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Thomas Gibson Fans Continue To Boycott ‘Criminal Minds’: Why Are They So Loyal?

By Kim McLendon
Published on: 20:31 PST, Oct 28, 2016

Thomas Gibson fans are pretty hardcore apparently. They were a very quiet little demographic until Gibson was fired from Criminal Minds, but now they are holding major Twitter protests and boycotts of the show.

Criminal Minds’ Thomas Gibson as Aaron Hotchner fans have come up with a number of hashtags like #ThankYouThomasGibson, #SupportThomas Gibson, #WeSupportThomasGibson, and #ThomasGibson. Perhaps the most memorable and powerful hashtag is the #NoHotchNoWatch hashtag, which has become a movement to boycott their favorite show until Gibson is allowed to return.

Thomas Gibson seems to hold little hope of returning to the show, but Criminal Minds meant a lot to Gibson. Thomas’ fans don’t appreciate the way Gibson was fired, after an altercation with one of the show’s many writers. Thomas has nothing but fond memories of the show and he is thankful to his fans. IMDb quotes Gibson’s thoughts on the last 12 years.

“I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last 12 years. I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that won’t be possible now. I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have.”

Could Criminal Minds change their minds about Hotch’s fate? Well, from a business standpoint, it seems extremely logical for them to at least think about it, considering fan reactions, but so far they have given no indication they might re-hire Thomas.

Who is Thomas Gibson really, and how did he inspire so many people to go to bat on his behalf? Obviously, at 54-years-old, he is no teen idol. He is a very nice looking man, but he’s not a teen heartthrob in the traditional sense like Mathew Gray Gubler, who plays Dr. Spencer Ried on Criminal Minds. Perhaps he’s an adult heartthrob for some, but it seems to be more than that.

Criminal Minds character Aaron Hotchner doesn’t get nearly as many catchy lines as Penelope Garcia, played by Kirsten Vangsness either. So what is it that has inspired these usually silent viewers into action?

Thomas Gibson is a real person, not that other actors are not, but fans really get Thomas as a human being. Gibson talks to them through Twitter, and they like that a lot. He seems so normal and down to earth, posting a picture of his puppy or sometimes an adoptable puppy. As Hotch too, his humanity seems to shine through to his fans.

The Criminal Minds veteran has enjoyed a long and prolific career as an actor. Gibson has appeared in 17 different movies, 13 made for television films and three soap operas. Thomas was a regular on Chicago Hope, where he logged 70 episodes.

Thomas Gibson also portrayed Greg Montgomery in Dharma and Greg for a total of 119 episodes. Of course, Gibson is currently most famous though for the role of Aaron Hotchner in Criminal Minds, where he starred in 256 episodes, spanning 12 years.

Before Criminal Minds, and even before Guiding Light, Thomas Gibson had a life and a childhood just like everyone else. What was Thomas like growing up?

Matthew Gray Gubler and Thomas Gibson from ‘Criminal Minds.’ [Image by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images]

Thomas Gibson was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on July 3, 1962, according to Frost Snow. Thomas was one of four children born to social worker Beth Gibson and Charles “Mac” Gibson, an attorney. “Mac” was involved in politics and served in both South Carolina’s Senate and House. The Gibson family was Roman Catholic, middle class and traditional yet politically liberal.

Thomas Gibson recalls Charleston, South Carolina, with fondness. Charleston is a coastal city, rich with a long and colorful history. Thomas is quoted in IMDb praising his hometown.

“Charleston is an amazing place. I probably didn’t appreciate it enough when I was growing up… Charleston has something for everyone, rain or shine. Its architecture is unparalleled. Carriage rides are great for seeing the city and hearing the history behind certain houses and the area.”

The Criminal Minds veteran recalled the fun he had with is siblings in the local marsh trying to catch blue crabs.

“There’s nothing better for kids than a bucket and shovel at the beach. I grew up across the marsh from The Citadel. We loved buying chicken necks at the Piggly Wiggly, tying them to a string on a stick and catching blue crabs.”

Thomas Gibson of ‘Criminal Minds.’ [Image by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images]

Thomas Gibson’s first love was acting, though, from children’s theater to a Julliard scholarship that finally took him away from Charleston and led him to New York. Gibson was a natural entertainer. Any opportunity to perform was always welcomed, even as a child, according to this Gibson quote on IMDb.

“When my sister and I were kids, swimming down in Charleston, there was this pizza parlor that had this old Dixieland band play, and I just loved Louis Armstrong and the sound of his voice, and I got up there with the band and started singing Louis Armstrong songs when I was a kid. I have no idea why, but I did it and I loved it.”

The Criminal Minds actor has had a difficult time recently. Thomas went through a divorce in 2015, after being married for nearly two decades. Gibson has three children and was obviously a family man, especially when the kids were small.

Thomas Gibson’s fans, rather than blaming Thomas for his own problems embrace him with unconditional love, as a fellow human being. Why are fans so eager to accept Gibson while fans of other stars are quick to condemn? Do they see Thomas as a friend, neighbor, or father figure? Perhaps.

Thomas Gibson, is a talented and prolific actor, with a lot of experience. Thomas has shown dedication and work ethic over the years. But he was once a child growing up in Charleston, South Carolina. Could it be Gibson’s southern charm and friendly down to earth Twitter presence that inspires his fans, even more than his talent and professionalism as an actor?

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Thomas Gibson fans love Aaron Hotchner on Criminal Minds, but they also love Mr. Gibson, the man. They love that he’s a fatherly figure, and perhaps that is also part of their unconditional affection as well. The bottom line is that sometimes nice people find themselves accused of doing not so nice things. So what if Thomas did lose his temper. Most fans don’t feel it should be such a big deal.

This Criminal Minds actor is seen as a real person, and real people can lose their tempers. No one wants to lose Thomas Gibson from Criminal Minds over some petty squabble. No one wants to lose the show because of poor ratings either. Wouldn’t it be the best solution to simply bring Gibson back? Fans obviously think so.

Thomas Gibson fans are boycotting Criminal Minds in staunch and dedicated solidarity with their favorite actor and Twitter friend.

[Featured Image by Francois Durand/Getty Images]

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