0
0
Although the two properties couldn’t be any more different, one Criminal Minds actor played a pivotal role in the Alvin and the Chipmunks film franchise. Known for its extremely dark subject matter and unflinching look inside the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, Criminal Minds set itself apart from other police procedurals because of its gripping plots and cinematic quality. With over 15 years on the air, Criminal Minds has continued to up the ante of the procedural genre, and many of the actors that star in the show have extensive resumes that stretch far beyond television.
Conversely, the Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise has been a family favorite since the characters first debuted on novelty records in 1958. It wasn’t long before the voices of the chipmunk band were brought to life in animation, and by the year 2007, the lovable rodents were beloved pop culture icons. Though 2007’s Alvin and the Chipmunks was not a critical success, it was a strong Hollywood debut for the characters and launched a film franchise. With Criminal Minds first airing in 2005, one of its prominent cast members lent their voice to a familiar chipmunk.
Matthew Gray Gubler Played Simon In Alvin And The Chipmunks
Though he is most remembered for his turn as Spencer Reid in the first 15 seasons of Criminal Minds, Matthew Gray Gubler also played Simon in Alvin and the Chipmunks. Spencer Reid’s absence in season 2 of Criminal Minds: Evolution showed just how pivotal the character was to the show, and there were striking similarities between the parts Gubler played in both the show and the children’s film. Reid is characterized by his striking intelligence but poor social skills, and he acts essentially as the brains of the operation who can usually outthink the criminals he is hunting.
Similarly, the chipmunk Simon Seville is just as intelligent and usually has to help his brothers by being the voice of reason in the group. Every bit the typical egghead character, Simon’s high IQ puts him at odds with his brothers’ poorly devised schemes. Flexing his muscles as a vocal performer, Gray Gubler was perfectly cast to play the iconic chipmunk, and though he played off of the existing characteristics of Simon, he brought a sarcastic edge as well. Alvin and the Chipmunks modernized the characters, and Matthew Gray Gubler made Simon his very own.
Simon Was Gray Gubler’s Dream Role
Matthew Gray Gubler’s role in Alvin and the Chipmunks was so much more than just a paycheck for the unique character actor, and his casting as Simon was a dream come true. When speaking with Page Six, Gray Gubler revealed that it had always been a dream to play the nerdy chipmunk, stating “Actors talk about dreaming of playing Othello, but for me, it’s Simon”. Although his Alvin and the Chipmunks role didn’t garner him as much attention as his iconic part on Criminal Minds, it held a very special place in Matthew Gray Gubler’s eclectic filmography.
Source: Page Six
The post This Criminal Minds Actor Starred In Alvin And The Chipmunks appeared first on Biz grows.
