Paget Brewster is an accomplished American actress best known for her standout roles in TV series such as “Criminal Minds” and “Friends.” Born March 10, 1969, in Concord, Massachusetts, Brewster has built a versatile career spanning dramatic and comedic roles, voice acting, and stage performances. Her portrayal of FBI agent Emily Prentiss on “Criminal Minds” earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, solidifying her place in popular culture. Beyond acting, Brewster’s career includes voice work, endorsements, and philanthropic activities.
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Who is Paget Brewster?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 56 years |
| Parents/ Family | Skip and Valerie Brewster |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (English, Irish, German, French, and Dutch) |
| Siblings | Ivan Brewster |
| Husband | Steve Damstra |
| Net Worth | Approximately $9 million |
| Salary | Approximately $200,000 per episode |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) |
| Movies and TV Shows | Criminal Minds, Friends, Community, and The Specials |
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Early Life and Education
Paget Valerie Brewster was born in Concord, Massachusetts, to Skip and Valerie Brewster, both educators. She has practical New England roots with her parents serving as teachers at a boarding school she attended, giving her early exposure to academia and arts. Brewster initially enrolled in a New York City design school but left to pursue a career in acting full-time, signaling her passion and commitment to performing arts from a young age. This foundational stage set the tone for her diverse career in acting.
Acting Career Beginnings
Brewster’s acting career began in the mid-1990s with guest appearances on prominent television shows. One of her early notable roles was Kathy, the on-again, off-again girlfriend of Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani on the iconic NBC sitcom “Friends” (1994-2004). This role helped introduce Brewster to a broad audience and showcased her comedic timing.
She appeared in various TV shows such as “The X-Files,” “Andy Richter Controls the Universe,” and had guest roles on comedies like “Two and a Half Men.” Her early career was marked by a mix of comedy and drama roles, displaying her adaptability across genres.
Breakthrough Role in Criminal Minds
Paget Brewster’s career-defining moment came in 2006 when she was cast as Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss on the CBS procedural drama “Criminal Minds.” As a multi-lingual FBI profiler with the Behavioral Analysis Unit, Brewster’s character became a cornerstone of the series.
Her portrayal was widely praised for emotional depth and intelligence, contributing to the show’s gripping storylines and high ratings. Despite being let go in the sixth season reportedly due to budget cuts, Brewster returned to the series in later seasons due to fan demand, proving her character’s popularity and significance to the show’s narrative. Being part of “Criminal Minds” significantly elevated Brewster’s industry reputation and visibility.
Other Notable Roles and Voice Work
Beyond “Criminal Minds,” Brewster has demonstrated range through voice acting and diverse roles in television and film. She voiced Ms. Marvel in “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” and appeared as Frankie Dart in the comedy series “Community.” Her guest roles on “The Simpsons” further emphasize her versatile talents.
She has also been active in podcasting, notably in the “The Thrilling Adventure Hour,” where she showcased her voice acting skills. This work expanded her presence beyond traditional acting, tapping into emerging entertainment formats.
Personal Life
Paget Brewster is married to Steve Damstra. The actress and musician met through Paget’s “Criminal Minds” co-star Matthew Gray Gubler, who is a close friend to both and introduced them. Steve Damstra is a member of the bands Folded Light and Whirlwind Heat.
Paget and Steve’s official engagement was announced on March 17, 2013, when Paget shared a photo of her jade engagement ring on social media, expressing that it was worth waiting until her mid-40s for the right person. Their wedding took place in a private ceremony on November 28, 2014, in Los Angeles, California, officiated by Matthew Gray Gubler.
The ceremony was intimate, attended by family and close friends. Since then, Paget Brewster and Steve Damstra have maintained a relatively private marriage, though they occasionally share moments publicly. They reside in Los Angeles and do not have children.
Awards and Recognition
While Brewster has not won major acting awards, she has received multiple nominations acknowledging her vocal and acting talents. Highlights include:
- Daytime Emmy Award nominee in 2020 for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for “Della Duck.”
- Several Behind the Voice Actors Award nominations for best vocal ensemble.
These recognitions reflect both her on-screen and behind-the-mic skills, underscoring her professional versatility.
Net Worth and Earnings
Paget Brewster’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $9 million. This wealth largely stems from her extensive acting career, particularly in television. She first gained notable recognition with her recurring role as Kathy, Chandler Bing’s girlfriend, on the fourth season of “Friends,” appearing in six episodes between 1997 and 1998.
Her most prominent role has been as FBI Supervisory Special Agent Emily Prentiss on “Criminal Minds,” where she appeared in 204 episodes. This role is a major source of her income; reports indicate a salary of approximately $200,000 per episode during her tenure on “Criminal Minds.” Apart from acting, Brewster has hosted a late-night talk show in San Francisco early in her career and has been involved in multiple film projects, which have added to her overall wealth.
Philanthropy and Public Image
Brewster maintains a positive public image, frequently emphasizing the importance of community involvement and charitable donations. Though private about her personal life, she engages with fans and supports causes that align with her values. Her professionalism and dedication to her roles have earned her respect in the industry.
Legacy and Influence
Paget Brewster’s legacy resides in her memorable role as Emily Prentiss, which continues to inspire fans and aspiring actors. Her ability to transition between genres and media highlights her adaptability and artistic breadth. Brewster remains active in the entertainment industry, embracing new roles and creative opportunities.
Why Paget Brewster left Criminal Minds?
Paget Brewster left Criminal Minds primarily because she wanted to pursue other projects and was unhappy with CBS. After six years playing Emily Prentiss, she decided to move on. Her departure followed disputes with CBS, including a denied request to enter pilot season for a comedy project and dissatisfaction with contract and pay negotiations.
how old was Paget Brewster in Friends?
Brewster was born on March 10, 1969. She appeared in the fourth season of the TV show Friends, which aired in 1997-1998. Therefore, during her time on Friends, she was around 28 to 29 years old.
how to pronounce Paget Brewster?
The correct pronunciation of Paget Brewster is typically given as “PA-jet” “Brew-ster”, where “Paget” rhymes with “bag it” and is pronounced as /ˈpædʒɪt/ or /ˈpɑːdʒɪt/ in phonetic terms.
how tall is Paget Brewster?
Paget Brewster is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, which is about 1.73 meters.
What rule did Paget Brewster break on Friends?
Brewster broke the “no-date rule” on the set of Friends. She dated one of the show’s crew members while filming, which was against the set’s professional guidelines. This rule was usually in place to maintain professionalism and avoid complications during production. Brewster has mentioned this incident in interviews, reflecting on it as a memorable part of her time on Friends.