An adorably goofy actor, Braff was interested in entertainment from an early age, attending a performing arts summer camp and studying film at Northwestern University. He initially concentrated on theater and film work, landing a role in a stage production of
Macbeth starring Alec Baldwin and a handful of small movie parts in the '90s. In 2001, the unknown player shot to stardom as a lovable but naïve doctor on the zany hospital-set sitcom
Scrubs. Instead of pursuing outside roles during hiatus, Braff channeled his energy into directing his first feature,
Garden State, which he also wrote and starred in. Off-screen, the native New Jersey boy was romantically linked with Mandy Moore for months before the couple went public in 2006, although a break up soon followed.
Zach Braff Fast Facts:
- Attended Stagedoor Manor, a summer theater camp for young people in upstate New York, and costarred with fellow alum Natalie Portman in his directorial feature debut, Garden State (2004).
- At 14, he was cast opposite Gwyneth Paltrow in an unsold TV pilot produced by her father, Bruce Paltrow.
- Directed the 20-minute short Lionel on a Sunday while attending Northwestern University.
- Performed opposite Alec Baldwin, Angela Bassett and Liev Schreiber in a production of Macbeth at New York's Public Theater.
- Directed music videos, including the Scrubs' theme song, "Superman."
- Provided the voice of the Cottonelle puppy in a series of TV commercials.
- Zach Braff Relationships:
- Adam Braff - Brother
- Josh Braff - Brother
- Mandy Moore - Ex-significant Other
- Shiri Appleby - Ex-significant Other
- Shoshanna Braff - Sister
- Zach Braff Awards:
- 2004 Grammy: Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media - Winner
- 2005 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
- 2006 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
- 2007 Golden Globe: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy - Nominee
- 2005 Emmy: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Nominee
- College:
- Northwestern University, Evanston, IL (BFA in Film, 1997)
