An American actress, as well as writer Kirsten Vangsness, is widely known for portraying the role of FBI Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia on the CBS drama series Criminal Minds. Furthermore, she has portrayed the same role in Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior too. 

 

Vangsness has co-written television series including Nelson’s Sparrow and A Beautiful Disaster. Vangsness is engaged to Keith Hanson. However, she previously dated Melanie Goldstein. 

Kristen Vangsness Early life and Education

Kristen Vangsness was born on 7th July 1972, in Pasadena, California, United States. She is the only daughter of Errol Leroy Vangsness and Barbara Mary. She spent half of her childhood at Porterville, California, and later moved to Cerritos, California.

[ CAPTION: Kirsten Vangsness on a white shirt during her early ages ][ SOURCE: Instagram ]

In June 1990, Vangsness completed her graduation from Cerritos High School and then she attended the Cypress College. Furthermore, in June 1995 she graduated from the California State University, Fullerton. 

Kristen Vangsness Actress Career

Before pursuing her acting career, Kristen Vangsness worked as a substitute teacher, child counselor, restaurant hostess, personal assistant and grant writer. She further worked as murder mystery dinner theater actress.

[ CAPTION: Kirsten Vangsness ][ SOURCE: Instagram ]

Vangsness got her first break in the theater and won several awards including 15 Minutes of Female Best Actress Award, the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award, and the Golden Betty Award.  After that, she starred as Tooth Fairy in the short movie Sometimes Santa’s Gotta Get Whacked in 1998.

[ CAPTION: Kirsten Vangsness and Tommy Lenk  ][ SOURCE: Instagram ]

Likewise, after half a decade Vangsness further starred in TV series like Phil of the Future and LAX. In 2005, she portrayed the role of FBI Technical Analyst Penelope Garcia on the CBS drama series Criminal Minds that helped her earn a wide recognization. 

Youtube: Criminal Minds

Moreover, she further portrayed the same role in spin-off series Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior. In the same way, her other movie appearance includes Scream of the Bikini (2009), In My Sleep (2010), and The Chicago 8 (2011). 

[ CAPTION: Kirsten Vangsness and her co-stars on Ovation Awards ][ SOURCE: Kirsten Vangsness and her co-stars on Ovation Awards ]

Besides her acting career, Vangsness is also a writer and has published several of her writings in Los Angeles Times Magazine. Furthermore, since 2014, she has co-written three episodes of Criminal Minds. Similarly, she has further co-written A Beautiful Disaster, Spencer and Nelson’s Sparrow. 

Kristen Vangsness Married, Dating, Affairs, Boyfriend

The 45 years old versatile actress and writer Kristen Vangsness previously dated Melanie Goldstein. The duo started dating back in 2006. But the things didn’t go well between them so after for few years the couple separated in 2013.

[ CAPTION: Kirsten Vangsness and her boyfriend Keith Hanson ][ SOURCE: People ]

After that, Vangsness began dating Keith Hanson. And in November 2015, Vangsness got engaged to her boyfriend, Keith. Although the couple is already engaged, they haven’t married yet, and they haven’t mentioned when they are getting married. However, the couple is still together, and there are no any rumors of their separation.

Kristen Vangsness Net Worth, Income, Earning, Salary

Kristen Vangsness is active in the field of acting since long. She has appeared in several movies and television series through which she has earned a decent amount of money. Her salary per episode for Criminal Minds in 2013 was $100,000. 

[ CAPTION: Kirsten Vangsness and her dog ][ SOURCE: Kirsten Vangsness and her dog ]

Similarly, she also adds a good sum of money from her writing career. Allocating information from several sources as of 2018 it is found out that Kirsten Vangsness current estimated net worth is around $3 million. 

[ CAPTION: Kirsten Vangsness’s cats ][ SOURCE: Instagram ]

Vangsness is fond of dogs and cats. She owns a dog of Chihuahua breed which costs around $500 – $1500. Furthermore, she also has two cats of Manx breed which worth  $200 – $400 and also an American Bobtail Cat worth $500 – $700. 

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