsten Vangsness: Tim Curry's Surprise Fan

Kirsten Vangsness, a beloved fixture on the hit crime drama Criminal Minds, has revealed her favorite guest star to be the legendary Tim Curry. Vangsness, who has portrayed FBI technical analyst Penelope Garcia since the series began in 2005, recalled a gym encounter where Curry expressed his admiration for her work.

This personal connection, she explained, led her to suggest him for the show, a role he later fulfilled playing a serial killer. Vangsness’s journey on the series started as a minor role but evolved into a main cast position. She continues to star in the show's revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution, which premiered in 2022.

Reflecting on her early days, Vangsness admitted she initially only expected a two-line role in the first episode. Her enduring presence and the opportunities she's had on the long-running show are something she deeply cherishes as a gift.