From a bordello receptionist to FBI agent, the eclectic career of Paget Brewster
In short: Before becoming a household name as Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds, Paget Brewster navigated an unconventional path through show business. Her journey included a stint as a receptionist in a bordello, hosting a local talk show, and nearly posing for Playboy, proving that her career is as multifaceted as her roles.
Born in 1969 in Concord, Massachusetts, Paget Brewster initially pursued design at Parsons School of Design in New York City. Her trajectory shifted during her first year when she made her acting debut, leading her to drop out and eventually relocate to San Francisco. By 1995, she was hosting a late-night talk show titled The Paget Show, which ran for 65 episodes on KPIX-TV. This early exposure paved the way for her breakthrough recurring role as Kathy on the fourth season of the hit sitcom Friends.
Brewster is perhaps best known for her portrayal of Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss on the long-running CBS series Criminal Minds. Her tenure on the show was marked by significant behind-the-scenes turbulence; she was famously released from her contract in a 2011 cost-cutting move, only to be rehired following intense fan backlash. She departed again in 2012 to pursue comedic projects, including a role on the final season of Community, before returning as a series regular in 2016 following the departure of co-star Thomas Gibson.
Beyond her television work, Brewster has maintained a diverse portfolio, including voice acting for Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law and performing in the staged radio-style production The Thrilling Adventure Hour. Her personal life is equally intertwined with her professional circle; she married composer Steve Damstra in 2014 in a ceremony officiated by her Criminal Minds co-star, Matthew Gray Gubler. Despite receiving an offer to pose for Playboy in 2006—an opportunity she seriously considered with her parents' blessing—she ultimately declined, continuing to focus on her varied acting and voice-over career.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Paget Brewster
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