Thomas Gibson left the TV drama Criminal Minds in a manner that was unsettling, at least according to published accounts. Per Variety, he abruptly lost his job playing the character of Aaron "Hotch" Hotchner in 2016, following an "on-set altercation" with someone who worked on the show.
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Per the outlet via a curt statement issued by CBS TV Studios and ABC Studios, it was noted that "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 had been a star on the popular show for many years. The last episode aired in 2020.
Thomas Gibson Thanked People, Including His Fans, After His Dismissal
For his part, Gibson also issued a statement at the time expressing his appreciation to many. "I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last twelve years...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."
It's hard to bounce back professionally after something negative like this. Getting fired from a successful show inevitably makes headlines - the kind no actor wants. In an industry where so many people know each other. word travels fast. Gibson's standing in the business probably took a major hit.
The same year Gibson was fired, he shared with People, "I feel like it took years to make a good reputation and a minute to damage it."
What's Thomas Gibson Doing Now?
Per the outlet, he "has acted sparingly" since the dust-up that made his bosses show him to the door. Gibson appeared in a TV movie titled Shadow Wolves. That was in 2019, three years after his firing from Criminal Minds. In 2024, theatermania.com reported that Gibson was set to portray a character in a play titled Ibsen's Ghost. He has extensive background in theater, including roles in off-Broadway productions at the start of his career.
