The Iconic Family Drama You Forgot Starred Criminal Minds' Jayne Atkinson

Jayne Atkinson played a significant role in both 1993's "Free Willy" and its sequel, "Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home." "Free Willy" stars Jason James Richter, Lori Petty, Michael Ironside, and Atkinson. Atkinson plays Annie Greenwood, one of the foster parents of a boy named Jesse (Richter). "Free Willy" tells the uplifting story of a troubled orphan caught up in the foster care system who eventually befriends a captive killer whale, which results in the animal earning his freedom in an iconic scene that is still referenced to this day.

"Free Willy" has a 71% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and it was a huge financial success, with the movie earning close to $154 million on a $20 million budget (via The Numbers). The movie inspired several sequels and spin-offs, with Atkinson returning once more for the direct sequel, in which her caring and compassionate character once again lends her wisdom and insight to others. "Free Willy" is currently available on HBO Max and Hulu (via TV Guide).