Out you go: ‘Criminal Minds’ actor dismissed from cast

Thomas Gibson had reportedly kicked producer Virgil Williams

Actor Thomas Gibson was recently fired from popular CBS drama Criminal Minds after 11 seasons in the wake of an incident involving an act of violence with the show producer, reported Variety.

ABC Studios and CBS issued a joint statement that stated, “Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds. Creative details for how the character’s exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date.”

Gibson essayed the role of Aaron Hotchner and is expected to appear in two episodes of the forthcoming season, which kicks off on September 28. However, the actor will not be allowed to return to the sets for additional filming.

The producers now face the challenge of writing another character that will replace the previous stalwart of the FBI-based drama series.

On the other hand, Gibson too issued a statement, expressing gratitude to fans and appreciation for the show. “I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last 12 years,” he said. “I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that won’t be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have.”

The actor’s dismissal comes after ABC Studios conducted an internal review of an incident from two weeks ago, when Gibson is said to have allegedly kicked one of the producers, Virgil Williams. The actor had another violent outburst in 2010, involving the show’s assistant director. He was sent for an anger management programme following the incident. Apart from these incidents, Gibson was said to also have been verbally abusive to various crew and cast members. In 2013, he was arrested in Los Angeles for drunk driving and was ordered to attend alcohol education classes by the authorities.

As Aaron Hotch on the show, the actor had an integral role to play. Also known as Hotch, Gibson played head of the FBI profiler unit. He made his acting debut with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman-starrer Far and Away in 1992.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2016.

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