'Criminal Minds' ' Joe Mantegna Films Final Episode After 12 Years: 'I'll Miss Playing David Rossi'

It’s a wrap onCriminal Mindsfor Joe Mantegna.

The actor, 71, revealed on Twitter Monday that he filmed his final scene as FBI special agent David Rossi after 12 years on the CBS series. In an open letter to fans and followers, he described his last day on set while thanking viewers for their nearly two decades of support.

“The next 12 years would be a wild and wonderful ride. Yes, I will miss playing David Rossi, and I’ll miss the wonderful writing that brought him to life, but mostly I will miss seeing my fellow cast mates and our fantastic crew every day. It may seem a cliché to say we’re like family, but it’s so very true,” he continued.

“In 15 seasons we’ve all grown a little older, hopefully a little wiser too. We laughed together, we cried together, and like a family we gained and lost members along the way. Some got married, some got divorced, some had children, some had more than one!” Mantegna wrote.

Actors A.J. Cook, Mandy Patinkin, Paget Brewster, Shemar Moore, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Thomas Gibson are just some of the cast members who have since left the show.

TheCriminal Mindscast.Criminal Minds/Twitter

In January, CBS announced the show would beconcluding at season 15, promising an “epic final season” — something Mantegna also alluded to in his letter.

“As I pack up my belongings from my trailer and load my car, I am satisfied with what we accomplished and proud of the work,” he said. “An actor’s life is always changing and I’m excited for what’s next and hope that when I find that thing, you’ll come along for that ride too.”

The star concluded his letter with a shout-out to the show’s fans, expressing appreciation and love to all who have watched him and the cast. “In the end we owe it all to you, the fans. For being the most loyal, tolerant, and passionate fans we could have ever asked for. Thanks for being there,” Mantegna added.

The final season will feature 10 episodes that will air in the 2019-20 broadcast season.

Criminal Mindsairs Wednesdays (10 p.m. ET) on CBS.

source: people.com