Mandy Patinkin: ‘Criminal Minds’ Was ‘Destructive To My Soul’
Mandy Patinkin never thought he’d work in television again following his infamous exits from such series as Chicago Hope and Criminal Minds.
The Homeland star made headlines after he dropped out of Jeff Davis’ police drama last year. Patinkin told New York Magazine that he made a huge mistake accepting a role on the series in the first place.
“I thought it was something very different. I never thought they were going to kill and rape all these women every night, every day, week after week, year after year. It was very destructive to my soul and my personality,” the actor said.
Although he had reservations about the project after reading through the first script, Mandy Patinkin said he talked himself into accepting the role. The actor remarked that he brainwashed himself into thinking the series would be something a bit different as it evolved.
“I didn’t listen to any piece of myself, and I paid the price. I never expected to work in television again,” he added.
Patinkin parted ways with the CBS drama by not showing up for a scheduled table reading. While the Princess Bride star thought he days on the small screen were finished, he later accepted a part in the Showtime series Homeland.
Both shows may deal with a very dark subjects, but Mandy Patinkin believes that the cable drama is completely different than Criminal Minds. He also said he doesn’t want to pass judgment on the people who find this sort of stuff entertaining. Biting the hand that feeds you is never a good idea.
“But I’m concerned about the effect it has. Audiences all over the world use this programming as their bedtime story. This isn’t what you need to be dreaming about. A show like Homeland is the antidote. It asks why there’s a need for violence in the first place,” he explained.
Patinkin also touched on his days on Chicago Hope. The star admitted that he acted “spoiled” while shooting the series because of his work with a host of gifted filmmakers.
“I behaved abominably. I don’t care if my work was good or if I got an award for it. I’m not proud of how I was then, and it pained me,” the actor revealed.
Are you a fan of Mandy Patinkin? What do you think about the actor’s messy exit from Criminal Minds?
[Image via CBS]
