When people search for “David Rossi,” “Who is David Rossi,” “David Rossi age,” “David Rossi net worth,” “David Rossi family,” and similar phrases, they are almost always referring to one figure: David Stephen Rossi, the iconic FBI profiler from the long-running television series Criminal Minds. Created by Jeff Davis and brought to life by the brilliant actor Joe Mantegna, Rossi has become one of the most influential and beloved characters in crime-procedural entertainment.
But who exactly is David Rossi? What do we know about his fictional biography — his family, relationships, marriages, children? And what about the actor behind the role — his net worth, background, and career?
This article breaks down everything worth knowing about David Rossi, both the character and the actor who made him famous.
Who Is David Rossi?
David Rossi is a fictional character introduced in Season 3 of Criminal Minds. He steps into the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI as a founding member returning from early retirement.
Rossi’s character was designed to be the BAU’s steady, experienced anchor — a man who has seen darkness, studied it, written books about it, and lived through the deep psychological toll that comes with it. With impeccable profiling instincts and a calm, mentor-like presence, he quickly became one of the show’s most essential figures.
Why Fans Love Him
Rossi is:
- Confident but compassionate
- Direct but empathetic
- Fiercely loyal to his colleagues
- Endlessly committed to solving cases
- And refreshingly human despite the heaviness of the crimes around him
He has become a father figure to many younger characters in the series: Reid, Garcia, JJ, and even newcomers in later seasons.
David Rossi’s Age
In the show’s canon:
- David Rossi was born on May 9, 1956.
- That makes him about 69 years old today, based on the timeline referenced in the series.
His age is important because much of his backstory — Marine service in Vietnam, early FBI career, developing the BAU, writing books — ties directly into the era he grew up in.
Despite being one of the oldest members of the team, Rossi maintains:
- Strong physical conditioning
- Mental sharpness
- A leadership presence
- Emotional wisdom brought by decades in the field
His age is part of what makes him so respected within the BAU.
David Rossi’s Background & Early Life
David Rossi grew up in Commack, Long Island, New York, into an Italian-American family. His upbringing plays a meaningful role in shaping his personality and values.
Heritage
- Deeply proud of his Italian roots
- Strong family-based upbringing
- Traditional, protective, generous personality traits
He frequently mentions Italian traditions, cooking, and family gatherings — all part of his warm but tough persona.
David Rossi’s Family: Father, Mother, Siblings
The series does not reveal every detail about his childhood family, but here’s what’s established:
David Rossi’s Father
The show references his father sparingly, but it is implied that:
- Rossi’s father was a hardworking, old-school Italian-American.
- He raised Rossi with discipline, respect for family, and a strong moral compass.
There aren’t dramatic stories about him, but his influence is felt through Rossi’s integrity and personal values.
David Rossi’s Mother
Again, details are minimal, but:
- She was loving, supportive, family-driven
- She helped shape Rossi’s gentle, careful emotional intelligence
David Rossi’s Siblings
The show never confirms biological siblings, meaning:
- David Rossi does NOT have an official brother or sister in canon.
- However, fellow BAU agents become his symbolic siblings through their years of working together.
Some fan conversations confuse actor Joe Mantegna’s family with Rossi’s family, but officially:
- Rossi has no confirmed brother or sister in the Criminal Minds storyline.
David Rossi’s Military & FBI Career
Before joining the FBI, Rossi served in the United States Marine Corps, eventually reaching the rank of Sergeant Major. His military experience deeply influences:
- His leadership style
- His emotional resilience
- His understanding of victims, criminals, and trauma
In the FBI:
- Rossi becomes one of the founders of the Behavioral Analysis Unit
- He retires early to become a bestselling author and lecturer
- Then returns years later because of an unresolved personal burden — a cold case involving a family he promised to help
His return marks the beginning of his journey as a mentor to the new BAU team members.
David Rossi’s Relationships & Marriages
How Many Times Has David Rossi Been Married?
One of the most talked-about parts of Rossi’s life is his romantic history.
Canonically:
- David Rossi has been married three times.
Let’s break them down.
1. First Wife – Carolyn Rossi
- Carolyn was Rossi’s first love and first wife
- Their marriage ended tragically
- They shared a heartbreaking experience: their infant son, James, died shortly after birth
- Carolyn later reappears in the series while battling ALS, and she dies with Rossi by her side
This relationship is one of the most emotionally heavy arcs in Rossi’s storyline.
2. Second Wife – Hayden Montgomery
- Hayden and Rossi were married secretly
- The marriage ended because of Rossi’s demanding FBI career
- They share a daughter, Joy Struthers, though Rossi didn’t know she existed for most of her life
Their reunion creates powerful emotional moments later in the series.
3. Third Wife – Krystall Richards
- Krystall and Rossi originally married young, annulled it, separated, then rekindled their relationship decades later
- Their relationship is warm, loving, humorous — a bright spot in Rossi’s life
- They remarried in Season 14
- She sadly dies in later story arcs, adding another layer of loss to Rossi’s personal life
David Rossi’s Children
1. James David Rossi (Deceased)
Rossi’s son with Carolyn died soon after birth. This trauma follows him throughout his life and fuels his empathy toward victims.
2. Joy Struthers (Alive)
- Joy is a journalist living in New York
- Rossi meets her as an adult
- Their relationship becomes one of the most heartwarming storylines in the series
3. Kai Struthers (Grandson)
Joy has a young son named Kai, Rossi’s only confirmed grandchild.
Their scenes together reveal a softer, gentler side of Rossi.
David Rossi’s Movie & TV Appearances
David Rossi is a character, not an actor — so he does not star in “movies.”
However, the actor Joe Mantegna, who portrays him, has had a long and successful career in film and television.
Joe Mantegna’s Notable Movies
Although Rossi himself isn’t in movies, Joe Mantegna is known for:
- The Godfather Part III
- Three Amigos
- Searching for Bobby Fischer
- House of Games
- Up Close and Personal
- Baby’s Day Out
- Voice roles on The Simpsons (as Fat Tony)
His filmography is extensive and prestigious.
David Rossi Net Worth (Fictional) vs Joe Mantegna Net Worth
David Rossi’s Net Worth (as a Character)
The show implies Rossi is wealthy because:
- He is a bestselling author
- He earns significant speaking fees
- He returns to the FBI by choice, not financial necessity
While the show never gives an exact number, fans estimate Rossi’s fictional wealth to be between $3–8 million, based on his book success.
Joe Mantegna’s Real Net Worth
Because some fans search “David Rossi net worth” meaning “Joe Mantegna net worth,” it’s worth clarifying:
- Joe Mantegna’s net worth is approximately $25 million.
This comes from decades of acting, directing, producing, and voice acting.
David Rossi’s Personality & Traits
Fans love discussing Rossi’s personality, and for good reason — he’s layered, complex, and compelling.
Key Traits
- Wise
- Emotionally intelligent
- Slightly sarcastic
- Protective
- Meticulous
- Strategic
- Traditional and family-oriented
- Gourmet cook
- Steady under pressure
His combination of tough Marine discipline and warm family-guy charm makes him one of the most iconic characters in crime television.
David Rossi’s Legacy in Pop Culture
Rossi’s influence on Criminal Minds is massive. As the series progressed:
- His character became emotionally central
- His mentorship shaped Reid, JJ, and others
- His story arcs brought some of the most heartfelt moments
- His profile techniques became fan-favorite scenes
- His presence added maturity and grounding to the team
He’s one of those characters who feels real — not just because of the writing, but because Joe Mantegna embodied him so naturally.
Conclusion
David Rossi isn’t just another fictional FBI agent — he’s one of the most layered, emotionally resonant, and beloved characters in modern crime-drama television. From his Italian-American upbringing to his military service, from his complicated love life to his deep compassion for victims and his team, Rossi’s story is rich and deeply human.
Fans search for terms like “David Rossi age,” “David Rossi kids,” “David Rossi net worth,” “David Rossi movies,” “David Rossi married to,” and more because he feels like a real person — someone with a past, scars, love stories, regrets, and hopes of his own.
And while Rossi’s life is fictional, the emotions he evokes are very real.
This detailed article is proudly shared by newslyblogs, your home for deep-dive character studies, entertainment insights, and story-driven analysis.
