Zach Gilford is eager for a reunion with his former Friday Night Lights co-star and close friend Jesse Plemons. Talking to Entertainment Weekly about his directorial debut on this week's Criminal Minds: Evolution episode, where he calls the shots behind the camera, Gilford reveals their mutual interest in collaborating again. Reflecting on a past attempt to develop a project together, he admits their busy schedules got in the way, but both actors remain enthusiastic about the idea. Gilford praises Plemons as a talented actor, emphasizing their strong friendship and expressing admiration for Plemons' recent successes.
The bond between Gilford and Plemons dates back to their roles on Friday Night Lights, the beloved NBC drama centered around the Dillon Panthers football team in Texas, led by Kyle Chandler's Coach Eric Taylor. Spanning five seasons from 2006 to 2011, the show also featured Connie Britton, Minka Kelly, Scott Porter, Aimee Teegarden, and Taylor Kitsch. Gilford, who portrayed quarterback Matt Saracen, fondly recalls the camaraderie on set, highlighting the improvisational nature of their scenes with Plemons' character, Landry Clarke.
Despite gaining recognition for his role as Matt Saracen, Gilford has diversified his career with roles in Midnight Mass, Good Girls, and The Fall of the House of Usher. He acknowledges the enduring impact of Friday Night Lights on his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play such an iconic character. Embracing his current role as Elias Voit, the villain in Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount+, Gilford relishes the chance to explore his comedic side within the confines of a typically dark narrative. He describes Voit as a menacing character who also provides comic relief, a departure from his previous roles.
Gilford reflects on his experience transitioning into comedy within the Criminal Minds universe, noting the positive reception to his comedic timing. He enjoys the creative challenges posed by his role, particularly in the context of the show's evolution from traditional television to streaming platforms. With a new episode directed by Gilford airing soon, he looks forward to showcasing his directorial skills and contributing to the series' ongoing success on Paramount+.
In summary, Zach Gilford remains deeply connected to his roots in Friday Night Lights while embracing new opportunities in his career. His collaboration with Jesse Plemons is a testament to their enduring friendship and mutual respect as actors. As he continues to explore different genres and characters, Gilford's dedication to his craft shines through in both his acting and directorial roles, ensuring his presence in the entertainment industry remains impactful and versatile.
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