Gil Guest Stars On The Mentalist

Gil Birmingham, who is best known for his role at Billy Black (hunky wolf Jacob's father) in the Twilight series, played a (what else) Native American souvenir shop owner and boss of the
murder victim in the hit series The Mentalist.

Gil Birmingham was a military brat (I can relate) and grew up moving from place to place. He was the eldest of five children. He graduated from the University of Southern California, went to work as a petrochemical engineer, and then turned his attention to body building.

His acting career began with an 80's crime drama called Riptide. Gil Birmingham went on to star in more than 40 productions in film, theater, and television. He starred in such well known shows as Falcon Crest, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Nip/Tuck. As far as movies, he's done Gentle Ben, Night at the Museum, and, of course, all of the Twilight movies thus far.

In upcoming roles, he will continue to play Billy Black, chief of the Quileute tribe in the next Twilight movie Eclipse. He will also star alongside Joe Pesci and Helen Mirren in a movie called The Love Ranch. The Love Ranch is set for release in 2011. Also releasing in 2011 is an animated film called Rango which will star Johnny Depp. Gil Birmingham will also be in this film. According to his official website, he has a number of projects going on from stage to television.

But what is his passion? Music and he continues to pursue it. He first picked up a guitar at the age of 10 and has been playing and singing with various bands since. He considers music "essential to his spirit".

The Mentalist episode, entitled "Aingavite Baa", was about a multiple murder turned into a drug thing, turned into a toxic waste cover-up. Gil Birmingham didn't show up in the episode until almost halfway through and didn't come back again until the memorial scene. And then... well, you'll just have to see the episode for yourself. Whether you're a Gil Birmingham fan or a Twilight fan, you should enjoy the episode. The Mentalist is one of my newer favorites. The character of Patrick Jane coupled with one of my favorite Twilight stars, it was a good episode; one you shouldn't miss.