'Criminal Minds' season 12 news: CBS casts new series regular as replacement for Thomas Gibson
Following Thomas Gibson's unexpected dismissal, "Criminal Minds" has recently added Damon Gupton to its stellar cast lineup for season 12.
Gupton will make his debut on the current season's eighth episode as Special Agent Stephen Walker. He is originally from the Behavioral Analysis Program, which is the counterintelligence division of the FBI. As a seasoned profiler, Stephen will use his spy-hunting skills to help the BAU in tracking down the escapees.
"Our BAU family is growing," executive producer Erica Messer said in a press statement. "We're excited to have Damon join the show and work alongside our amazing cast and crew."
Before entering show business, Gupton graduated from the drama division of The Julliard School. He also has a Bachelor's in music education from the University of Michigan. Following his successful stint as a symphony conductor, Gupton eventually decided to shift his focus to acting.
Gupton, 43, is best known for his TV roles as Dr. Gregg Edwards on "Bates Motel," Charles Foster on "Deadline," Evrard Velerio on "Prime Suspect," Adam Page on "The Divide," Calvin Walker on "Empire," and Cal Brown on "The Player." Some of his film acting credits include "The Last Airbender " and "Whiplash."
Gupton's new role in "Criminal Minds" comes after original cast member Gibson was fired by CBS for allegedly kicking writer-producer Virgil Williams. In a recent interview with People, Gibson admitted that he is still hurt by the network's decision to fire him from the cop drama.
"It seems like they're trying to erase me from the show," he told the media outlet. "That hurts. But I'm using this time to be with my kids, and I look forward to what's next. Maybe I'll do a comedy, or a play, or direct, or produce."
The 12th season of "Criminal Minds" airs every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. EST on CBS.
