Let’s talk about Joe Mantegna, an actor who has become a household name over the years. Like a fine wine, Joe Mantegna gets better with age. With decades of experience in the entertainment world, he’s mastered the art of acting across theater, film, and television. Fans know him best as David Rossi from the long-running CBS hit Criminal Minds. When the original series wrapped up its 15-season run in 2020, no one expected it to return. But surprise! Paramount+ picked it up, and the sequel series, Criminal Minds: Evolution, brought the team back together. It was such a hit that a second season is set to premiere in December. Joe described the transition to Closer as “jumping on a different bike.” He explained, “It’s like going from a regular bike to an electric bike—bigger, shinier, and way more exciting!”
Back for More: The Unexpected Return of 'Criminal Minds'
Did you ever imagine 'Criminal Minds' would come back?
Joe Mantegna admits he wasn’t expecting the reboot. “When CBS ended, we thought, ‘Okay, we’ve done 15 years.’ It was a long journey, but there were hints that maybe we’d return someday, given how popular reboots are now. Still, it was a pleasant surprise when Paramount+ decided to bring us back. It’s been incredible to reconnect with the fans and the cast after all these years.”
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Bringing Realism to the Screen
With its graphic content, has there ever been concern about alienating viewers?
Joe Mantegna emphasizes the importance of realism in storytelling. “Our show has always been about showing the reality of what FBI agents deal with every day. Some scenes can be intense, but we make sure to balance that with the human side of the story. At the end of the day, it’s just acting. When they yell ‘Cut!’ the person lying there with an axe in their head gets up and grabs a sandwich. We’re committed to portraying the truth, and I think that resonates with audiences. It’s important to show the gritty side of the job without shying away from it.”
How Joe Mantegna Became an Actor
What sparked your interest in acting when you were younger?
Joe recalls his high school days when he auditioned for West Side Story on a dare. “I didn’t get the part, but the experience was life-changing. I remember stepping onto the stage, singing a song, and hearing the audience clap for me. That feeling stuck with me. Sixty years later, I’m still chasing that same thrill. Acting became my passion, and I’ve never looked back since.”
From Musical Theater to Drama
Many fans might not know you started your career in musical theater. Tell us about that.
In 1969, Joe auditioned for Hair and landed a role. “I thought I’d become a musical theater actor. After Hair, I joined the cast of Godspell, both of which had long runs. But as life would have it, my career took a different path, and I moved into more dramatic roles. You’ve got to play the cards you’re dealt, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that came my way.”
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A Career Turning Point: Winning the Tony Award
Your Tony-winning role in 'Glengarry Glen Ross' was a game-changer. What did it mean to you?
Joe reflects on his career-defining moment. “Winning the Tony Award for 'Glengarry Glen Ross' was a turning point. It took me from being a struggling actor to achieving recognition on a whole new level. It opened doors I never imagined possible.”
Cherished Memories: Working with Peter Falk
What do you remember most fondly from your early career?
Joe shares a heartfelt memory of working with Peter Falk. “When we toured 'Glengarry Glen Ross' nationally, I had the privilege of working alongside Peter Falk. We traveled together for six months, visiting cities like Boston, LA, Chicago, and San Francisco. We became close friends, and that bond lasted until his passing. In his final days, when he could barely speak, I was the only person his wife allowed to visit. I could still make him smile, and that meant the world to me.”
Music and Friendship
Do you ever miss singing?
Joe admits he doesn’t miss it much. “Back in the '60s, I was part of a rock 'n' roll band. We weren’t destined for superstardom, but we made a living. I earned more money in those early years than I did as an actor. Along the way, I formed lifelong friendships with incredible singers like Tony Bennett, Michael Bolton, Steve Tyrell, and Steve Lawrence. Johnny Mathis remains a dear friend, and I even cast him in an episode of Criminal Minds where he played my best man at a wedding.”
Family Support
How did your family react to your decision to pursue acting?
Joe shares that his family was supportive. “They were encouraging and never discouraged me. My mom lived to be 101, but I don’t think she fully understood what I did for a living. My brother recounted a story where, after I landed Criminal Minds, she called him worried about me. When he asked why, she said, ‘He’s only working an hour a week!’ She didn’t grasp the behind-the-scenes work.”
Drive and Determination
Do you think your drive to succeed came from your upbringing?
Joe reflects on his childhood. “Life didn’t hand me much. My dad was disabled, and my mom worked wrapping packages for Sears Roebuck. We didn’t own much beyond the car we drove. That experience taught me that nothing comes easy. You have to work hard for everything, and that lesson has stayed with me throughout my career.”
Favorite Roles
What are some of your most cherished roles?
Joe mentions his love for playing Dean Martin in The Rat Pack. “Although I never met Dean Martin, I developed a close relationship with his daughter
