Delving Deeper Into Matthew Gray Gubler's World
Matthew Gray Gubler might just be as amazing as Dr. Spencer Reid
Nov 27, 2020
He's an actor, director, fashion model, YouTuber, painter, author – basically your jack of all trades in the art industry. If you're in the mood to get to know the actor who plays the genius, Dr. Spencer Reid of Criminal Minds, then do read on because he's definitely one engrossing individual to learn about.
Who is Matthew Gray Gubler?
Source: Instagram/gublergram
Matthew Gray Gubler was born on March 9, 1980, to John and Marilyn Gubler. Mrs. Hubler is a rancher and political consultant, while her husband is an attorney (something Dr. Reid and Matthew Gubler share).
Like Dr. Reid, Gubler is a born and bred Las Vegan as his family has been in Las Vegas for a very long time. His family was in Las Vegas when it was only a small town of about 10,000 people. A stark difference from the thriving and boisterous metropolis that is today, right? Oh, and this is another fact he shares with Dr. Reid.
Just like the character he plays in Criminal Minds who has an IQ of 187, boasts of reading 20,000 words a minute, and possesses an eidetic memory, Gubler is an educated man. He majored in acting in the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Visual and Performing Arts. He also went to UC Santa Cruz and moved to New York to study film directing at the Tisch School of Arts at NYU.
Being the multi-faceted individual that he is, Gubler also dabbed in high-fashion modeling (we're talking Marc Jacobs, Tommy Hilfiger, and Burberry), voice acting, painting, directing music videos, even becoming a YouTuber.
In Which Shows/Movies Is He Most Known For?
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Gubler played Dr. Reid in Criminal Minds for 15 seasons; imagine that. It premiered on CBS on September 22, 2005, and ended on February 19, 2020. The series became one of the network's most-watched cable shows throughout the decade and a half. However, Gubler's fame does not start or stop there.
We have his first role in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou when he was 23 years old to thank, which propelled him to get the part in Criminal Minds. He played the small role of Nico, the Intern in the 2004 film.
Gubler was also the voice of Simon in Alvin and the Chipmunks. Simon is the smartest of the three iconic chipmunks, with an IQ almost like Einstein – much like a preparation for what's in store for Gubler, no?
After that, he dived into more roles in voice acting and animation, where he played Riddler in Batman: Assault on Arkham and Winsor in Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur.
Gubler's favorite holiday is Halloween; he even lives in a haunted treehouse! In Suburban Gothic, where he plays Raymond, Gubler takes on a comedy horror film. Talk about being well-rounded in the industry.
How Did Matthew Gray Gubler Become Such An Award-Winning Actor?
Source: Instagram/gublergram
According to a 2019 article, Gubler has a net worth of $10 million. But that success didn't simply fall on his lap. In an interview with Backstage, Gubler shared that he gravitated to filmmaking because it felt more logical, wherein actors didn't wait to be picked.
"That said, in film school, I acted in probably 6,000 student films because no other filmmakers knew anyone who wanted to act. It was all a big beautiful snake eating its tail, progressing along the way." In a way, those 6,000 films honed Gubler into who he is today. He even confirmed that filmmaking helped him as an actor.
"I've always had the utmost respect and awe of what the lens can do and what a director can do with just a camera move. A fantastic actor in a scene that's just closed off will be good," says Gubler talking about the beautiful relationship between directing and acting.
"But when working with a director who knows little tricks—correct music, slowly pushing in—that stunning performance will somehow become even better. I've always seen it as a symbiotic relationship."
Source: Instagram/gublergram
Gubler also interned for Wes Anderson, a film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor known for his films taking eccentric, distinctly visual and narrative styles. It was Anderson who first placed young Gubler in an acting role.
Gubler shared that during film school, he met and worked with many budding filmmakers like Jake Schreier, who directed Robot & Frank, or Jaffe Zinn, known for the 2011 movie Magic Valley. In fact, Gubler plays the character Mok in the film.
According to Gubler, being in film school was like being a part of a "close-knit community," where you will end up in someone else's movie. All of that experience and opportunity only added to his repertoire of being an accomplished actor.
What Was He Able To Accomplish Outside Of Acting And Modeling?
Source: Instagram/gublergram
We've mentioned earlier that Gubler was so much more than an actor and model. He is also a director and has a long list of credits to add to his thesis-like resume. A few include multiple episodes of Criminal Minds and Mosley Lane. Furthermore, he directed Lauren, Heathridge Manor, Alchemy, Gatekeeper, The Lesson, and Blood Relations, to name a few.
Gubler had also gone into the world of storytelling when he released his first book Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging and Being Yourself, in 2019. Not too far off from his creative arts industry, right? What about being ordained as a minister?
In 2014, Gubler got ordained as a minister to officiate the wedding of former Criminal Minds star Paget Brewster and his best friend, Steve Damstra. Jumping back to the arts, Gubler is also a painter and his pieces have been featured in art galleries such as the Gallery of Fine Art in the Czech Republic in 2005. The pieces didn't merely hang only to be returned – all 12 of his works were sold.
Source: Instagram/gublergram
Keeping up with the times, Gubler is also a YouTuber, with over 195,000 subscribers to date. His bio reads: "stuff made by me, Matthew Gray Gubler." His content varies from interviews and documentaries to sharing random moments of him caught on camera throughout the years.
Here's a video of Gubler in Japan, singing karaoke to the song Part of Your World from Little Mermaid…while dressed in a turtle onesie. And yes, he memorizes the song.
Speaking of songs and music, Gubler has also dabbled in the industry and written, directed, or appeared in music videos. He directed The Killers' song "Don't Shoot Me Santa" and appeared in Fatboy Slim's 2004 music video for "Wonderful Night."
What Were His Inspirations For His Publications?
Source: Instagram/gublergram
"Making people smile." Gubler has shared this in an interview with Glamour. When asked what part of the industry brings him the most happiness, he responds with, "It sounds so cheesy, but making people smile. I really feel it's important to encourage children. I'm so proud of all the kids' entertainment I've donScooby-Doo it's The Chipmunks, Scooby-Doo, or Batman."
He continues by saying fostering creativity and imagination in children is a huge responsibility, yet "there's no more noble thing you can do as a performer." Very wise words, Gubler.
When it comes to directing, he just loves it so much. "To me, I really feel most like myself, or that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing if I'm directing or acting in comedies or telling ghost stories," said Gubler in the same interview. "Those are when I feel I am doing exactly what I should be at that moment. I'm really proud of everything I've done as a director." So yes, smiles and fulfillment of passion.
Charles Manson's criminal activities began young and with his actions Charles Manson will have built a criminal net worth like no other.
Summary
And there you have it, a man who has overcome bullying growing up, chasing his dreams, overcoming depression, and fulfilling his passions – Matthew Gray Gubler is one accomplished individual if there was one word to describe him.
He's very open about his past and the hardships he went through, yet not once takes a downtrodden or opposing point of view. Those who've interviewed him often ask what makes him so positive and appreciative of life.
His response, "Be appreciative for everything and to everyone for everything, whether it's being appreciative of a bully or someone giving you an opportunity. Just enjoy it. And don't be serious. Humor is the most important thing in the world."