Matthew Gray Gubler has remained a fan favorite since his early days on Criminal Minds. While his quirky personality has stayed remarkably consistent, his career has evolved in plenty of interesting ways. From actor to author and director, here are eight ways Matthew Gray Gubler has changed over the years.
He Grew Beyond Spencer Reid
For many fans, Matthew Gray Gubler will always be Dr. Spencer Reid from Criminal Minds. While the role made him a household name, he has gradually expanded his career with film roles, voice acting, directing, and creative projects outside the long-running crime drama. He even returned for a surprise cameo in Criminal Minds: Evolution, showing that he still enjoys revisiting the beloved character.
He Became a Successful Director
During his time on Criminal Minds, Gubler stepped behind the camera to direct multiple episodes of the series. His episodes often featured a distinctive visual style and became fan favorites, proving he was just as comfortable directing as he was acting.
He Added Author to His Résumé
In 2019, Gubler published Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging and Being Yourself, which became a New York Times bestseller. He later followed it with another illustrated children’s book, showing a creative side that many fans hadn’t previously seen.
He Continued to Embrace His Artistic Side
Long before becoming an actor, Gubler enjoyed painting, drawing, photography, and filmmaking. Over the years, he has continued sharing his artwork with fans and has even exhibited some of his paintings, making visual art an important part of his creative life.
He Returned to Television With a New Leading Role
After Criminal Minds, Gubler took his time choosing another major television project. He is now set to headline CBS’s Einstein, where he plays the brilliant but unconventional descendant of Albert Einstein. The series marks his return as the lead of a network television drama.
He Moved On From Modeling
Before acting, Gubler worked as a fashion model for major brands while studying at New York University. Although modeling helped launch his entertainment career, he gradually shifted his focus almost entirely to acting and other creative pursuits.
He Has Become More Selective About Projects
Unlike many actors who constantly take on new roles, Gubler has often chosen fewer projects that match his interests. That approach has allowed him to balance acting with writing, directing, illustrating, and other creative work rather than following a traditional Hollywood path.
He Has Stayed True to His Quirky Personality
Despite years in the spotlight, Gubler has remained known for his playful humor, offbeat interviews, and genuine interactions with fans. His unique personality has become just as recognizable as his acting, helping him build a loyal following that continues to support each new project.
Closing Thoughts
Matthew Gray Gubler’s career has evolved in ways few fans could have predicted. While Criminal Minds introduced him to millions of viewers, he has continued growing as an actor, director, author, and artist without losing the quirky charm that made audiences love him in the first place.
Featured Image: Wikimedia Commons
Leave a Reply