Criminal Minds star Zach Gilford gave his fans a shocking health update as he uploaded a series of photos to his Instagram stories on Tuesday with a very swollen face.
The actor, 42 - who is also known for starring on Friday Night Lights - didn't reveal the cause for what appeared to be a reaction, but penned he has 'a little ways to go' in recovery.
The Midnight Mass star first shared a selfie that showed the left side of his face swollen, causing his left eye to fully close.
In text added towards the bottom of the picture, Gilford simply wrote to his followers, 'Sooooooo... yesterday was fun.'
Zach then included a second selfie to give a glimpse at his face that seemingly became more swollen as he donned a blue face mask.
He wrote in the caption at the bottom, 'Good thing we wrapped @criminalminds last week.'
Criminal Minds star Zach Gilford gave his fans a shocking health update as he uploaded a series of photos to his Instagram stories on Tuesday with a very swollen face
The actor, 42 - who is also known for starring on Friday Night Lights - didn't reveal the cause for what appeared to be a reaction, but penned he has 'a little ways to go' in recovery; seen in 2019 in LA
Lastly, Gilford shared a third selfie with his face less swollen and eyes not as puffy.
The actor sent gratitude to the doctors that have assisted on his treatment and penned, 'Thanks to all the nurses, doctors, and staff at @huntingtonhospital for coaxing my face back to normalcy.'
However, Zach explained that there was 'still a little ways to go' until he is completely back to normal.
The star recently concluded filming the third season of Criminal Minds: Evolution, where he portrays a prolific serial killer named Elias Voit.
He previously starred in the first and second season - although he initially was only set to appear in season one.
Earlier this year in August, Gilford explained to Us Weekly, 'I only signed a one-year deal. And part way through the first season, [showrunner] Erica Messer said to me, "I don't know what's going to happen."'
'"We haven't figured out the end of the season, but we've decided we're not going to kill you. We want to keep you around." So, I came back and was so happy to [do it].'
While reprising his role of Voit in the Criminal Minds revival - which began airing in 2022 - Zach also had the chance to step behind the camera to direct.
Zach then included a second selfie to give a glimpse at his face that seemingly became more swollen as he donned a blue face mask
The actor sent gratitude to the doctors that have assisted on his treatment and penned, 'Thanks to all the nurses, doctors, and staff at @huntingtonhospital for coaxing my face back to normalcy'
He stepped into the director's chair for the episode titled North Star - which aired earlier this year.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly in July, Gilford opened up about how the opportunity came to be.
'When they were negotiating my contract, I said, "Can I direct an episode?" So it worked out. It's something I've always wanted to do.'
He continued, 'I've shadowed on almost every show I've ever worked on, and it's hard to get that slot, especially on something like this where there's only 10 [episodes].'
'But they're very supportive of the cast directing. Half the episodes were directed by cast this season. It was so much fun.'
That same month, Zach jumped to his main Instagram page to share photos of himself as he took on the role of director while on set of Criminal Minds.
In the caption of the carousel of snaps, the actor wrote to his followers, 'Director mode activated #CriminalMinds.'
Gilford also worked alongside his wife, Kiele Sanchez, on the series - with the pair playing the role of a couple.
While reprising his role of Voit in the Criminal Minds revival - which began airing in 2022 - Zach also had the chance to step behind the camera to direct
In regards to filming tense scenes together, Zach explained to Us Weekly that it wasn't easy to do.
'It's actually harder. It's harder because I don't want to hold a gun to my wife's head… It just happened to be that the nature of these scenes were pretty gross.'
He added, 'Honestly, all those scenes are so f***ed up. I'll only speak for myself. Kiele can obviously speak for herself, but it felt gross [bringing those darker moments to life together].'
Gilford then explained that it wasn't his or Kiele's idea to have her take on a role in Criminal Minds.
'I was on my way to work and I said goodbye to Kiele. And she looked at her phone and said, "That's weird. I just got an offer to play your wife on Criminal Minds."'
'Then, [showrunner] Erica Messer told me, "We didn't want to put pressure on you or Kiele. We just wanted to make it very professional,"' he further recalled.
Zach is also known for starring in other television shows such as L.A.'s Finest, Midnight Mass (2021) and Fall Of The House Of Usher (2023).
The actor portrayed the character of Matt Saracen in Friday Night Lights - which aired from 2006 through 2011.
According to Deadline this month, a reboot of the beloved series will be shown on Peacock following a 'bidding war' among streaming sites.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly in July, Gilford opened up about how the opportunity came to be; seen in August
According to Deadline this month, a reboot of the beloved series will be shown on Peacock following a 'bidding war' among streaming sites
Universal Television will produce the series - which originally starred Gilford, Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Tyler Kitsch, Jesse Plemons, Aimee Teegarden, Gaius Charles and Minka Kelly.
Peter Berg - who notably helmed the television series when it first aired - is also set to be involved with the reboot.
The premise of the new series will took place after a 'devastating hurricane, when a rag tag high school football team and their damaged, interim coach make an unlikely bid for a Texas High School State Championship and become a beacon of light for their town,' per the outlet.
Cast details have yet to be revealed, but the project is currently in its development stages.