If you’re anything like the millions of people who spent fifteen years watching a lanky, socially awkward genius solve the most depraved crimes in America, you probably still think of Matthew Gray Gubler as the "kid" of the BAU. But time doesn't stand still, even for Dr. Spencer Reid.
So, how old is Matthew Gray Gubler?
As of right now, in early 2026, Matthew Gray Gubler is 45 years old. He will be turning 46 on March 9, 2026.
It’s a bit of a trip, right? For a guy who basically looks like he found the Fountain of Youth tucked away in a Las Vegas library, hitting the mid-forties feels almost impossible. But he’s been in the public eye since his early twenties, and that math adds up whether we want it to or not.
The Timeline of "The Gube"
Honestly, Matthew’s age is one of those things that surprises people because he’s always had this chaotic, youthful energy. He was born on March 9, 1980, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Think about that for a second.
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When Criminal Minds premiered in 2005, he was just 25 years old. He spent a decade and a half on that show, literally growing up on screen. By the time the original series wrapped in 2020, he was 40. Now, six years later, he’s entering what many fans are calling his "Silver Fox" era—though his hair usually stays that signature messy brown.
Why Everyone Is Googling Him in 2026
You've probably noticed his name popping up more lately. It’s not just about the birthday.
2026 is actually a massive year for him. After years of fans begging him to come back to the Criminal Minds: Evolution reboot, he finally made a highly-anticipated cameo last year that set the internet on fire. But the real reason people are checking his age is his new lead role.
He’s starring in the CBS series Einstein, playing the great-grandson of Albert Einstein. It was supposed to drop sooner, but it got pushed to the 2026-2027 season. People are curious if he can still pull off that "young, frantic genius" vibe now that he’s 45.
Spoiler alert: he totally can.
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Life has been pretty kind to him. Maybe it’s the lack of a traditional Hollywood lifestyle or the fact that he spends his time drawing ghosts and writing children's books like Rumple Buttercup.
He’s always lived a bit off the beaten path.
He lives between Los Angeles, New York, and his hometown of Vegas. He’s a filmmaker by trade—he actually went to NYU's Tisch School of the Arts for directing, not acting. He only ended up as Intern #1 in Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou because he was literally an intern for Wes at the time.
That quirky, "accidental actor" energy keeps him feeling younger than your average 45-year-old leading man.
A Quick Reality Check on the Numbers:
- Birth Date: March 9, 1980
- Age as of January 2026: 45
- Upcoming Birthday: 46 (March 9, 2026)
- Height: 6'1" (He’s taller than he looks on TV, trust me)
- Birthplace: Las Vegas, NV
What He’s Up to Now
Aside from the new Einstein show, Matthew has been leaning heavily into his art. If you follow him on social media, you know it’s a fever dream of watercolors and spooky illustrations.
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He’s also been in the news lately for his personal life. He’s famously private, but he’s been spotted recently with singer Willow Avalon. Seeing him out and about at concerts in London or dinners in NYC reminds everyone that while he’ll always be Spencer Reid to us, he’s very much a grown man with his own life outside the BAU.
It's also worth noting that he’s become a bit of a literary icon. His books have hit the New York Times bestseller list. He isn't just "the guy from that cop show" anymore. He’s a legitimate multi-hyphenate artist who happens to be 45 and thriving.
Is He Returning to Criminal Minds Permanently?
This is the question that haunts every Reddit thread.
Look, now that he’s 45, his schedule is packed. Between Einstein and his book tours, a full-time return to Evolution as a series regular seems unlikely in 2026. However, the door is never closed. Showrunner Erica Messer has said a thousand times that there’s always a seat for him at the table.
Basically, we might get more cameos, but don't expect him to be in every episode while he’s busy playing a descendant of the world's most famous physicist.
Things to Do if You're a Fan in 2026:
- Watch for the Einstein Premiere: Keep an eye on CBS for the official 2026-2027 schedule.
- Check out his books: If you haven't read The Little Kid with the Big Green Hand, you’re missing out on some pure wholesome content.
- Follow his art site: He still occasionally drops weird, beautiful prints that sell out in minutes.
- Revisit the Classics: Go back and watch "Mosley Lane" or "Mr. Scratch"—episodes he directed that prove he’s a genius behind the camera, too.
Ultimately, Matthew Gray Gubler being 45 just means he has more experience, more stories, and hopefully, more weird projects for us to obsess over. He’s officially moved past the "child prodigy" phase of his career and into something much more interesting.
The best thing you can do right now is set a calendar alert for March 9 to wish the Gube a happy 46th. And if you're waiting for Einstein, maybe go back and re-watch his 12 directed episodes of Criminal Minds to see just how much his style has evolved over the decades.