Is Kirsten Vangsness In A Relationship? Uncovering The Truth About The Criminal Minds Star

Santina Luettgen V 16 Aug 2025

Many fans, you know, often wonder about the personal lives of their favorite stars, and it's completely natural to be curious about someone as captivating as Kirsten Vangsness. She brings such a unique energy to her roles, especially as Penelope Garcia on *Criminal Minds*, that people really connect with her. So, it’s no surprise that a lot of folks ask, "Is Kirsten Vangsness in a relationship?" It's a question that, frankly, pops up quite a bit.

For those who have followed her career, Kirsten Vangsness has certainly made a big name for herself. She's not just a talented actress; she's also a writer, and her portrayal of Penelope Garcia, with all her delightful quirks and genuine empathy, truly makes you want to know more about the person behind the character. People often find themselves asking about her life away from the cameras, and that, you know, includes her romantic connections.

We're going to take a look at Kirsten Vangsness's current relationship status, her dating history, and some of the connections she has made over the years. We will also, in a way, touch upon her journey to becoming the well-known figure she is today. This article aims to give you a clear picture of her personal world, based on what is publicly known.

A Glimpse into Her Life: The Kirsten Vangsness Story
- Personal Details and Bio Data
Her Journey to Acting
Kirsten Vangsness's Relationship Status
Friendships and Other Connections
Beyond the Screen: Her Life and Work
Frequently Asked Questions About Kirsten Vangsness's Relationships

A Glimpse into Her Life: The Kirsten Vangsness Story

Kirsten Simone Vangsness, an American actress and writer, was born on July 7, 1972. She came into the world in Los Angeles County, California, so she's a true California native. Her parents are Errol Leroy Vangsness and Barbara Mary, who raised her with care. Before settling down in Cerritos, California, Kirsten, you know, spent some of her earlier childhood days in Porterville, California. She's now 52 years old, and her zodiac sign is Cancer, which, in some respects, often means she's a very nurturing and intuitive person.

She stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches, or about 170 centimeters tall, which is a pretty good height. Kirsten has certainly made a name for herself in the entertainment world, especially with her memorable role as FBI analyst Penelope Garcia on the long-running drama series *Criminal Minds*. Her portrayal is truly delightful and, you know, quite empathetic, leaving many to wonder about the person behind the character. She's a member of several groups, including American television actors, people born in 1972, and American LGBTQ people, which is, actually, a very important part of her identity.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Kirsten Simone Vangsness
Date of Birth	July 7, 1972
Age	52 years old (as of 2024)
Birthplace	Los Angeles County, California, United States
Parents	Errol Leroy Vangsness and Barbara Mary
Height	Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Zodiac Sign	Cancer
Profession	Actress, Writer
Known For	Penelope Garcia in Criminal Minds
Sexual Orientation	Bisexual
Current Relationship Status	Engaged

Her Journey to Acting

It's interesting to think about how Kirsten Vangsness got into acting. Apparently, she tried it out as a way of dealing with shyness, which, you know, is a pretty common reason for people to explore the performing arts. She certainly found her calling, as she made a big name for herself in theatre before her television success. She was very good at it, too, winning several awards for her stage work.

Among her theatre accolades, she received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for Best Emerging Comic Actress, which is a pretty significant achievement. This recognition really highlighted her talent and her ability to bring humor to her performances. Her theatrical background gave her a strong foundation, which, in a way, prepared her for the bright lights of television. She has since been nominated for two Indie Series Awards, and she has over 30 movie and TV series credits to her name, which is, quite frankly, a lot of work.

Kirsten Vangsness's Relationship Status

So, to get right to the heart of the matter: Is Kirsten Vangsness in a relationship? Yes, she is. Kirsten Vangsness is not married, but she has been engaged to actor and writer Keith Hanson since 2015. This is a very clear answer to a question many people have. The couple announced their engagement in 2015, and while there's been no news of a marriage since then, they are, in fact, still together.

It's also worth noting that Kirsten, who is openly bisexual, has been in a long and intimate relationship before her current engagement. This part of her personal life is something she has been quite open about, and it's an important detail when discussing her relationships. People are naturally curious about who Kirsten Vangsness is dating now and who she has dated in the past, and we can, in some respects, look at that history.

Her Past Relationships

Before her engagement to Keith Hanson, Kirsten Vangsness was in a significant relationship with film editor Melanie Goldstein. Their romantic love life began in 2006, and it lasted for around seven years, which is a considerable amount of time. They were even engaged in 2009. This relationship, you know, was a very important part of her life for quite a while. It shows that she has had deep, meaningful connections.

While the details of her past relationships are, for the most part, kept private, it's clear that she has experienced the ups and downs of long-term commitment. Her engagement to Melanie Goldstein was a public announcement at the time, and it certainly, apparently, sent the Facebook and Twitter communities into a bit of a frenzy, as news like that often does with celebrities. This history paints a picture of someone who values deep connections.

The Engagement to Keith Hanson

As mentioned, Kirsten Vangsness is currently engaged to actor and writer Keith Hanson. Their engagement was announced in 2015, and they have been together ever since. It's a long engagement, which, in a way, is not uncommon for many couples. There haven't been any public reports of a wedding, so it seems they are taking their time with this big step. This relationship is, basically, her current romantic focus.

Keith Hanson, like Kirsten, is involved in the creative arts, being an actor and a writer. This shared professional background likely gives them a lot in common and, you know, a good understanding of each other's demanding careers. Their connection is something that, in fact, seems to be a very stable part of her life. It's good to see her with someone who shares her world.

Maintaining Privacy

While Kirsten Vangsness is a public figure, she and Keith Hanson remain largely private about their life together. This is a choice many celebrities make to keep their personal relationships out of the constant glare of the media. It allows them to, in a way, have a more normal existence away from the cameras and public speculation. This privacy means that fans might not see many updates or details about their day-to-day life.

The lack of constant updates or public displays of affection doesn't mean their relationship isn't strong. Quite the opposite, sometimes. It simply means they prefer to keep their intimate moments to themselves, which, honestly, is a very sensible approach. Their decision to keep things quiet is, you know, a common one for those who want to protect their personal space from the demands of public life. It lets them just be a couple, which is nice.

Friendships and Other Connections

Beyond her romantic relationships, Kirsten Vangsness also has very strong friendships, which are a very important part of her life. For instance, she has been close friends with NCIS star Pauley Perrette for decades. Their friendship is still going strong, and, you know, it's really lovely to see such enduring bonds in Hollywood. You can find all sorts of pictures of their friendship online, showing their connection.

There have also been rumors about her relationship with Shemar Moore, her *Criminal Minds* co-star. They have attended various red carpet events together, which, in a way, further fueled speculation about their connection. However, their close friendship is often very evident in their joyful and supportive interactions during these public appearances. It's clear they have a very special bond, which, basically, is more like family than anything else. This shows her capacity for deep, lasting connections with people.

Beyond the Screen: Her Life and Work

Kirsten Vangsness is, in fact, much more than just her role on *Criminal Minds*. She has made her fortune through her acting work, especially her long tenure on the show, and also through her work as a writer and producer. Her net worth is around $4 million, which, honestly, shows her success and hard work over the years. This financial stability, you know, comes from her dedication to her craft.

In her spare time, Kirsten enjoys traveling, which is a great way to unwind and see the world. She's also known for her weight loss journey, which has been a topic of interest for many of her fans. She also, apparently, lost some weight after getting married, though the text clarifies she is engaged, not married. This might be a common misconception or a phrase used loosely. Her personal life, including her health and hobbies, is something that, in a way, rounds out the picture of who she is as a person. You can learn more about healthy living on sites that provide health information.

Her work on *Criminal Minds* as Penelope Garcia has been part of the show's evolution, alongside actors like Joe Mantegna and A.J. Cook. Her portrayal is truly delightful and, as I was saying, quite empathetic, leaving many to wonder about the person behind the character. People often ask about her, and it's because she brings such a human touch to her roles. She's a very beloved figure, and her career continues to grow. You can, for instance, learn more about Kirsten Vangsness on our site, and link to this page her career highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirsten Vangsness's Relationships

Is Kirsten Vangsness married?

No, Kirsten Vangsness is not married. She has been engaged to actor and writer Keith Hanson since 2015. While she has been in long-term relationships and even engaged before, she has not publicly announced a marriage to date. So, she is still, you know, in the engaged phase of her relationship.

Who is Kirsten Vangsness currently engaged to?

Kirsten Vangsness is currently engaged to Keith Hanson. He is also an actor and a writer, which means they share a common professional background. They announced their engagement in 2015, and they have, in fact, been together ever since, maintaining a largely private life.

Has Kirsten Vangsness dated women?

Yes, Kirsten Vangsness is openly bisexual. She was in a long and intimate relationship with film editor Melanie Goldstein, and they were engaged in 2009. Their relationship lasted for about seven years, starting in 2006. So, yes, she has dated women in the past.

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