5 A-List Actors You Totally Forgot Had a Celeb Cameo in Criminal Minds

In the grand tradition of long-running procedural dramas, Criminal Minds has hosted an array of prominent guest stars throughout its extensive 15-season history. They've played a range of characters, from victims to perpetrators, also known as unsubs and suspects.

Here are five notable appearances you may find surprising.

Evan Peters (Charlie Hillridge, the boy raised in captivity)

Before landing a role in Dahmer, Evan Peters had explored the crime genre on multiple occasions. One of his lesser-known roles was that of Charlie Hillridge in episode 16 of season 5 of Criminal Minds, directed by Matthew Gray Gubler. Charlie, kidnapped at the tender age of eight by serial child abductors and killers, was raised in captivity to serve as their unwitting accomplice. In the episode's climax, Charlie assists the BAU in capturing the criminals and is subsequently reunited with his family.

Sydney Sweeney (Dani Forester, the victim of The Fox’s copycat)

Aged just 12 when she appeared in episode 8 of season 5 of Criminal Minds, Sydney Sweeney portrayed Dani Forester, a girl tragically murdered alongside her family by a copycat killer emulating one of the most notorious BAU criminals, known as The Fox. The heartrending scene in which an intruder holds young Dani at gunpoint underlines Sweeney's remarkable talent from an early age.

Elle Fanning (Tracy Belle, the two-time survivor of the BAU unsubs)

Elle Fanning made not one but two appearances on Criminal Minds. Her debut came in episode 6 of season 2, where she played Tracy Belle, a girl who survived an attack by her classmate and underage serial killer Jeffrey Charles. Tracy reappears in the season finale as the victim of a killer who targets individuals previously saved by the BAU. Thankfully, the team manages to rescue her again, leaving us to presume she lives happily ever after in the Criminal Minds universe.

Aaron Paul (Mike Zizzo, the leader of the Lords of Destruction)

Recognising Aaron Paul as Mike Zizzo, the long-haired, eyeliner-sporting leader of a self-proclaimed, cult-like Satanic group opposing the local church, might prove challenging. He first appeared in episode 10 of season 1 as a BAU suspect in cult murders. However, it later transpires that Zizzo and his group were framed, clearing the charismatic young man of any wrongdoing.

Amber Heard (Lila Archer, the girl who kissed Reid in the pool)

Amber Heard, who made headlines last year, appeared in episode 18 of season 1 of Criminal Minds. She portrayed Lila Archer, a stunning Hollywood starlet whose stalker was eliminating potential threats to her career. Tasked with her protection, the BAU assigned Spencer Reid to stay at her house, leading to a memorable scene featuring an especially passionate poolside kiss.