Zach Gilford, known for his roles in TV series like “Friday Night Lights” and “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” has reportedly filed for divorce from his wife, Kiele Sanchez, after 12 years of marriage. The news of their separation surfaced after legal documents obtained by TMZ revealed that Gilford, aged 43, cited “irreconcilable differences” as the grounds for their split. The couple shares two children together, Zeppelin, 7, and Revel, 4, and Gilford has sought joint custody of them while also agreeing to provide spousal support to Sanchez.
Representatives for both Gilford and Sanchez have not yet responded to requests for comments following this recent development in their relationship. The couple first got engaged in December 2011 and subsequently tied the knot in 2012. They have since appeared together in projects like the 2014 film “The Purge: Anarchy” and more recently in “Criminal Minds: Evolution,” where Sanchez portrayed Gilford’s on-screen wife.
Despite maintaining a level of privacy around their personal lives, Gilford occasionally offered glimpses of their relationship, both on and off-screen, on his Instagram account. In one post, he shared a selfie with Sanchez, along with the actors who played their on-screen children, captioning it as “Fun times with my fake family (real wife, fake kids).” The couple also celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary with a trip, which Gilford documented on social media, expressing gratitude to Sanchez for their years together.
Their journey towards parenthood was not without challenges, as they announced a miscarriage in 2015. However, the couple eventually welcomed their first child, Zeppelin Adele Gilford, in November 2017 via a surrogate. Gilford has previously spoken candidly about his admiration for Sanchez as a mother, highlighting her maternal instincts and the profound love she has for their children. The actor has described her as someone who has taught him about love and protection, especially in the context of their expanding family.
Gilford’s decision to seek divorce from Sanchez after over a decade of marriage has come as a surprise to many fans, given their seemingly strong bond and shared experiences, both personally and professionally. As they navigate this new chapter in their lives, supporters of the couple are left wondering about the reasons behind their separation and the impact it may have on their children.
The news of Gilford and Sanchez parting ways serves as a reminder of the complexities that can exist within relationships, even those that appear solid from the outside. While details surrounding their divorce continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how the former couple will move forward individually and co-parent their children. As fans process this latest development, the focus remains on supporting Gilford and Sanchez during this undoubtedly challenging time in their lives.
The couple’s journey from co-stars to partners in both marriage and parenting has captivated audiences over the years, making their separation all the more poignant for those who have followed their story. As they embark on separate paths, Gilford and Sanchez carry with them the memories of their time together, shaping the future of their family in ways only time will reveal.