Zach Braff

Zach Braff is an actor, filmmaker and writer best known for starring as Dr. John “J.D.” Dorian on Scrubs and for writing, directing and starring in Garden State. Braff spent his childhood in South Orange, New Jersey, Braff developed an interest in filmmaking at a young age. He attended the performing arts camp Stagedoor Manor before earning a bachelor’s degree in film studies from Northwestern University, where he graduated in 1997.

Braff began acting as a child with early roles in projects including Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993) and Getting to Know You (1999) before landing his breakout role on Scrubs in 2001. He starred on the medical comedy throughout its original run, earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2005.

The actor made his feature directorial debut with Garden State (2004), which earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. He also won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for a Motion Picture for the film’s soundtrack.

In addition to Scrubs and Garden State, Braff wrote, directed and starred in Wish I Was Here (2014) and directed Going in Style (2017) and A Good Person (2023). He has also appeared in films including The Last Kiss (2006), Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) and Cheaper by the Dozen (2022).

Braff has never been married and does not have children. He previously dated Mandy Moore, model Taylor Bagley and actress Florence Pugh, whom he was in a relationship with from 2019 to 2022.