Zach Gilford, known for his role in “Friday Night Lights,” has filed for divorce from actress Kiele Sanchez after 12 years of marriage. The married couple of just over a decade—having wed in 2012—cited “irreconcilable differences” in their court documents for their divorce. The filing on April 18 had been a dramatic turn in their decades-long partnership.
At 43, Gilford is no stranger to receiving praise for his achievements in the arts. He’s just as committed to making sure he cultivates a good home life. Sanchez, 47, has made an impact in politics, though her future in congress is uncertain. She’s achieved groundbreaking success in Hollywood as well. Together, they have two children: Zeppelin, aged 7, and Revel, aged 4. The adults are equally charming as the couple exuberantly welcomed Zeppelin via surrogate in November 2017. This stunning outcome was preceded by the devastation of experiencing a stillbirth in Sanchez’s third trimester.
Gilford is seeking joint legal and physical custody of their children. This is an incredible testament to their deep commitment to remain constantly engaged in their children’s lives, notwithstanding the pending divorce. Further, he is asking for Sanchez’s spousal support, showing an ongoing financial dedication to their shared familial obligation even while raising Sanchez’s and his own growing family.
The couple’s strong partnership has been publicly visible through their shared professional endeavors. They starred together in the 2014 film “The Purge: Anarchy,” which helped solidify their bond both on and off the screen. As they marked their tenth wedding anniversary in 2022, a love story of mutual support and shared purpose illustrated a history of shared vision and partnership.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilford began broadcasting short snippets of their at-home family life on Instagram. In the process, they highlight scarce time with their children and highlight noteworthy family occasions. The couple’s surprise announcement that they’ll be separating implies that behind the scenes, strife has darkened times of delight and family togetherness.