Why did Shemar Moore leave Criminal Minds?

Shemar Moore left Criminal Minds after eleven seasons as he wanted to explore other projects.

Born on April 20, 1970, Shemar Franklin Moore is a multi-talented individual, excelling as an actor, producer, and former fashion model. He has left an indelible mark with standout performances in iconic roles such as Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless, Derek Morgan on Criminal Minds, and the lead character, Hondo, on CBS's S.W.A.T. Furthermore, Moore took on the role of the third permanent host of Soul Train, a position he held from 1999 to 2003.

In addition to his television accomplishments, Moore has graced the silver screen with memorable appearances in films like Diary of a Mad Black Woman and The Brothers. Beyond his live-action work, he lent his distinctive voice to the character Victor Stone, also known as Cyborg, in various Justice League animated productions.

What is Criminal Minds about?

"Criminal Minds," conceived by Jeff Davis, is a production of the Mark Gordon Company in collaboration with CBS Television Studios and ABC Studios. The series delves into the professional lives of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit stationed at Quantico, Virginia.

This unit draws its inspiration directly from the actual BAU, established by FBI Profiler John Douglas. The characters, namely the former lead, Jason Gideon, and the current central figure, David Rossi, find their roots in different facets of John Douglas's own personality. The show diverges from the standard procedural drama format by emphasizing the perpetrators and their victims more than the primary cast.

Throughout the episodes, the ensemble often recites quotes from renowned philosophers. These citations are pertinent to the episode's narrative and serve to piece together the various elements of the case. Previously, it was Jason Gideon who typically delivered these quotes, but in his absence, the rest of the cast have taken up the practice, with the featured character of the episode usually taking the lead.

Who does Shemar Moore play in Criminal Minds?

Shemar Moore plays the character of Derek Morgan. He was once a Supervisory Special Agent within the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit and briefly assumed the role of acting unit chief after Hotch's temporary departure. Morgan's expertise lay in explosives, fixations, and obsessive behaviors. In Season Eleven, he officially stepped down from the BAU to devote time to his burgeoning family. Luke Alvez subsequently filled his position in Season Twelve.

While Morgan often exudes a carefree, cheerful demeanor and delights in playfully teasing colleagues like Penelope Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) and Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler), his true depths run much more profound. As his backstory unfurls, it becomes evident that Morgan employs this affable facade as a shield to conceal the haunting memories of his past.

In high regard, he holds Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) and senior agent David Rossi (Joe Mantegna), Gideon's successor, viewing them as invaluable mentors. They are the steady hands that guide him through the emotional turbulence of challenging cases. Hotchner astutely observes that Morgan reserves his deepest trust for very few, a select circle that includes his loyal comrades on the BAU team.

Morgan harbors an intense animosity towards serial killer George Foyet (C. Thomas Howell). Foyet orchestrates a vicious attack on Morgan in the fifth season, pilfers his FBI credentials, and nearly claims Hotchner's life. Under the precarious circumstances, Morgan temporarily steps into Hotchner's role as Unit Chief on the condition that Hotchner would resume his position once Foyet was brought to justice.

When interacting with children, Morgan demonstrates exceptional skill and empathy, a quality that shines through when the team is tasked with cases involving minors. He frequently takes on the responsibility of interviewing children and adolescents, particularly boys, to gather crucial information for their investigations.