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Who Is Matthew Gray Gubler?
Matthew Gray Gubler is an accomplished actor and former model, recognized for his portrayal of a brilliant FBI agent on the acclaimed television series Criminal Minds. Discovered by a modeling agent, Gubler quickly ascended to prominence in the fashion industry, working as a top male model for various high-end designers. He also made notable appearances in films, including (500) Days of Summer.
Early Life
Born on March 9, 1980, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Gubler hails from a diverse family background. His father, John Gubler, is an attorney, while his mother, Marilyn Kelch Gubler, has a multifaceted career as a rancher, political consultant, and former chair of the Nevada Republican Party.
Gubler pursued his early education at the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts, where he majored in drama. Interestingly, he initially did not aspire to become an actor; he viewed theater class as an enjoyable activity that might enhance his public speaking skills for a future career in law. Reflecting on this period, he remarked, “My friends and I joked that our major at the academy was Acting Not As an Occupation 101.” Despite his initial indifference, Gubler excelled in acting, participating in numerous productions at the prestigious institution, including Picnic, The Importance of Being Earnest, and roles as both The Cat in the Hat and The Mad Hatter. He expressed nostalgia for those formative experiences, stating, “Those were fun shows. I miss those. I wish I could go back.” Yet, even with his success in drama, he could not envision acting as a viable career. He noted, “I never thought I’d be making a living off of acting—it’s still kind of a shock for my family and friends to see my face on TV every Wednesday night.”
Following his graduation from the Las Vegas Academy in 1998, Gubler enrolled at the University of California, Santa Cruz, but later transferred to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts to study filmmaking and directing. He graduated in 2002, shortly after which he was approached by a modeling agent while walking down the street. Despite his modest self-assessment regarding his looks, he noted that the agent recognized his potential, attributing it to the contemporary trend favoring “emaciated weirdos who look like Muppets” in male modeling. Over the subsequent two years, Gubler became one of New York City’s most sought-after male models, showcasing his talent in print advertisements and runway shows for renowned fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger, Sisley, and Kate Spade.
Acting Career
Despite enjoying a highly successful modeling career, Matthew Gray Gubler remained steadfast in his passion for filmmaking. In 2004, while continuing to model, he secured an internship with renowned screenwriter and director Wes Anderson. As a testament to his dedication, Anderson cast Gubler as Intern #1 in the film The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, which featured acclaimed actors Bill Murray and Owen Wilson.
Shortly thereafter, Gubler landed a pivotal role as Dr. Spencer Reid, a brilliant FBI agent with three Ph.D. degrees, in the hit series Criminal Minds. Initially perceived as too dark to achieve mainstream popularity, and competing in the same time slot as the immensely popular Lost, many commentators considered Criminal Minds a losing venture. Gubler recalls the skepticism surrounding the show, stating, “Everyone was like, ‘Oh, don’t even unpack your bags.’ You’re going to be canceled in a week and a half.” However, by 2006, Criminal Minds had emerged as one of the most-watched shows on television, often surpassing Lost in ratings. Gubler attributes the show’s success to its ability to evoke powerful emotions, particularly fear. “Our stories are very dark — really frightening,” he explains. “And people love it.” In addition to his acting role, Gubler also directed several episodes of the series.
Beyond Criminal Minds, Gubler boasts a diverse array of film credits. He lent his voice to Simon in the animated films Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007) and its sequel Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009). In 2008, he appeared alongside John Malkovich in The Great Buck Howard, and a year later, he secured a prominent role in the critically acclaimed romantic comedy 500 Days of Summer. Furthermore, Gubler is known for creating and directing short “mockumentaries,” which he shares on YouTube. He humorously admits, “Sadly, I focus more attention, I think, on those fake documentaries than on the actual show.”
Book
Gubler authored and illustrated the New York Times bestseller Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself, which was released on April 2, 2019.