Biography of Zach Braff
Zach Braff (Zachary Israel Braff) is a dynamic and versatile actor who shot to fame playing the lovable Dr. John "J.D." Dorian in the hit TV series "Scrubs" and later made his mark as a director with films like "Going in Style" and "Wish I Was Here." He's also a producer, screenwriter, three-time Golden Globe recipient (2005 - 2007), Grammy winner, and Emmy nominee.
Childhood and Family
Zach was born in South Orange, New Jersey, to Harold Irwin Braff, a prominent litigation attorney, Rutgers Law School professor, and lecturer, and Anne Brodzinsky, a psychologist. His father is Jewish, while his mother's family emigrated to the United States from Poland.His parents divorced when Zach was young, but they stayed close friends even after the split. Zach grew up with his older brothers: Joshua, who became a successful author, and Adam, who also went into the creative field as a screenwriter and producer.


Early Career
During high school and college, Zach landed roles in several popular TV shows. In 1993, he played a minor role in Woody Allen's crime comedy "Manhattan Murder Mystery," portraying the son of the main characters, Nick. The film also starred the incomparable Anjelica Huston, known for her role in the comedy "The Addams Family," and Jerry Adler.
"Scrubs" and the Blossoming Career
The role that launched the young actor to stardom was medical intern-turned-doctor John Dorian in the hit comedy series "Scrubs." Right after landing the role—which actor Michael Muhney had also auditioned for—Zach Braff quit his waiter job and dove into filming.



Further Career
In 2010, the Canadian-produced drama "The High Cost of Living" was released, featuring Zach in the lead role. The film's director, Deborah Chow, had previously made her mark with the psychological thriller "Flowers in the Attic," which left audiences stunned. Chow's latest work didn't disappoint either, delivering a somber, complex, and deeply moving story that made audiences reflect on what really matters. Under Chow's direction, Zach managed to do what seemed impossible—break free from his iconic "Scrubs" doctor persona.

In the same year, another documentary, "The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz," was released, with Zach as a producer. Braff considers this project personally meaningful, as it reflects his commitment to truth and justice. The film struck a powerful chord with audiences, chronicling the life and death of Aaron Swartz, a political activist and internet prodigy.
Film Works
As a film director, Braff has several successful films under his belt, among which the movie "Wish I Was Here" (2014) stands out. Although the genre of the film is defined as a comedy-drama, there is little humor in it — it is a very philosophical film about the lives of ordinary people. Watching this young couple's journey, viewers will inevitably connect with moments from their own lives, both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
A year later, Zach launched the comedy series "Alex, Inc.," where he once again took the starring role. Zach's character takes a desperate step: he quits his unbearably boring job and tries to develop his own business. But reality proves far different from his expectations. Braff's character struggles to overcome obstacles and work through his personal issues while chasing his dreams, naturally finding himself in hilarious situations that have viewers both laughing and rooting for him.
In the early 2000s, Zach met singer and actress Bonnie Somerville, who contributed a song to the drama "Garden State." Their relationship lasted only a short time.




Zach Braff now
Zach remains an incorrigible romantic, idealist, and optimist, though his optimism is sometimes tinged with melancholy and hopelessness. Many of his projects feature happy endings, but once the credits roll, viewers realize that despite the seemingly upbeat conclusion, the characters aren't destined for happiness.
In 2016, my sister had an aneurysm, and two years later, she passed away. My father didn't survive long after losing her. And then I went into isolation. One of my best friends—who was staying with me, his wife, and young child—got COVID and died. He was 41 years old! During isolation, I wanted to write something authentic about the pain and agony we experience as human beings, and how we cope with it.