Dante Carrillo
The character of Gary West in the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet is played by two actors. In seasons 1 and 2, Nathan Fillion portrays Gary, a realtor and Sheila and Joel's co-worker/competitor. In season 3, Alan Tudyk takes over the role, with the change in appearance explained by the fact that Gary is a zombie and zombies deteriorate if they don't get the serum.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the character | Gary West |
| Actor in Season 1 and 2 | Nathan Fillion |
| Actor in Season 3 | Alan Tudyk |
| Character's profession | Realtor |
| Show name | Santa Clarita Diet |
| Streaming platform | Netflix |
| Show status | Not renewed for a fourth season |
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What You'll Learn
Nathan Fillion played Gary West in seasons 1 and 2
Nathan Fillion played the character of Gary West in the first two seasons of the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet. Gary is a realtor and a co-worker/competitor of Sheila and Joel. He attempts to blackmail and seduce Sheila before she kills and eats parts of him.
Fillion's portrayal of Gary in the show was well-received, with one review describing him as a "scene-stealer". However, due to his commitments to another show, Fillion was replaced by Alan Tudyk in season 3.
The change in Gary's appearance was cleverly explained in the show's narrative, as his character is a zombie, and zombies deteriorate if they don't receive the serum. The show's writers used this explanation to justify the change in actors, with fans of the show accepting the transition as seamless.
In addition to his role in Santa Clarita Diet, Nathan Fillion is also known for his work in other popular television shows and films, further solidifying his status as a genre favourite.
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Alan Tudyk replaced Fillion in season 3
Alan Tudyk replaced Nathan Fillion in the role of Gary West in season 3 of Netflix's zombie comedy Santa Clarita Diet. Fillion, who played the character for the first two seasons, was unable to return due to scheduling conflicts with another show.
The show's creator, Victor Fresco, explained that they had two options: get rid of the character or recast the role. They loved the character of Gary, a realtor and murder victim, so they chose to recast him. Tudyk, known for his work in movies like DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story and A Knight's Tale, was a fan favourite due to his previous role in Firefly.
The transition from Fillion to Tudyk was written into the show's narrative, with the explanation being that Gary, being a zombie, deteriorates if he doesn't receive the serum. And since Sheila and Joel are very busy, it makes sense that they would forget to give it to him.
Tudyk's performance received praise from fans, with some expressing their happiness that Gary was not written out of the show.
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Gary is a realtor and minor character
Gary West is a fictional realtor and a minor character in the Netflix horror-comedy series Santa Clarita Diet. He is played by Nathan Fillion in seasons 1 and 2, and by Alan Tudyk in season 3. Gary is a co-worker and competitor of Sheila and Joel Hammond in the real estate business. He attempts to blackmail and seduce Sheila before she kills and eats parts of him. Despite his death, Gary remains a recurring character in the series as he is kept in the Hammonds' basement as an undead, decapitated head.
As a realtor, Gary's profession allows him to interact with various characters and move freely within the world of the show. This provides opportunities for comedic and gory moments, which are signature elements of the series. Gary's death and subsequent undead state contribute to the show's horror-comedy blend, as his character continues to engage with the Hammonds and adapt to his new condition.
In the first two seasons, Nathan Fillion portrays Gary as a charismatic and scene-stealing character. Fillion's performance adds to the comedic timing and delivery of the show's dialogue. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Fillion was replaced by Alan Tudyk in season 3. Tudyk, known for his roles in "Firefly" and "DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story," brings his own unique energy to the character of Gary, navigating the challenges of portraying a decaying head with a changed voice.
Gary's character arc, from a living realtor to an undead head, showcases the creative liberties taken by the show's creators. By keeping Gary as a recurring character, even in death, the show explores the dynamics between the Hammonds and their unfortunate victim-turned-companion. Gary's presence in the basement and eventual move to a storage unit specifically purchased for killing adds a layer of dark humour and absurdity to the series.
Overall, Gary West, played by Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk, serves as a minor yet entertaining character in Santa Clarita Diet. His profession as a realtor enhances the narrative, and his transformation from a living character to an undead head showcases the show's creative approach to character development and its blend of horror and comedy.
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He is killed and eaten by Sheila Hammond
In the Netflix horror-comedy series Santa Clarita Diet, Sheila Hammond, played by Drew Barrymore, is a realtor who becomes undead and starts craving human flesh. Her co-worker Gary, played by Nathan Fillion, sexually harasses and attempts to rape Sheila, which leads to her killing and eating parts of him.
Gary West is a fictional realtor and a minor character in the series. He is portrayed as a sleazy and unlikable character, which aligns with the show's premise of only killing "bad or evil people." In the pilot episode, "So Then a Bat or a Monkey," Sheila's newfound appetite for human flesh leads her to attack Gary, tearing open his abdomen and eating his intestines.
Sheila's husband, Joel, comes home to find her covered in blood and devouring Gary's corpse. They bury Gary's remains, but not before their neighbour, Dan Palmer, finds one of Gary's fingers in their backyard. Dan, an LA County Sheriff's Deputy, uses this information to blackmail Joel into committing unlawful deeds for him, such as killing a criminal named Loki Hayes.
Gary's death has significant repercussions for the Hammonds as they struggle to hide their involvement in his disappearance. Abby, Sheila and Joel's daughter, plants evidence implicating Dan in Gary's disappearance, successfully diverting suspicion away from her parents.
Gary's character undergoes a change in Season 3, with Nathan Fillion being replaced by Alan Tudyk. By this point in the story, Gary has become a decapitated head kept by the Hammonds, and the showrunners felt that the role could be played by anyone due to the character's limited mobility.
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He becomes undead, like Sheila
In the Netflix horror-comedy series Santa Clarita Diet, Sheila Hammond becomes undead after consuming infected clams at a restaurant. As a result, she develops a craving for human flesh and exhibits more impulsive behaviour.
Sheila's undead state introduces several challenges for her and her family, who must adapt to her new condition. One notable incident involves her attack on Gary West, a fellow realtor and minor character in the series. Sheila kills and consumes parts of Gary, who later becomes undead himself.
Gary West, portrayed by Nathan Fillion in seasons 1 and 2 and by Alan Tudyk in season 3, is a rival realtor to Sheila and her husband, Joel. In the series, Gary attempts to blackmail and seduce Sheila before she kills him. After his death, Gary decides to remain undead, and Joel and Sheila keep him in their basement before moving him to a storage unit.
Gary's undead state is a result of being bitten by Sheila and being buried with his brain intact. As an undead character, Gary continues to play a role in the story, even after his initial death.
The undead in the Santa Clarita Diet are characterised by their immortality, enhanced strength, and lack of pain sensation. They have no heartbeat and cannot be injured. While they can consume a normal diet, once they taste human flesh, other food becomes unappealing. Additionally, the undead will eventually decompose and become feral if they do not take the serum.
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Frequently asked questions
Nathan Fillion plays Gary West in Santa Clarita Diet for the first two seasons.
Alan Tudyk replaces Fillion as Gary West in season 3.
The character of Gary is recast in season 3 due to Fillion's unavailability.
Santa Clarita Diet is a Netflix horror comedy series created by Victor Fresco.
