Who Did Zach Gilford Play in Grey’s Anatomy & What Else to Watch With Him
We bet you missed his cameo.
While Grey's Anatomy became so popular in the early 2000s because of its strong cast and great dramatic writing, over the years the show has also become known for its number of famous guest stars and unexpected cameos.
At this point, it feels like everyone and their mother has been to a Grey's Anatomy hospital bed — and if they haven't, the show's casting directors have! Zach Gilford, best known for his roles as Matt Saracen on NBC's Friday Night Lights and Young Roderick Usher in The Fall of the House of Usher, is no exception. Here's all you need to know about his cameo.
Who Was Zach Gilford on Grey’s Anatomy?
Zach Gilford made his appearance during the episode titled Here's to Future Days (S5E23), which was the 101st episode of the show. He portrayed US Army Lieutenant Charlie Lowell, who served in Iraq, but returned due to the mysterious pain in his leg that no doctor can get a hold of.
Throughout the episode, he was under the care of Dr. Owen Hunt, Dr. Callie Torres, and Dr. George O'Malley. The idiopathic pain has not gone away, but the team cannot find a cause for it, no matter what tests they run. At the end of the day, Charlie requests a below-the-knee amputation that will allow him to return to duty.
Although the leg is apparently healthy, and Dr. Torres has her doubts about performing the surgery, she ultimately agrees to do it. Zach Gilford's character arc ends in the same episode that it began.
Where Did Zach Gilford Star?
If you're wondering where else you might see the actor, he's made quite a few TV appearances over the years, so you might remember him from an episodic or supporting role in some of your favorite TV shows.
For example, Gilford starred as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 's episode Contagious (S6E11) as Kevin Wilcox in 2005, and The Burden of Our Choices (S21E04) as James Miller in 2019. He has also appeared on Kingdom, Lifeline, Good Girls and This Close.
Beginning in 2022, the actor portrays Elias Voit in Criminal Minds: Evolution, in which he was promoted from a recurring role to a series regular in season 17. To check out his character on the iconic procedural, you can stream Criminal Minds: Evolution on Paramount Plus.