Joe Mantegna Discusses Potential Return of Felicity Huffman in Criminal Minds
Criminal Minds welcomed Felicity Huffman as a possible love interest for Joe Mantegna, but is there a chance she might return after her unexpected departure?
“We’ll see,” Mantegna, 78, who portrays Rossi, joked in an exclusive interview with Us Weekly while reminiscing about his character’s journey. “I was just about to mention that, as you know, I’ve been through three wives, with one of them twice.”
Mantegna revealed his desire for his character to experience love again.
“Poor David, I haven’t had much luck in the romance department,” he remarked. “It’s interesting you mention Felicity because I’ve known her since her college days, essentially, as she’s married to William H. Macy, a friend I’ve known for nearly 50 years.”
The actor shared with Us that he was pleased to have already had a “connection” with Huffman, 63, prior to her joining the series.
“I’m not sure where it will go,” he added, “but I find myself as curious as everyone else about the direction of the storyline. So we’ll see. However, I’m currently unaware of what’s next for David Rossi.”
Season 17 of Criminal Minds saw Huffman appear as Jill Gideon, the former wife of Jason Gideon (Mandy Patinkin). Aside from assisting the BAU with a case, Jill’s reconnection with Rossi hinted at a possible future return to the series.
“Felicity was an amazing addition for us. She and Joe have shared a connection for 40 years, so it felt like destiny to have her. There’s an inherent advantage in bringing a character who has that historical context to the BAU,” showrunner Erica Messer told Us in June 2024. “It acknowledges that we’ve spent two decades developing these characters in a world they’ve worked so hard to safeguard. So, we’re recognizing who has been here before and who might come back.”
Messer noted that Jill and Rossi still have unresolved issues.
“Even with Felicity, it seems like she and Joe — she and Rossi — have more to explore,” she teased. “But she was instrumental in filling the narrative gaps. Her presence felt so natural; she’s extraordinary.”
While there may be hints of romance on the horizon, Mantegna suggested he might not be kept in the loop, sharing with Us, “Many cast members receive scripts in advance. I don’t. I prefer to finish my current work before engaging with what lies ahead. It’s like consulting a fortune teller—I’m not meant to know what’s coming. I discover it along with the audience.”
He went on: “After 20 years with this show, there must be something working well. I credit our creative team and writers. I enjoy the surprises and unfolding storylines as much as anyone else. The unpredictability is part of what makes playing this role enjoyable, even if I’m often in the dark until I’m doing it.”
Criminal Minds airs Thursdays on Paramount+.
