Kirsten Vangsness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kirsten Vangsness
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Vangsness in 2019
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| Born | July 7, 1972 |
| Alma mater | California State University, Fullerton (BA) |
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| Years active | 1998–present |
Kirsten Vangsness (born July 7, 1972) is an American actress and writer. She is most famous for playing Penelope Garcia. This character is an FBI Technical Analyst on the TV show Criminal Minds. She also appeared as Penelope Garcia in the spin-off shows Suspect Behavior and Beyond Borders.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kirsten Vangsness went to Cypress College in Cypress, California. She later studied at California State University, Fullerton. She earned her degree from there in 1996.
Kirsten Vangsness's Career
Acting Roles
Kirsten started acting when she was a child. It helped her become less shy. She got her first big chance in theater plays. There, she won several awards for her acting. These awards included the 15 Minutes of Female Best Actress Award. She also won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Best Emerging Comic Actress.
Writing Work
Kirsten Vangsness is also a writer. Her work has been printed in the Los Angeles Times newspaper. Since 2014, she has helped write four episodes of Criminal Minds.
In 2014, she co-wrote an episode called "Nelson's Sparrow." She wrote it with the show's executive producer, Erica Messer. In 2015, they worked together again on "A Beautiful Disaster." In 2016, they co-wrote "Spencer." Kirsten Vangsness and Erica Messer also wrote the very last episode of the Criminal Minds series together.
Personal Life
Kirsten Vangsness has been open about her relationships. She was engaged to Melanie Goldstein until 2013. Later, in 2015, she announced her engagement to Keith Hanson.
Other Activities
Kirsten Vangsness helps a charity called Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. This group encourages kids to raise money for children with cancer. They do this by setting up lemonade stands. Kirsten is a spokesperson and volunteer for this important cause.
Film and Television Appearances
Film Roles
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Sometimes Santa's Gotta Get Whacked | Tooth Fairy | Short film |
| 2006 | A-List | Blue | |
| 2008 | ... McGuyver | TV News Reporter | Short film |
| 2009 | Scream of the ... | Interior Decorator | |
| 2010 | In My Sleep | Madge | |
| 2011 | Sarina's Song | Party Guest | Short film |
| The Chicago 8 | Sketch Artist | ||
| 2012 | Remember to Breathe | Vocals for Young Alice | Short film |
| 2015 | Kill Me, Deadly | Mona Livingston | |
| 2016 | Diane & Devine Meet the Apocalypse | Fawn | |
| 2017 | Axis | Heather (voice) | |
| Dave Made a Maze | Jane |
Television Roles
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Phil of the Future | Veronica | Episode: "Age Before Beauty" |
| LAX | Ticket Agent / Stephanie | 3 episodes | |
| 2005–present | Criminal Minds | Penelope Garcia | Also starring (season 1); main (seasons 2–present); 352 episodes |
| 2010 | Vampire Mob | Laura Anderson | |
| 2010–2012 | Pretty the Series | Meredith Champagne | 14 episodes |
| 2011 | Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior | Penelope Garcia | Main Cast; 13 episodes |
| Second City This Week | Herself | 1 episode | |
| 2011–2013 | Good Job, Thanks! | Therapist | 2 episodes |
| 2013 | Shelf Life | Freaky Squeaky | 6 episodes, webseries |
| 2016–2017 | Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders | Penelope Garcia | Special Guest; 2 episodes |
| 2023 | Amish ...: The Eli Weaver Story | Barb Raber | Television film |
| 2024–2025 | Wizards Beyond Waverly Place | Bigelow McFigglehorn | 4 episodes |
See also
In Spanish: Kirsten Vangsness para niños
