Like fine wine, Joe Mantegna just keeps getting better with age. With decades of acting experience under his belt and a ton of heart, he’s conquered the worlds of theater, film and television. But in 2020, when his much loved CBS show Criminal Minds ended its run after 15 seasons, the last thing Joe expected was for Paramount+ to pick it up. The new series, Criminal Minds: Evolution, reunited most of the cast and was so well received that a second season is scheduled to bow in December. “It was like jumping on a different bike,” Joe told Closer during the Television Critics Association Press Tour. “You know, like a shiny, new, bigger, more exciting kind of a bike. It’s like jumping from a regular bike onto an electric bike!”
So you didn’t expect Criminal Minds to come back?
I didn’t, but I’m thrilled. When the CBS show ended, we figured OK, we did 15 years. I think there were some hints when we ended that maybe there would be a chance [to return] down the line, especially the way things are now with reboots, but we weren’t expecting it.
As federal agents who profile violent criminals, the show has never shied away from graphic content. Have you ever worried it would turn some viewers off?
No. I’ve always been a defender of the fact that our show gave a realistic aspect to what these real men and women at the FBI do. It doesn’t disturb me at all. When they say, “Cut,” that person lying there with the ax in his head pops up and goes over to craft services and gets a sandwich. But we try to show it like it is. I think that’s important.
What set you on the path to become an actor when you were growing up?
This story is from the March 27, 2023 edition of Closer US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 27, 2023 edition of Closer US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DOUBLE INDEMNITY Secrets from the Set
AFTER YEARS OF PLAYING NICE, FRED MACMURRAY AND BARBARA STANWYCK SHOCKED FANS WITH THIS CLASSIC FILM NOIR THRILLER
STEVE MARTIN 5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME
THE COMIC LEGEND ON HIS EARLY YEARS, FATHERHOOD AND HOW BAD REVIEWS MADE HIM BETTER!
WHOOPI GOLDBERG - MAKING PEACE with My Past
THE VIEW CO-HOST AND OSCAR WINNER SHARES HER LOVING BUT PAINFUL FAMILY STORY IN A NEW MEMOIR
GEORGE TAKEI GO Boldly
The Star Trek alum opens up about his favorite Hollywood co-stars and his new book
Dyan Cannon - My Life BEFORE & AFTER CARY GRANT
MARRIAGE TO A HOLLYWOOD ICON WAS JUST THE START OF HER INSPIRING STORY
CATE BLANCHETT MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures
AFTER GROWING up “trying to be Nancy Drew,” Catherine Elise Blanchett wanted to investigate what was beyond her life in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.
PRINCE WILLIAM & KATE STAYING STRONG for Our Kids
At a celebration dinner for London’s Air Ambulance service, Prince Willia m admitted that it’s been a difficult period for his family.
RENÉE ZELLWEGER HAPPIER Than Ever
THE TWOTIME OSCAR WINNER, WHOIS SET TO RETURN AS BRIDGET JONES, IS ENJOYING THE BEST TIMES OF HER LIFE
OUR DALLAS Memories
THE CAST OF THE NIGHTTIME DRAMA, WHICH RAN FROM 1978 TO 1991, REUNITED FOR A SPECIAL CHAT
I've Led a CHARMED LIFE
The Leave It to Beaver alum shares his favorite memories with Closer