Wayne Rigsby is a fictional character in the American television series, The Mentalist. He is portrayed by Owain Yeoman and is a senior agent with the CBI. He also provides expertise on arson cases, having previous experience in an arson investigation unit. After the events of "White as the Driven Snow," he and his wife, Grace Van Pelt, decide to retire from law enforcement and leave the series.
Background
Jane discovers that Rigsby was abused by someone during his childhood. His suspicions are confirmed when we meet Rigsby's father, Steve Rigsby, in "Like a Redheaded Stepchild." Steve is a former member of the Iron Gods motorcycle gang and makes money by selling untaxed cigarettes. He verbally abuses his son and has spent many years in prison for robbery, drug dealing, assault, and manslaughter throughout Rigsby's childhood. His mother's name is never mentioned, nor is the cause of her death. However, Rigsby shows that he loved her and has taken after her personality more than his father's.
Personality
Despite being a senior agent, he often quickly follows the orders of Agent Lisbon or one of Jane's unconventional plans. Jane also reveals in the first episode that Rigsby has a crush on the newly assigned agent Van Pelt.
Rigsby frequently works with Kimball Cho and Grace Van Pelt. He and Cho conduct interrogations and surveillances together. However, he is often paired with Cho for fieldwork. He is also Cho's best friend. In season 2, episode 8, "His Red Right Hand," we learn that he and Cho (Chigsby) were nicknamed "Bert and Ernie" by Bosco and his team. Rigsby is Bert, and Cho is Ernie.
He often tries to emulate Jane's antics and lifestyle, such as attempting to hypnotize a suspect and failing. He also seems bolder than Cho in some aspects, such as when he ran into a burning house to save someone and, in the process, suffered second-degree burns on his arm. He has also shown moments of immaturity towards his colleagues, showcasing his sense of humor.
He doesn't miss an opportunity when it comes to eating. Even at crime scenes, he is keen on stealing one of the leftover muffins in the kitchen.
Owain Yeoman stated in an interview for TV Guide that if the team were a dysfunctional family, he would be considered "the bossy older brother."
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