Criminal Minds Stars Zach Gilford & Kiele Sanchez Split: Divorce Details
Cue the collective eye-roll: ‘Criminal Minds’ alum Zach Gilford has officially filed for divorce from long‑time partner Kiele Sanchez. Despite rarely staging public romances, the once‑steadfast duo quietly called it quits, filing paperwork on April 18, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court (TMZ). The declaration cites irreconcilable differences, which is Hollywood speak for “we just couldn’t make it work under studio lights.”
Gilford, best known for his breakout role on Friday Night Lights and recent turn in Paramount+’s Criminal Minds spinoff, and Sanchez, who stole scenes on Lost and most recently starred in TNT’s Animal Kingdom, tied the knot in January 2014. Their decade‑long marriage produced one daughter, now around four years old, who reportedly factors into the joint custody arrangement both parties are seeking (People). No major custody battle updates have surfaced, but expect negotiations to play out behind closed doors.
Sources close to the ex‑couple tell Us Weekly that the pair tried to “navigate career pressures and constant travel,” but ultimately decided separation was the lesser evil. A prenup? No public details yet, though insiders suggest Gilford’s attorney’s signature stamp was anything but romantic. Neither star has commented publicly, likely because any statement they’d issue would be curated, approved and possibly ghost‑written—hardly the raw drama TMZ thrives on.
It’s ironic: two veteran actors who built careers portraying intense emotional arcs couldn’t script a happy ending for their own love story. Social media hasn’t exactly exploded—fans of the show lament the breakup, but most seem more excited about what each will do next onscreen. Gilford wraps up filming on his upcoming indie thriller this summer, while Sanchez is eyeing a return to network drama. Expect their rebound projects to be leveraged as proof that life after divorce can lead to career comebacks.
Let’s not pretend this is earth‑shattering news; celebrity marriages come and go faster than streaming subscriptions these days. But if you’re keeping score, here are the facts: divorce filed April 18, citing irreconcilable differences, one minor child, both seeking joint custody, careers intact, social media mute—rinse and repeat. And yes, we’ll be watching to see who lands the next big gig (and guest stars on each other’s shows? Don’t hold your breath).
And that’s your daily dose of “real life is messier than prime time.” You’re welcome.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, People Magazine, Us Weekly
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
