Yahoo News Criminal Minds will bring back two major stars for S13
Criminal Minds will be keeping original cast members Kirsten Vangsness and AJ Cook, following a re-negotiation of their contracts.
The actresses, who play Penelope Garcia and Jennifer 'JJ' Jareau respectively on the show, join fellow stars Joe Mantegna and Matthew Gray Gubler in continuing for the 13th season.
As Deadline reports, the two had been seeking equal pay with male cast member Gubler and have apparently received raises on a level with him.
Related: Criminal Minds is losing a series regular and could face a major cast shake-up
They reportedly sought parity during 2013 negotiations, and while they received salary increases, it was not full parity. They were said to be willing to walk from the show over the issue this time around.
Vangsness and Cook have been with the drama since the beginning, and were originally guest stars before being promoted to series regulars.
However, one star that will not be returning is Damon Gupton (Supervisory Special Agent Stephen Walker), who revealed the news on Twitter.
wanted to let you know I appreciate this as I just lost my job. You throwing out the 1st pitch is pure class and a monumental image.
- Damon Gupton (@DamonGupton) June 10, 2017
He wrote in response to a tweet about obstacles in life that he "just lost [his] job".
Gupton was only on the show for 15 episodes, and his departure follows that of Thomas Gibson just last year.
Criminal Minds will be returning for its 13th season on CBS this September. Sky Living airs the show in the UK.
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