It’s Matthew Gray Gubler’s birthday! From acting and directing to writing his first book Rumple Buttercup nearly two years ago, wearing mismatched socks and sharing his backpack full of gourds with the internet, it’s safe to say that Gubler is a one-of-a-kind human being. Read on for some of our favorite on-screen projects!
Suburban Gothic
If you looked up chaotic in the dictionary, you would see a photo of Suburban Gothic. Gubler plays Raymond, a guy who has just finished school to get his MBA, but his attitude lands him in trouble when he can’t find work. Upon his arrival home, he finds that a vengeful spirit is terrorizing his family. He may be unemployed but at least he can communicate with the dead, right? Gubler’s ability to act in projects that he can really let a different side of himself shine in is highlighted in Suburban Gothic with its slapstick humor and dark comedy. Also the jukebox dance scene? Comedic genius. And, you know, you can never go wrong with the incomparable Kat Dennings!
Suburban Gothic is available to watch on Hulu, Tubi, Prime Video, and YouTube.
Dollface
Speaking of Dennings, Gubler guest starred on Hulu’s Dollface, in which Dennings plays the main character, Jules. Gubler was around for three episodes playing the sweet veterinarian Wes. He first meets Jules in the dog park and when Jules has complications with her cat who unfortunately swallowed some … non cat-friendly items, she gives him a call. The duo’s dynamic resonates on screen, especially when you’re left rooting for something to come out of Wes and Jules’ friendship until it unfortunately doesn’t.
Season 1 of Dollface is available to stream on Hulu.
Beginner’s Luck
If you’re a big fan of Gubler, then you probably have seen the short film Beginner’s Luck by now. If you haven’t, you’re in for a real treat. In the mockumentary style video, Gubler plays Franklin, an undefeated bowling champion part of the Big Z Tires. Franklin is basically the glue that keeps the whole engine running. In the wise words of Pamela (Ego Nwodim), “He’s freaky but he’s good.” If you are a fan of The Office, then you’ll more than likely enjoy it. In lieu of spoilers for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of viewing it yet, trust me, it’s worth it (you’ll know what I mean when you see it).
Beginner’s Luck is available to stream on Vimeo and YouTube.
Criminal Minds
It would be extremely challenging to talk about Gubler and not mention arguably his most iconic role as Dr. Spencer Reid. Reid is a member of the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI on the procedural crime show who has an eidetic memory, an IQ of 187, and the ability to read 20,000 words a minute. While Reid was a completely lovable character on his own from the very beginning, Gubler’s respect for the character helped him reach new depths that aided in the constant development of Reid’s story.
Criminal Minds is available to stream in its entirety on Paramount+.
Band of Robbers
Band of Robbers reimagines the story of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, bringing it into the modern light. Lifelong friends, the two will do anything — and I do mean anything — to find the treasure that has eluded them since they were children. Gubler portrays Joe Harper who is more of an enigmatic character, but he’s completely loyal to his friends and their cause. The beauty of the film is that despite the recognizable faces all throughout, it doesn’t take itself too seriously (I mean just take a look at Joe’s wardrobe). It’s certainly a creative approach to Mark Twain’s original story and one of my personal favorites.
Band of Robbers is available to stream on Tubi and Peacock.
Hot Air (2016)
Gubler plays Lesley, who returns home to attend his biological father’s funeral, a man that he never knew. But he meets Major (who is really his father who faked his death) who pretends to have been best friends with his dad. Major chooses to stick around and help out Lesley while also being on the run from law enforcement. Hot Air, while still exuding the essence of a comedy, is something different that fans don’t see a lot in his other work. The film has a message that it wants to share and boy does it pay off. If you haven’t had the chance to watch it yet, this is one I recommend you definitely do.
Matthew Gray Gubler: The Unauthorized Documentary
This counts, right? Last year, Gubler resurrected his popular YouTube video series where he performed skits on the set of Criminal Minds. He mostly made fun of the stereotypical Hollywood actor behavior and even takes jabs at himself and his own career. With how crazy the world was last year and Criminal Minds taking a final bow, it was the perfect way to still see some of the cast, including Daniel Henney and the beloved Aubrey Plaza, and get a few laughs in the process. Plus, we can’t forget about the incredibly hilarious one-liners that were produced: “That’s not an earthquake, that’s me, Gube.”
Matthew Gray Gubler: The Unauthorized Documentary is available to watch on Gubler’s YouTube channel.
Happy birthday, Matthew! Thank you for not only being a living example of what you preach, but reminding everyone of the importance of being yourself. We can’t wait to see what projects you have in store next. In the meantime, check out our other content pertaining to Gubler here.
