Zach Gilford Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Height, Net Worth, Divorce, Movies & TV Shows

Zachary Michael Gilford is famously known as Zach Gilford is a versatile American actor renowned for his compelling performances in television and film, most notably as Matt Saracen in the critically acclaimed NBC drama series Friday Night Lights.

His ability to portray complex, relatable characters across genres, from sports dramas to horror, has established him as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Profile

• Full Name: Zachary Michael Gilford
• Stage Name: Zach Gilford
• Born: January 14, 1982
• Age: 43 years old
• Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
• Parents: Steve Gilford and Anne Gilford
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Kiele Sanchez (M. 2012-2025)
• Children: Zeppelin Adele Gilford
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $1.5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Zach Gilford was born on January 14, 1982, in Evanston, Illinois, to his parents, Steve Gilford, of Jewish descent, and Anne Gilford, of Lutheran descent.

Raised in a supportive household, he developed an early interest in the arts, though his path to acting was not immediate.

He graduated in 2000 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Northwestern University.

During his college years, Gilford worked as a trip leader for Adventures Cross-Country, guiding teenagers on wilderness adventures in Alaska, Hawaii, and the South Pacific.

He also served as a staff member at YMCA Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan, honing his leadership skills and love for the outdoors.

His diverse experiences and education laid a strong foundation for his acting journey.

Career

Zach Gilford launched his acting career in 2003 with a role in the short film Handbook to Casual Stalking.

His breakthrough came in 2005 with a guest appearance on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, followed by his iconic role as Matt Saracen, the earnest quarterback in Friday Night Lights (2006–2011).

As a main cast member in seasons 1–3 and recurring in seasons 4–5, he earned widespread praise for his authentic portrayal.

In 2006, he made his feature film debut in The Last Winter, showcasing his versatility.

Gilford’s film roles include Post Grad (2009) with Alexis Bledel, Dare (2009) opposite Emmy Rossum, The River Why (2010) with Amber Heard, and The Purge: Anarchy (2014), where he starred alongside his then-wife, Kiele Sanchez.

His television work includes leading roles in short-lived series like Off the Map (2011), The Mob Doctor (2012–2013), and The Family (2016).

He gained further acclaim for his performances in horror projects, including Midnight Mass (2021) as Riley Flynn, The Midnight Club (2022), and The Fall of the House of Usher (2023).

Since 2022, Gilford has portrayed Elias Voit in Criminal Minds: Evolution, with his ex-wife Kiele Sanchez playing his on-screen wife.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @zachgilford
• Twitter Handle: @zach_gilford

Personal Life

Zach Gilford, 43, met actress Kiele Sanchez in 2010 on the set of the TV pilot The Matadors.

The couple became engaged in November 2011 and married on December 29, 2012.

They welcomed their daughter, Zeppelin Adele Gilford, via surrogacy in November 2017, and have a son, born in November 2015, though his name remains private.

Tragically, they suffered a late-term miscarriage in October 2015.

Gilford and Sanchez also co-starred in The Purge: Anarchy (2014).

In April 2025, Gilford filed for divorce, ending their 12-year marriage.

Despite their separation, they maintain a professional relationship, notably in Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Gilford is passionate about environmental causes and children’s education, often supporting related charities discreetly.

Selected Filmography

• The Last Winter (2006) – Maxwell McKinder
• Rise: Blood Hunter (2007) – Sailor (cameo)
• Post Grad (2009) – Adam Davies
• Dare (2009) – Johnny Drake
• The River Why (2010) – Gus Orviston
• Super (2010) – Jerry (cameo)
• Answers to Nothing (2011) – Evan
• In Our Nature (2012) – Seth
• The Last Stand (2013) – Jerry Bailey
• Crazy Kind of Love (2013) – Matthew Iris
• Devil’s Due (2014) – Zach McCall
• The Purge: Anarchy (2014) – Shane
• Boy Genius (2019) – Gordon
• There’s Something Wrong with the Children (2023) – Ben
• A.I. Heart U (TBA) – Hayden

Selected Television

• Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2005, 2019) – Kevin Wilcox, James Miller
• Friday Night Lights (2006–2011) – Matt Saracen
• Grey’s Anatomy (2009) – Charlie Lowell
• Off the Map (2011) – Dr. Tommy Fuller
• The Mob Doctor (2012–2013) – Dr. Brett Robinson
• Drunk History (2014–2019) – Various Roles
• The Family (2016) – Danny Warren
• Lifeline (2017) – Conner Hooks
• Good Girls (2018–2021) – Gregg
• L.A.’s Finest (2019–2020) – Ben Walker
• Midnight Mass (2021) – Riley Flynn
• The Midnight Club (2022) – Mark
• Criminal Minds: Evolution (2022–present) – Elias Voit
• The Fall of the House of Usher (2023) – Young Roderick Usher

Music Videos

• Taylor Swift’s “Ours” (2011) – Love Interest

Net Worth

Zach Gilford has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million USD.

His wealth is primarily derived from his acting career, with significant earnings from roles in Friday Night Lights, Midnight Mass, and Criminal Minds: Evolution.

Additional income comes from guest appearances, film roles, and music video features, such as Taylor Swift’s “Ours.”

His consistent work in television and film continues to bolster his financial standing.