Joe Mantegna isn't David Rossi. But after nearly two decades of watching him take down unsubs, it's kinda hard to tell where the actor ends and the FBI profiler begins.
Most fans know him as the guy who stepped into the massive void left by Mandy Patinkin back in 2007. It was a risky move. Shows usually die when the lead walks out, especially a lead as intense as Jason Gideon. Instead, Mantegna brought this smooth, "I’ve seen it all" energy that basically saved the series.
Honestly, he’s the reason the BAU didn't fold in Season 3.
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Joe Mantegna: The Legend Behind the Badge
Before he was chasing serial killers, Joe Mantegna was a Chicago theater kid. He didn't just act; he was a Tony Award winner for Glengarry Glen Ross. Think about that. He was playing high-stakes, fast-talking salesmen on Broadway long before he ever touched a fingerprint kit.
He’s 78 now. You wouldn't know it by watching Criminal Minds: Evolution. He’s still doing the heavy lifting, even as the show has moved to Paramount+ and gotten much, much darker.
The Rossi/Mantegna Crossover
A lot of what you see on screen is actually Joe. He’s a massive Chicago Cubs fan in real life, so he told the writers to plaster Rossi’s office with Cubs gear. He’s also a big "gun guy" in his personal time—hosting Gun Stories on the Outdoor Channel—which is why Rossi carries a very specific, classic Colt 1911. He felt a Vietnam vet like Rossi would want something reliable and iconic.
It’s those little details that make the character feel lived-in.
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Why David Rossi Still Matters in 2026
We are currently deep into Criminal Minds: Evolution, and the David Rossi we see now is a wreck compared to the suave millionaire who first walked into the office in 2007. Losing his wife, Krystall, to a "Covid-adjacent" illness broke him.
It was a bold move by the writers. Usually, these shows keep the heroes somewhat bulletproof. But Joe Mantegna pushed for the vulnerability. He wanted to show what happens when a profiler, someone who is supposed to understand the human mind perfectly, can't even handle his own grief.
In the latest episodes of Season 19, Rossi is still the anchor. While characters like Luke Alvez (played by Adam Rodriguez) are getting more "shine" time this year, Rossi remains the institutional memory of the BAU.
He’s the old guard.
The Money: What Does a BAU Legend Earn?
Let’s talk numbers because everyone's always curious about the "how much" part of Hollywood.
Joe Mantegna is sitting on a net worth of roughly $25 million. During the peak years on CBS, he was pulling in about $130,000 per episode. If you do the math on a 24-episode season, that’s over $3 million a year just for the base salary.
- Total Episodes: Over 280 and counting.
- Real Estate: He’s a savvy investor, once listing a Toluca Lake home for $4.2 million.
- Longevity: He’s been in the game since 1969.
That kind of wealth doesn't just come from one show. Remember, he’s also the voice of Fat Tony on The Simpsons. He’s been doing that voice since 1991! Every time you hear that gravelly mobster voice in Springfield, that’s Joe. It’s arguably one of the most stable "gigs" in the history of television.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Transition
People remember the drama when Mandy Patinkin left. They remember the "creative differences." But what most forget is how cold the character of David Rossi was at first.
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He came in with a chip on his shoulder. He had money, he had fame from his books, and he didn't want to work with a team. He was basically a lone wolf.
It took a few seasons for the "Papa Rossi" persona to emerge. The actor worked closely with the producers to make sure Rossi wasn't just a replacement for Gideon, but a complete opposite. Where Gideon was tortured and isolated, Rossi eventually became the guy who cooked pasta for the whole team at his house.
He brought the "family" element to Criminal Minds. Without that, the show is just a bunch of people looking at gross crime scene photos.
Keeping Up with the 2026 Season
If you're following the current production cycle, Season 19 of Evolution has been filming through the latter half of 2025 and into early 2026. Paramount+ has basically turned the show into a year-round event.
The biggest rumor right now? Whether we’ll finally see the return of Matthew Gray Gubler (Spencer Reid). While Joe Mantegna is the heart, the fans are still desperate for that Reid/Rossi dynamic. Joe has been pretty vocal in interviews about wanting the "whole family" back, but he’s also realistic about how busy the younger cast members have become.
What you can do next:
If you’re a die-hard fan, your best bet is to follow Joe Mantegna’s social media directly. He’s surprisingly active and often posts behind-the-scenes shots from the set that give away more than the official PR accounts do. Also, if you’ve only ever seen him on Criminal Minds, go back and watch House of Games. It’s a 1987 heist movie directed by David Mamet. You’ll see exactly where the "Rossi" swagger originated. It’s a masterclass in acting that proves Joe was a powerhouse long before he ever joined the FBI.
The BAU might change, and unsubs will come and go, but as long as Joe Mantegna is wearing the suit, the show is in good hands.
Actionable Insight: Check your Paramount+ subscription status for the Season 19 mid-season premiere, as the release schedule for Evolution has become much more fluid than the old CBS days. If you're looking for the most authentic Rossi experience, re-watch Season 3, Episode 6 ("About Face")—it's Joe Mantegna's first appearance and a perfect study in how to take over a lead role with pure confidence.