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Matthew Gray Gubler: Actor, Director, Artist and Role Model

Matthew Gray Gubler: Actor, Director, Artist and Role Model
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The Talented Matthew Gray Gubler

Matthew Gray Gubler is an American actor, fashion model, painter, and filmmaker who has become well-known for his role as criminal profiler Dr. Spencer Reid on the hit CBS crime drama Criminal Minds. With his unique sense of style, witty personality, and wide-ranging talents, Gubler has developed a devoted fan following over the years.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Matthew Gray Gubler was born on March 9, 1980 in Las Vegas, Nevada. From a young age, he found passion in acting, modeling, directing, painting and even magic. After high school, he studied film directing at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he graduated in 2002.

While interning as a fashion model with DNA Model Management, Gubler was discovered by a model scout who signed him to a contract. He landed a coveted job walking the runway for brands like Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Tommy Hilfiger. His unique look and talent for performance quickly made him a sought-after model.

Breakout Role on Criminal Minds

In 2005, Gubler landed his breakthrough role as Dr. Spencer Reid on the new CBS crime drama Criminal Minds. The show follows members of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit who profile criminals and investigate heinous offenses.

As Dr. Reid, Gubler plays a genius profiler with an IQ of 187, eidetic memory, and extensive knowledge of a wide range of topics. But the character is also socially awkward and carries traumatic memories from his childhood.

Gubler's quirky, endearing portrayal of Dr. Reid turned him into a fan favorite over the show's 15 seasons. His acting earned him four Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Directing and Other Creative Pursuits

In addition to acting, Gubler has established himself as a talented director. He made his directorial debut in season 2 of Criminal Minds, and went on to direct 11 total episodes over the years. His skilled directing was recognized with nominations for the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Drama Series award from the Directors Guild of America.

Gubler has also pursued various other creative outlets like painting, screenwriting, and magic. He painted the original pieces seen on Criminal Minds as the work of his character Dr. Reid. His paintings have been featured in galleries for solo exhibitions.

As a filmmaker, he wrote, directed and starred in the dark comedy 500 Days of Summer released in 2009. Gubler even served as a magician's consultant for the Broadway show The Beauty and the Beast.

Pop Culture Icon Status

With his instantly recognizable face and endearing personality, Matthew Gray Gubler's fame has extended far beyond Criminal Minds. His popularity in the 2000s as an internet heartthrob led to him being named one of the 100 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2005.

Gubler's 7.2 million Instagram followers are treated to fun, often quirky insights into his life. Fans obsess over Gubler's characters, his unique fashion sense, his artwork, and his charming nature.

In recent years, he has appeared on popular YouTube channels and podcasts, showing off his wit and charm for new generations of viewers. References to Gubler and his iconic Criminal Minds character Dr. Reid also run rampant in memes, fan accounts, and pop culture commentary.

Life Outside Acting

When he isn't acting, directing or creating, Gubler leads a relatively low-key life divided between California and New York City. He loves exploring vintage shops, reading, writing poetry in his free time.

Gubler avoids social media and self-promotion when he’s not working, preferring meaningful conversations and connections with friends and family instead. He remains grounded and unaffected by fame and fortune.

Raising Awareness for Important Causes

Matthew Gray Gubler has used his platform over the years to raise awareness for issues close to his heart. He has advocated for the humane treatment of animals, supported organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and promoted adoptions from shelters.

Gubler has also raised funds for war veterans, spoken about the importance of voting, and shared information on mental health issues like PTSD and addiction to reduce stigma.

Continued Success After Criminal Minds

While Matthew Gray Gubler is best known as the lovable Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds, his career accomplishments extend far beyond the show. In addition to modeling for most major fashion brands, he has appeared in movies like (500) Days of Summer, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Suburban Gothic.

Gubler’s voice acting credits include Batman in the animated series The Batman, Simon in Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie. He also provided voice work for the video game StarCraft II.

The 2022 release of Gubler's first book, Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself, debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list for middle grade hardcover books.

While Criminal Minds came to an end in 2020 after 15 remarkable seasons, Matthew Gray Gubler's diverse talents and popularity continue shining bright. His upcoming projects, creativity, and charitable initiatives are sure to delight fans old and new.

FAQs

How did Matthew Gray Gubler get discovered as a model?

Gubler was discovered by a model scout while interning for DNA Model Management as a college student. The scout signed him to a contract, and he quickly became a sought-after high fashion model walking runways for brands like Burberry and Marc Jacobs.

What makes Gubler's portrayal of Dr. Spencer Reid special?

As Dr. Reid on Criminal Minds, Gubler plays a socially awkward genius with a high IQ and eidetic memory. His quirky, endearing portrayal turned the character into a fan favorite over the show's 15 seasons.

What creative talents does Matthew Gray Gubler have outside of acting?

In addition to acting, Gubler directs, paints original artwork, does magic consulting, writes screenplays, and provides voice acting for animated shows and video games.

How did Gubler use his fame for good causes?

Gubler has advocated for animal rights, raised funds for war veterans, promoted mental health awareness, and encouraged fans to vote in elections.

What upcoming projects does Matthew Gray Gubler have?

After Criminal Minds ended in 2020, Gubler has been focusing on creative projects like directing, painting, writing, and voice acting. He also released a successful children's book in 2022 called Rumple Buttercup.

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