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Zach Gilford and Kiele Sanchez Initiate Divorce Proceedings After Decade-Long Marriage
Actor Zach Gilford, known for his roles in “Friday Night Lights” and “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” has filed for divorce from his wife and “Criminal Minds” co-star, Kiele Sanchez, ending their 12-year marriage. The celebrity couple’s separation comes as a surprise to many, as they have been seen together in both professional and personal settings.
Legal Filing Cites Irreconcilable Differences
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Gilford, 43, submitted the petition to dissolve their marriage on Friday, April 18. The filing reportedly indicates “irreconcilable differences” as the grounds for the dissolution. A date of separation was not specified in the legal paperwork.
Public Silence and Representatives’ Contacted
Neither Gilford, celebrated for his role in “Friday Night Lights,” nor Sanchez, 47, have publicly commented on their separation. Us Weekly has reportedly contacted representatives for both performers seeking statements regarding the matter.
Custody Arrangements for Children
The pair, who exchanged vows in 2012, are parents to two children: Zeppelin, aged 7, and Revel, aged 4. Court documents reveal that Gilford, recognized for his role in “Good Girls,” is requesting joint legal and physical custody of their children.
On-Screen Partners in “Criminal Minds: Evolution”
Interestingly, beyond their personal relationship, Gilford and Sanchez also portrayed a married couple on screen in “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” adding another layer to their public and professional lives.
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Challenges of Working Together as a Couple
In an interview with Us Weekly in August 2024, Gilford spoke about the unique challenges of acting alongside his then-wife. “It’s actually harder,” Gilford stated, elaborating on the discomfort of portraying intense scenes with Sanchez. He noted the disturbing nature of their scenes, expressing personal unease with “hold[ing] a gun to my wife’s head” in character. He further commented that the scenes were “gross” and “f***ed up,” speaking for himself while acknowledging Sanchez could have her own perspective.
Serendipitous Casting on “Criminal Minds”
Gilford also disclosed that their casting in “Criminal Minds” was not initially planned as a joint venture. He recounted a moment where Sanchez received an offer to play his wife on the show while he was already involved. According to Gilford, showrunner Erica Messer explained that they intentionally avoided pressuring either actor and aimed for a “professional” approach to the casting process.
Prior Collaborations and Professional Dynamics
“I think they were like, ‘Well, if Zach’s doing this then the only way we’ll get an actress of Kiele’s caliber to play this part is because she’s married to him. And it’ll be like a homie hookup.’ Once they got Kiele, they definitely leaned into it and they’re like, ‘Well, we have this actress so let’s write to her,’” he elaborated on the casting decision.
“Criminal Minds” was not their first time sharing the screen. Their professional relationship began after they met on the set of a television pilot, “The Matadors,” in 2010. Subsequently, they collaborated on projects such as “Kingdom” and “The Purge: Anarchy.” Sanchez also contributed as a co-writer for an episode of “The Fall of the House of Usher,” which starred Gilford.
Navigating Marriage and Professional Partnerships
Reflecting on working with Sanchez, Gilford told Us, “We’ve worked together several times and in very different situations. But there’s a theme on set when you are coworkers but also a married couple. It’s kind of trying to walk that tightrope. There’s times where I want to [support her]. Like, if she’s having a discussion [with a director or a writer], I want to be like, ‘Yeah, Kiele is right!’ But that’s not my place. Kiele can talk for herself — she’s a very strong woman.”