If you are reading this article, you are no stranger to the phenomenon that is Matthew Gray Gubler. You may remember when you first laid your eyes on Dr. Spencer Reid, who Gubler has portrayed for almost twelve years on the hit crime drama, "Criminal Minds." Yet, behind the scenes of the genius and awkward Spencer Reid, is one of the most lovable, quirky and creative off-beat actors in Hollywood––the wondrous and mysterious Matthew Gray Gubler. What makes him so special and dare I say, magical, you ask?
1. He didn't even plan on acting.
Matthew didn't go to school in New York to catch his big break and get cast in a film or a television show. When he attended Tisch at NYU, he was studying to become a director, not an actor. In fact, when he auditioned for "Criminal Minds," it was his first audition ever, and they told him he was completely wrong for the part of Spencer Reid. Yet, he was just too good for them not to cast him in the role. He was talented and he didn't even know it. He did go on to direct about eight episodes and counting of the show he also acts on though, so, that directing thing did work out.
2. He can work a runway.
His good looks (which he won't admit to), caught the attention of a model scout while he was just chilling on the streets of New York City. Before he knew it, he was working for a model agency, modeling the fashions of top designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton. Matthew modestly says he was only successful because the standard was so low for models at that time, but I think this looks like a pretty high standard.
3. He's an artist.
From drawing to painting, to his own original cartoon characters, Gubler is obsessed with art. They are mostly oil, watercolor or pastel works, and are completely individual and unique. Most recently, he decided to draw on a napkin with a banana-scented marker––he makes art everywhere and anywhere. A lot of his works are in art galleries and sell for a pretty penny.
4. He overcame bullying.
Sometimes when you are so unapologetically yourself, other people have a problem with it. Matthew has been very outspoken about being bullied when he was younger, but says that he is thankful for every single person that has ever made fun of him. He says it made him stay even truer to himself, and taught him a beautiful lesson. Okay, so he explains it graciously. But, who's on a popular television show now, bullies? The answer is Gubler.
5. He shattered his knee-- dancing.
A video blog from the "500 Days of Summer" cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, documents a guy's night out. After going to every bar around, Matthew and his friends decided to hit the dance floor, vigorously. It was in the midst of a creative and wild dance move when Gubler shattered his knee, and got rushed to the hospital. This man went so hard when he danced, that he had to go through multiple surgeries to repair the chipped bone and cartilage. Always give the dance floor your all, ladies and gentlemen.
6. His hair has a mind of its own.
Throughout 11 seasons of "Criminal Minds," Matthew's hair has gone from slicked back, to short, to medium length, to obnoxiously long, to especially short––and back again. He must have made a deal with the devil, because he literally manages to look majestic with every single hairstyle. It's not like it distracts from the plot of the intense crime drama or anything, not at all (I need to know Reid's season 12 hairstyle now).
7. He writes really inspiring things.
Apparently Matthew loves bringing joy to our universe, which is why his little writings can be found circulating around social media. He wrote a long list of reasons to stay alive, which include "a hot cup of tea," and "there are 7 billion people you haven't met yet." Then, there's his heartwarming description of his idea of the perfect woman, which basically encompasses all different kind of women, as long as they like sandwiches shaped like a heart.
8. His wardrobe his unique.
His artwork isn't the only thing that he creates. He designs his own shirts, which feature his quirky sketches of pumpkin creatures and little cartoon critters. Matthew believes in owning a wide variety of kimonos, and he never wears matching socks. He also has no problem wearing an alien pajama shirt in the daytime, or a woman's button-up shirt with pride.
9. He loves to make people laugh.
He took the time to put together "Matthew Gray Gubler: The Unauthorized Documentary," which portrays him as a conceited, spoiled and shallow actor who is incredibly impressed with himself. This short series shows Gubler wreaking havoc on the set, giving acting lessons to the guest stars, throwing a fit at craft services for not having his cheese and hitting on every woman on the set. He doesn't take himself too seriously, and enjoys the humor of being a "celebrity."
10. He is a Disney fanatic.
He credits Walt Disney with teaching him everything that he knows, and can't contain his love for "The Little Mermaid." He knows he can't sing, but certainly does not shy away from belting out every lyric to "Part of Your World" without fail. He is a magical human who loves his Disney magic.
11. He loves Halloween.
Fall is a super popular season for all my fellow basics out there, but Matthew lives for the season because of all things Halloween. He loves Edgar Allen Poe, pumpkins, costumes, candy corn and anything that has to do with the spirit of October. Spencer Reid is always equally as thrilled about Halloween on "Criminal Minds," and it is definitely not a coincidence. Gubler is like the real life Jack Skellington.
12. He is a magician.
When he was only six years old, his parents hired a magic tutor to teach him some tricks, and he performed as a magician in Las Vegas while growing up. He still does magic tricks today and lives for playing pranks on his fellow cast members.
Whether I have convinced you to believe that Matthew Gray Gubler is some wonderful, magical, incredible freak of nature or not, you have to admit, The Gube is pretty great.
By the way, don't forget his glamour shots.
