You know that feeling when you're watching a show and a character walks on screen and you just immediately know they're going to be trouble? That was basically everyone’s collective reaction when Gil Timmins finally showed up in Wellsbury. If you’ve been binging Ginny & Georgia, you’ve probably spent a good amount of time yelling at your TV screen because of him. He is the ultimate "charming on the outside, terrifying on the inside" antagonist.
But while we all collectively hate Gil, the actor behind the character is actually a bit of a Canadian TV legend.
The man playing Gil is Aaron Ashmore. If his face looks familiar but you can’t quite place why—or if you’re confused because you thought you saw him playing a nice guy in a different show recently—there is a very good reason for that.
Wait, Is That the Guy From The Rookie?
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception first. If you’ve been watching The Rookie and thinking, "Wow, Wesley Evers really took a dark turn," you’re actually looking at two different people.
Aaron Ashmore has an identical twin brother, Shawn Ashmore.
It’s honestly one of the most famous "wait, there’s two of them?" situations in Hollywood history. While Aaron is busy being the manipulative Gil Timmins in Ginny & Georgia, Shawn is playing the dependable lawyer Wesley on The Rookie. They look so much alike that even the most dedicated fans get them mixed up.
A fun way to tell them apart? Aaron (our Gil) is actually one minute older than Shawn. He’s also often cast as the "tougher" or more complex character. In fact, Aaron has gone on record saying he actually prefers playing the "bully" or the "tough guy" because those roles have more layers than your standard happy hero.
Why Aaron Ashmore Was the Perfect Pick for Gil
Gil Timmins is a heavy role. He’s Austin’s biological father and Georgia’s abusive ex who spent time in prison for embezzlement. When he shows up in Season 2, he weaponizes his "good guy" looks to try and worm his way back into Georgia’s life and control her.
Aaron brings a specific kind of veteran polish to this. He’s been acting since 1991, and he knows how to play the "nice guy with a secret" better than almost anyone.
Before he was terrorizing the Miller family, Aaron was a staple of sci-fi and teen drama:
- Smallville: He played Jimmy Olsen for years.
- Warehouse 13: He was Steve Jinks, the guy who literally had the supernatural ability to tell when someone was lying (ironic, considering Gil is a master liar).
- Killjoys: He starred as John Jaqobis.
- Locke & Key: He played Duncan Locke.
Seeing him go from the lovable Jimmy Olsen to a domestic abuser like Gil was a massive shock for long-time fans. It’s a testament to his range. He doesn't just play Gil as a cartoon villain; he plays him as a man who genuinely believes he’s the victim, which makes him ten times scarier.
The "Good Man" Connection
Despite playing such a dark character, Aaron is pretty grounded in real life. One of the coolest facts about him and his brother Shawn is their matching tattoos. Both brothers have "GMA" tattooed on their wrists.
It’s not some weird Hollywood secret code. It stands for "Good Man Ashmore." It’s a tribute to their grandfather, who had the same tattoo. For Aaron, it’s a reminder of the kind of person he wants to be—which is basically the polar opposite of Gil Timmins.
What’s Next for Gil in Season 3?
As we head into 2026, fans are desperate for Season 3 of Ginny & Georgia. The last time we saw Gil, things were... intense. After the showdown at the holiday party and Georgia’s subsequent arrest for the murder of Tom Fuller, the power dynamic has shifted completely.
With Georgia in handcuffs, Gil has a massive opening to go after custody of Austin. Aaron Ashmore is confirmed to be returning, and honestly, things are likely to get much worse before they get better. Georgia is vulnerable for the first time in a long time, and Gil is exactly the type of predator to take advantage of that.
What You Can Do Now
If you want to see more of Aaron Ashmore’s work while waiting for the new season, skip the Ginny & Georgia rewatch for a second. Check out Warehouse 13 on Amazon or Killjoys. Seeing him play a hero helps wash away the "Gil grime" and reminds you why he’s one of the most respected character actors working today.
Keep an eye on his Instagram (@aaron_ashmore) too. He’s surprisingly low-key for a guy who’s been in the industry for 30 years, mostly posting about his kids and his latest projects. It’s the perfect palate cleanser after watching him be a menace in Wellsbury.