Kirsten Vangsness Celebrates Matthew Gray Gubler Birthday with Nostalgic ‘Criminal Minds’ Memories

Kirsten Vangsness posted a carousel of photos on Instagram Tuesday, March 10, celebrating the birthday of longtime costar Matthew Gray Gubler, reflecting on one of her earliest days working on the hit crime drama. In the opening selfie, The Criminal Minds actress, 53, appeared alongside Gubler,  while the pair were on set. Vangsness sported her classic black cat-eye glasses, glossy pink lipstick and a vibrant hot pink jacket layered over a patterned top with a yellow flower detail.

Beside her, Gubler leaned into frame wearing oversized aviator-style glasses and a powder blue suit complete with a ruffled shirt, pale bow tie and boutonniere, giving the snap a quirky, vintage-inspired vibe that fans of the actor have come to love.

In another playful photo from outside a studio building marked “Criminal Minds Personnel Only – Stage 8,” several castmates gathered for a comedic group pose. Vangsness knelt in front with her arms stretched wide while Gubler and fellow cast members laughed behind her, adding to the behind-the-scenes fun.

The below image showed the core cast dressed in coordinated black outfits with matching ties while posing dramatically in front of a Criminal Minds poster featuring Shemar Moore, 55, capturing the team’s sense of humor off-camera.

Alongside the photos, Vangsness shared a touching caption recalling the moment she first bonded with Gubler during lunch on set. She explained that she initially felt “terrified and totally out of place” during her early days on the show before the actor struck up a conversation about journaling and drawing. The interaction, she said, helped her feel more at home on the set that would eventually become a major part of her life.

Vangsness is best known for playing beloved tech analyst Penelope Garcia on Criminal Minds, a role she has portrayed since the series premiered in 2005.

Fans quickly filled the comments with love for the duo, posting heart emojis and nostalgic reactions like “Garcia forever! ❤️” and “This friendship is everything 🥹.”