For 15 years, Matthew Gray Gubler graced television screens as the quirky genius Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds. His character became a fan favorite, and Gubler's portrayal earned him a massive following. But after the show's conclusion in 2020, Gubler took a surprising step back from acting, leaving fans wondering why he seemed to disappear from the screen.
When Criminal Minds wrapped up its 15-season run, Gubler made a heartfelt exit. Despite being offered a role in the show's revival, Criminal Minds: Evolution, Gubler chose not to return, citing a desire to explore new horizons. It wasn’t due to a falling out or lack of love for the show, but rather a natural progression in his career. He spent over a decade playing Reid and felt it was time for something different.
Gubler himself has been notably private about his life and career decisions, but his absence from the Criminal Minds reboot left many fans disappointed.
Although Gubler has not completely abandoned acting, his creative focus has shifted. After his Criminal Minds tenure, he appeared in the indie comedy King Knight in 2021, a film about a quirky witch navigating a midlife crisis.
He also made appearances in Dollface alongside his former flame, Kat Dennings. However, his acting projects have been sparse, leading many to speculate if Gubler has turned his back on Hollywood for good.
Interestingly, Gubler has fully embraced his love for storytelling in other forms, particularly through writing and illustrating children's books.
His most recent release, The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand (2023), follows the success of his 2019 bestseller Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself. Gubler’s books reflect his whimsical and eccentric style, which fans have come to adore. His shift to the literary world seems to have offered him a fresh creative outlet, far removed from the pressures of the acting industry.
Beyond acting and writing, Gubler is a man of many talents. He’s an accomplished painter, filmmaker, and director, with credits for directing several episodes of Criminal Minds and music videos for bands like The Killers. His love for filmmaking runs deep, as he originally studied directing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts before falling into acting.
Fans of his work have often speculated that he may eventually return to directing on a more significant scale.
Gubler's artistic interests seem to reflect a broader desire to engage in diverse, hands-on projects, and he’s even dabbled in magic and masonry. This multifaceted approach to creativity has kept him busy, even if it's largely been outside the public eye.
While Gubler hasn't made any definitive statements about his acting future, it's clear that he's been focusing on personal growth and passion projects. One of the major factors behind his decision to step away from mainstream acting may be the intense demands of a long-running TV series. In a 2019 interview, Gubler spoke candidly about the grueling nature of filming Criminal Minds, which involved 11 to 14-hour workdays for nearly 10 months of the year.
He also alluded to how the role of Spencer Reid often overshadowed other creative pursuits.
For an actor like Gubler, who thrives on variety, being tied to one character for 15 years might have felt creatively limiting. His foray into writing and illustrating has allowed him to stretch his artistic muscles in ways that TV and film may not have.
As of 2023, Gubler hasn't announced any upcoming acting projects.
Fans are still hopeful, however, that he might return to the screen in some capacity—either as an actor or a director. For now, though, it seems like Gubler is content exploring the quieter side of life, focusing on his art, books, and a lifestyle that isn't constantly in the spotlight.
While he may be absent from the Criminal Minds revival, his impact on the show and his devoted fanbase remains undeniable.
His legacy as Dr. Spencer Reid will always be a part of TV history, but Gubler seems determined to follow his own creative path, no matter where it leads.
In the end, Matthew Gray Gubler is proof that you don't have to stick to one role or medium to find success. He's shown us that stepping back can sometimes mean moving forward in ways that are more fulfilling, even if it leaves fans wanting more.
Though Gubler’s future in acting remains uncertain, one thing is clear: he will continue to create, whether it’s through books, films, or other artistic ventures. Fans may have to wait and see if Dr. Reid ever makes a comeback, but until then, Gubler is living life on his own terms, and perhaps that’s the real success story.
