Kirsten Vangsness

Kirsten Vangsness is an American actress best known for her starring role as Penelope Garcia, an FBI Technical Analyst, on the CBS’ hit drama series “Criminal Minds.” She is also a writer and wrote four episodes of Criminal Minds. Besides, she is an active member of “Theatre of Note,” where she earned the coveted Golden Betty Award. 

Originally from Pasadena, California, Kirsten Vangsness was born on July 7, 1972, under the star Cancer. The 52-year-old actress is American by nationality and belongs to Norwegian and Italian ethnicity. She attended Cerritos High School in LA and later enrolled at Cypress College. In 1995, she graduated from California State University.

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Kirsten Vangsness Net Worth and Salary

From an early age, Vangsness started acting on stage. As a theatre actress, she has received numerous awards, including the Best Actress Garland Award, the Golden Betty Award, and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for ‘Best Emerging Comic Actress.

Vangsness gained global recognition after she landed the breakthrough role of Penelope Garcia in the CBS hit drama Criminal Minds in 2005. She also reprised the role of Penelope in the spin-off series Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. Furthermore, she appeared as a guest star on Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders. 

Vangsness’ television credits include Phil of the Future, LAX, Pretty the Series, and Shelf Life.  Likewise, her film credits include A-List, In My Sleep, The Chicago 8, Kill Me Deadly, and Dave Made a Maze. Besides, she is a writer and has co-written four episodes of Criminal Minds. Her work has also been published in the Los Angeles Times.

Vangsness earned most of her fortune from Criminal Minds, where she appeared in 323 episodes until 2020. Her seven-figure net worth has helped her live a luxurious life in her Los Angeles-based house. As of 2024, Vangsness has an estimated net worth of $3 million.

Engaged to Boyfriend, Keith Hanson

Vangsness is openly bisexual. Currently, she is engaged to actor and writer Keith Hanson. After dating for about a year, the pair engaged in November 2015. They might have plans for their wedding but haven’t announced to the public yet.

Previously, the Criminal Mind actress was in a seven-year relationship with partner Melanie Goldstein from 2006 to 2013. They were even engaged for four years but ended their relationship for personal reasons.

Parents, Siblings, and Family

The Criminal Minds actress was born to parents Errol Leroy Vangsness and Barbara Mary Vangsness. Her father is of Norwegian descent, and her mother is of Italian descent. She grew up with her two sisters, namely Karla and Marilynn.

Kirsten Vangsness Height and Weight

Vangsness has a decent height of 5 feet 7 inches. She has a chubby body that weighs around 78 kg. Her blue eyes and blonde hair complete her adorable look.

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