Actor Alan Ritchson, star of Amazon Prime’s hit series “Reacher,” has publicly criticized his former high school classmate and ex-U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz in a wide-ranging interview with GQ Magazine. He revealed a contentious relationship stemming from their shared past in Niceville, Florida.
In the candid interview, Ritchson expressed his feelings about Gaetz in stark terms, stating “that (expletive) and declaring, “We are adversaries.” The actor emphasized that his opposition to Gaetz stems from deep-seated concerns about his former classmate’s conduct and character, describing him as “not a good dude.”
The two men attended Niceville High School in Florida’s panhandle region during the late 1990s, with Gaetz graduating one year ahead of Ritchson. Their paths diverged significantly after high school, with Ritchson pursuing an acting career while Gaetz entered politics. The shared educational background has become a contention as Ritchson publicly distances himself from his former classmate.
Ritchson expressed concern about the continued political support for Gaetz in their home region, specifically Florida’s 1st District, where voters consistently supported Gaetz despite mounting controversies. These controversies included allegations of paying for sex with a 17-year-old and accepting improper gifts, which ultimately led Gaetz to withdraw his name from consideration for a position in President Donald Trump’s cabinet as attorney general.
The actor revealed that his frustration with Gaetz’s political career had led him to consider entering politics, specifically to “outdo somebody like him for good.” However, Ritchson ultimately concluded he might not be “duplicitous enough to succeed in politics.” In the same interview, he praised Senator Bernie Sanders as a “hero” while questioning the effectiveness of well-intentioned politicians in achieving meaningful change.
Gaetz’s political career took a significant turn when he resigned from Congress in 2024 following the release of what sources describe as a “highly damaging” report from the House Ethics Committee. The report accused him of regularly paying for sex and meeting women through a “sugar dating” website. Additionally, the investigation revealed evidence of illicit drug use and the acceptance of improper gifts during his time in office.
Despite these setbacks, Gaetz has recently announced his intention to run for governor of Florida in 2026. Meanwhile, Ritchson continues to succeed in his acting career, particularly with his starring role in “Reacher,” which has garnered significant critical acclaim. The show’s third season has achieved a 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, improving upon its previous seasons’ ratings.
The GQ interview delved into more than just Ritchson’s views on Gaetz—it also touched on his career and personal beliefs. He acknowledged that some Christian viewers have taken issue with certain intimate scenes in “Reacher,” questioning whether they align with his faith. As someone who considers himself deeply religious, Ritchson clarified that he doesn’t see his work as a problem, saying he’s not worried about how it will be judged in the grand scheme.
The show’s creators have consistently praised Ritchson’s dedication to his role and strong work ethic, particularly noting his commitment to maintaining the physical standards required for portraying Jack Reacher. His performance has helped establish “Reacher” as one of Amazon Prime’s most successful series, with the show receiving widespread acclaim for its faithful adaptation of Lee Child’s popular book series.
