If you spent any part of the last decade sobbing over the sweeping landscapes of Prince Edward Island, you know him. You know the smirk, the curly hair, and that "Carrots" incident. Lucas Jade Zumann, the actor who breathed life into Gilbert Blythe for three seasons of Anne with an E, became an overnight sensation for a generation of fans. But while the show’s cancellation in 2019 left a gaping hole in the hearts of "Shirbert" shippers everywhere, the man behind Gilbert has been living a life that looks nothing like a Hollywood red carpet.
Honestly, it’s rare to see a young star just... vanish. Most actors in his position would have jumped straight into a Marvel franchise or a CW teen drama. Instead, Zumann took a sharp left turn.
The Chicago Native Who Didn't Want to Be a "Star"
Lucas wasn't some LA-bred industry plant. He’s a Chicago kid, born in 2000, who grew up in the Rogers Park neighborhood. He actually started out in local theater, landing a spot in a production of Oliver! back in 2012. It’s funny looking back at his early credits—he had a tiny role as "Punk #2" in the Wachowskis' Sense8 and played a creepy kid in Sinister 2.
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But the real shift happened with 20th Century Women. Working alongside Annette Bening and Greta Gerwig isn't just a gig; it's a masterclass. Bening actually gave him some of the best advice he’s ever received: spend as much time off-set as you do on-set. She told him he needed a real life to draw from if he wanted to be a good actor.
It seems he took that advice literally.
Why the Gilbert Blythe Anne with an E Actor is Different
When he landed the role of Gilbert Blythe, fans were skeptical. Jonathan Crombie’s 1985 performance was legendary. How do you top that? Zumann didn't try to copy him. He brought this soulful, slightly modern edge to the character. His Gilbert wasn't just a love interest; he was a grieving son, a budding doctor, and a kid trying to find his own way in a world that expected him to just be a farmhand.
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But even as the show blew up on Netflix, Zumann felt a pull toward something else. He wasn't chasing the "next big thing." While his co-star Amybeth McNulty moved on to massive projects like Stranger Things, Lucas started focusing on his own passions. We're talking about a guy who:
- Built his own sustainable tiny home.
- Got his private pilot's license (he’s an instrument-rated pilot).
- Practices meditation religiously (he’s been doing it since he was five).
- Dives deep into biodynamic farming and plant medicine.
Basically, he’s more like the real Gilbert Blythe than we realized—a guy who values the land and a quiet, meaningful life over the noise of the city.
Where is Lucas Jade Zumann in 2026?
People keep asking if he’s retired. He isn't, but he's incredibly picky. In 2025, he appeared in the film No Address, a project about homelessness that clearly aligned with his personal values regarding affordable housing and social equity. He’s always said his goal wasn't to make a profit from his art. He once mentioned in an interview with Interview Magazine that he’d love to be a spiritual healer or meditation guide, using acting as a way to fund his ability to help people for free.
There's also been plenty of internet "tea" about his relationship with the Anne with an E cast. You've probably seen the Reddit threads claiming he and Amybeth didn't get along or that he was "tired" of the show. Truthfully? Most of that is just fan fiction. By the time Season 3 rolled around, Lucas was simply a young man outgrowing the "teen heartthrob" box. He was traveling in his tiny home and focusing on his girlfriend, Shannon Sullivan, whom he's been with for years.
Why His Portrayal Still Matters
Even years after the final episode aired, the search for "Gilbert Blythe Anne with an E actor" hasn't slowed down. Why? Because Zumann captured something authentic. He portrayed a version of masculinity that was vulnerable and supportive. In a world of "alpha" male characters, his Gilbert was a breath of fresh air.
He wasn't afraid to let Anne be the lead. He stood back and let her shine. That’s a rare quality in a leading man, especially one so young.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re missing that Gilbert energy and want to see what Lucas is up to now, you won't find him posting "get ready with me" videos on TikTok. He’s pretty quiet on social media. However, you can check out his work in Dr. Bird's Advice for Sad Poets for a more intense, modern performance, or look for the 2025 release of No Address.
If you're feeling inspired by his lifestyle, look into sustainable building or biodynamic farming. Lucas has spent the last few years proving that you don't have to follow the path everyone else sets for you. You can be the most famous face on Netflix one day and be building a compost pile in the woods the next.
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And honestly? That’s the most Gilbert Blythe thing he could have possibly done.
Next Steps for Fans: If you want to support Lucas's current interests, look into the No Address project, which focuses on providing solutions for the housing crisis. You can also revisit the original L.M. Montgomery books to see how his performance compared to the source material—you might be surprised how much of his own "real life" philosophy he snuck into the role.