Mandy Patinkin to Depart CBS’ Criminal Minds

Tony Award winner Mandy Patinkin will return to the CBS series Criminal Minds for only one episode and then depart the show, according to published reports. Patkinkin, who has starred for two seasons in the central role of Jason Gideon, asked to be released from his contract due to “creative differences.”

As TVGuide.com reported, Patinkin did not show up for work on the day he was supposed to resume filming the hit series. On Monday morning, the website ran a letter from series executive producer Ed Bernero stating that Patinkin had told the show and network he was returning, and said producers were unaware of any kind of issue — money or otherwise — that Patinkin might have had with the show.

Patinkin received the Tony Award for his work in Evita. His other Broadway credits include The Secret Garden, Sunday in the Park With George, Falsettos, and The Wild Party. His film and television credits include Yentl, Ragtime, The Princess Bride, Chicago, and Dead Like Me.