Zach Braff

Zach Braff is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer best known for his role as Dr. John "J.D." Dorian on the acclaimed television series Scrubs. He gained further recognition for writing, directing, and starring in the independent film Garden State, which won a Grammy Award for its soundtrack. Braff's career spans film, television, and theater, and he has also been involved in numerous voice acting and podcast projects.

Early life and education

Zach Braff was born in South Orange, New Jersey, to Anne (née Hutchinson), a clinical psychologist, and Harold Irwin Braff, a trial attorney and professor. He was raised in a Reform Jewish household alongside his older siblings, Joshua, Adam, and Shira. His early interest in performance was nurtured at Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, where he participated in theater productions. Braff subsequently attended Northwestern University, graduating in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the School of Communication. During his time at Northwestern, he was actively involved with the prestigious university's theater group, the Waa-Mu Show.

Career

Braff began his professional acting career with minor roles in films like The Manhattan Project and television series such as The Baby-Sitters Club. His breakthrough came in 2001 when he was cast as the lead in the NBC medical comedy-drama Scrubs, a role he played for nine seasons, earning nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and multiple Golden Globe Awards. Concurrently, he made his feature film writing and directorial debut with Garden State in 2004, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. He has since directed films including Wish I Was Here and A Good Person, and has performed on Broadway in productions like Bullets Over Broadway, for which he received a Drama Desk Award nomination. His voice acting work includes roles in animated films like Chicken Little and the series BoJack Horseman, and he co-created and stars in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking.

Personal life

Braff has been in high-profile relationships with several actresses, including Mandy Moore and Taylor Bagley. He was engaged to actress and filmmaker Florence Pugh; the couple separated in 2022. An avid supporter of the New York Knicks, he is also known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting organizations like The Art of Elysium and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Braff is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has discussed his own experiences with therapy publicly. He resides primarily in Los Angeles and maintains a close friendship with his Scrubs co-star Donald Faison, with whom he co-hosts the rewatch podcast Fake Doctors, Real Friends.

Filmography

A selection of his notable works includes: * Film: Garden State (2004), The Last Kiss (2006), The Ex (2006), The High Cost of Living (2010), Wish I Was Here (2014), The Color of Time (2012), The Disaster Artist (2017), A Good Person (2023). * Television: Scrubs (2001–2010), Cougar Town (guest role), BoJack Horseman (voice), Shrinking (2023–present). * Theater: Bullets Over Broadway (Broadway, 2014).

Awards and nominations

Throughout his career, Braff has received various accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Garden State. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Scrubs and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy for the same role. Garden State earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. His Broadway performance in Bullets Over Broadway garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical.

Category:American male film actors Category:American television actors Category:American film directors Category:People from South Orange, New Jersey Category:Northwestern University alumni