GALESBURG — Galesburg native David "Dieterich" Gray appeared on Wednesday's episode of "Criminal Minds," which aired at 9 p.m. on CBS.
The episode followed the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit as they investigated a home invasion and attempted murder in a small town in Virginia. Gray’s character was named Rick Sturgess.
"He’s a creepy bad guy. Viewers will be excited to see how this thriller mystery unfolds," Gray said on Wednesday night from Los Angeles.
The episode, titled "Full-Tilt Boogie," is 11 episodes into the show's 13th season.
Gray said he’s been in the "Criminal Minds" casting department a number of times, and this is the first time he’s landed a part — and a main role, at that. He auditioned in early November, got a callback a week later, and shot the episode in the last days of November.
"It was a total joy," he said of the experience. "Everyone is like a big family. They’ve been doing it so long that both the cast and the crew all know each other. … From the hospitality to kindness to accommodation to friendliness, it was really a joy. … They made every attempt to make me feel welcome."
Gray got the acting bug while performing with the Prairie Players Civic Theatre in Galesburg. He first appeared there at age 9 in a production of "South Pacific." He went on to perform in local shows including "How to Eat Fried Worms," "West Side Story," "Once Upon a Mattress," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and more.
Gray, now 40, attended Galesburg High School, Carl Sandburg College and Illinois State University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in acting. He worked as an actor for 10 years in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles, where he has lived for nearly five years. He’s also acted in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Gray has had roles on a number of other TV shows, including "Westworld," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "High & Mighty," "The New 30," "Fresh Off the Boat," "Uncle Buck," "American Horror Story" and more. He also has appeared in commercials for State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and others.
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Robyn Gautschy: (309) 343-7181, ext. 265; rgautschy@register-mail.com