Zachary Levi Pugh (/pjuː/ PEW; born September 29, 1980)[2] is an American actor. He starred as Chuck Bartowski in the action comedy series Chuck (2007–2012), and as the titular character in the superhero film Shazam! (2019) and its sequel.[3][4]
Zachary Levi | |
|---|---|
 Levi at the 2019 WonderCon | |
| Born | Zachary Levi Pugh September 29, 1980 Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 2001–present[1] |
| Spouse | |
He voiced Flynn Rider in the 2010 Disney animated musical fantasy film Tangled, in which he performed "I See the Light" with Mandy Moore; the song won a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.[5][6] He reprised the voice role in the 2012 short film Tangled Ever After and in the 2017 television series Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure.[7][8] He also appeared as Fandral in the superhero films Thor: The Dark World (2013) and Thor: Ragnarok (2017).
Levi starred as Georg Nowack in the 2016 Broadway revival of She Loves Me, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. In 2022, Levi published a self-help memoir titled Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others.[9] A companion book called Go Love Yourself: Help for the Journey to Mental and Emotional Wellness was released in 2024.[10]
Early life
Levi was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the son of Susan Marie (née Hoctor; 1950–2015) and Darrell Alton Pugh (1946–2023).[2][11] He is of English, Welsh, and German descent.[12][13] When he was a child, his family moved across several states before returning to their home in Ventura, California, where he attended Buena High School for four years.[14] He began acting on stage at the age of six, performing lead roles in regional productions such as Grease, The Outsiders, Oklahoma!, Oliver!, The Wizard of Oz, and Big River at the Ojai Art Center.[1]
Career
Acting
Levi first appeared in the Showtime/Goosehead.com series, Whatever, as the teenage boy Ben.[15] He was credited as Zachary Pugh.[16] The series was produced by Ashley Powers and released in 2000.[17][18][19][20] Levi was next seen in the FX television film Big Shot: Confessions of a Campus Bookie. He played Kipp Steadman on the ABC sitcom Less than Perfect. He also portrayed a potential boyfriend of Charisma Carpenter's character, Jane, in the then-ABC Family television film See Jane Date. Levi was slated to be a lead in an ABC pilot called Three for the 2004/2005 television season, but the show was not picked up.[21]
He landed the starring role in Chuck in 2007. Levi and his Chuck co-star Yvonne Strahovski were both nominated for Best Action Actor and Actress Choice TV Series for the Teen Choice Awards 2010 where they both won and presented.[22] In the summer of 2008, Levi was named one of Entertainment Weekly's Top Thirty People Under Thirty.[23] He later starred in the film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel in the lead role as Dave's cousin Toby Seville.[24] He starred in the 2010 Disney-animated feature film Tangled, which is based on the popular fairy tale Rapunzel. He voices Flynn Rider, a bandit who finds refuge in Rapunzel's tower. He provided narration in the 2011 film Under the Boardwalk: The Monopoly Story, a documentary about the game of Monopoly.[25] Levi hosted the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards.[26]
BuddyTV ranked him #97 on its list of "TV's Sexiest Men of 2011".[27] Levi landed the male lead in the 2012 TV pilot Let It Go, which would have aired on Fox, but was not picked up.[28] Levi hosted the web documentaries Tomb Raider The Final Hours, going behind the scenes of the new Tomb Raider game. He was originally to portray Fandral in Thor, but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts with Chuck.[29] He did play the role in the sequels, Thor: The Dark World (2013), after original actor Josh Dallas had scheduling conflicts of his own, and briefly in Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Levi made his Broadway debut in a production of the musical comedy First Date in August 2013.[30]
In January 2015, it was announced that Levi would be a lead member of the cast of NBC's 13-episode miniseries Heroes Reborn as Luke Collins.[31] The show was not picked up for a second season.[32] He also guest-starred as Abraham Lincoln in the Hulu original series Deadbeat.[33]
Levi joined the cast of the Broadway revival of She Loves Me in the lead role of Georg, alongside Laura Benanti as Amalia. It opened at Studio 54 on March 17, 2016, after previews on February 19, 2016, for a limited engagement through June 12.[34][35] The run was later extended through July 10, when it closed.[36][37] The production received high critical praise, receiving 5 Stars from The Guardian and was selected as a Critics' Pick for The New York Times.[38][39] Levi was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his performance.[40] Critics praised Levi's performance of Georg, noting that his portrayal is "suave and handsome at times, disarmingly nebbishy at others," and that he "[exudes] sweet modesty and just a pinch of hauteur."[41][42] The production had a historic livestreamed performance on June 30, 2016, with Levi and the cast participating in the first livestreamed show in Broadway history.[43]
In 2017, Levi reprised his role as Flynn Rider in a Disney Channel Original Movie titled Tangled: Before Ever After. This television film continued the story as a regular series titled Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure, which lasted for three seasons, premiering on March 24, 2017, and concluding March 1, 2020. The series is based on the 2010 film Tangled and features the returning voices of Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi.[44]
In 2018, Levi appeared as Dr. Benjamin Ettenberg, a love interest for the main character, Miriam 'Midge' Maisel, in the second season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. With the series' other principal cast members, Levi won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series at SAG's January 2019 awards ceremony.[45]
In 2019, Levi starred as the title character in New Line Cinema and Warner Bros.' superhero comedy feature film Shazam!, an entry in the DC Extended Universe franchise. In the film, Levi's Shazam character (also known as Captain Marvel) is the superpowered alter-ego of a teenaged boy, Billy Batson (played by Asher Angel), who retains his childish personality in his adult form similar to the 1988 20th Century Fox comedy Big.[46]
After a nearly two-year hiatus from acting, Levi starred in a supporting role in Kevin Macdonald's 2021 legal drama, The Mauritanian. Levi also played the role of Kurt Warner in the biographical sports drama American Underdog that same year.[47][48] In 2023, he reprised his role as Billy Batson in Shazam! Fury of the Gods,[49][50] played the character of Terrence Tango-Torrez in Spy Kids: Armageddon opposite Gina Rodriguez and voiced Rocky in Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, replacing Mel Gibson.[51] In 2024, Levi starred in the film adaptation of Harold and the Purple Crayon, playing a grown-up version of the titular character.[52] In 2025, Levi is set to portray the author Scott LeRette, the father of a child with osteogenesis imperfecta, in The Unbreakable Boy.[53][54]
Music
In April 2010, Katharine McPhee released a preview of a music video to cinemas for her single "Terrified". Levi duets with her on the song (which was re-recorded; the original album version features Jason Reeves) and appears in the music video singing with McPhee. On May 3, 2010, the song was previewed on the Entertainment Weekly website and made available for purchase on iTunes.[55] The full video premiered May 7, 2010 on the music video website Vevo.[56] Levi financed Kendall Payne's album Grown after she was dropped by her label, Capitol Records.[57]
On the soundtrack of the film Tangled, Levi sings "I See the Light" (with costar Mandy Moore) and "I've Got a Dream". In honor of the Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, Levi and Moore performed "I See the Light" at the 83rd Academy Awards.[58] Levi has also been a guest member of Band from TV, a band made up of actors from various American television shows.[59]
On 21 December 2023, Levi performed Jolly Holiday from the 1964 film Mary Poppins on the primetime CBS special Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.[60]
Personal life
Levi is a sports car and motorcycle enthusiast and owns a 2009 Nissan GT-R.[61][62] He is an avid gamer, having first played Super Mario Bros., and appreciates video games for their ability to provide interactive stories.[26]
Levi lives in Bastrop, Texas, in the Austin area.[63]
In September 2010, Levi started his own company, The Nerd Machine.[64] He participated in the Celebrity All Star Game at NBA All Star Weekend 2011, playing for the team coached by Magic Johnson.[65]
On June 16, 2014, Canadian actress Missy Peregrym announced that she and Levi had married in Maui, Hawaii.[66] They filed for divorce in April 2015,[67] with the separation date listed in court documents as December 3, 2014.[68]
Levi has been open about his struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts, both on social media and in his 2022 memoir Radical Love.[69]
Religion
Levi was raised a Christian. In a 2003 interview with Relevant Magazine, he said that he gets his "peace, comfort, love and talents" from his faith in Jesus Christ.[70]
Due to his name and physical appearance, Levi is often incorrectly perceived to be Jewish.[71] Early in his career, a Hollywood agent persuaded him to change his name stating, "A guy named Zach Pugh would not be going far in Hollywood," which led him to drop his last name.[72] In a 2013 interview with New York Post, Levi said he has no Jewish ancestry.[73] In 2016, he revealed that he had been turned down for a number of roles because casting directors mistakenly thought he was "too Jewish" for the part.[72][74]
In 2018, he said, "I'm very spiritual, but not particularly religious."[75] While avowing belief in God, he said, "[Religion] is, in my opinion, very destructive to what I believe the true heart and spirit and essence of who God is."[76]
In a 2021 interview with The Christian Post, he said working on the film American Underdog bolstered his Christian faith, and in getting to work on this project, "it feels like God's fingerprints were all over it."[77]
Politics
Levi identifies as a libertarian.[78][79] During the 2016 presidential election, he encouraged his fans to vote for neither Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.[80] In the 2024 election, Levi endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr.[81] After Kennedy withdrew his candidacy, he endorsed Trump at a "Reclaim America Tour" stop in Dearborn, Michigan.[82] In a 2024 episode of The Rubin Report, Levi expressed fear he might face rejection from Hollywood as a result of his endorsement but concluded, "What is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul in the process?"[83]
In a 2022 episode of the podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, Levi described Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson as "one of the deepest thinkers I've ever heard break down human behavior" who "has a lot of integrity".[84][85] In the same episode, he acknowledged that Peterson has "his own things that people have issues with".[86] In January 2023, he agreed with an online post that said, "Do you agree or not, that Pfizer is a real danger to the world?", leading to allegations of echoing anti-vaccine sentiment.[87][88] He later clarified that his issue with the company stems from healthcare fraud and illegal promotion of certain products, citing a 2009 United States Department of Justice settlement.[89]
Philanthropy
In 2008, Levi attended the 7th Annual Comedy for a Cure benefit and donated personal belongings to an auction for Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.[90] In 2010, Levi spoke at an Anti-Defamation League awards ceremony to denounce LGBT bullying.[91] Levi also joined Stand Up to Cancer charity drives in 2008, 2010 and 2019.[92][93][94][95]
From 2008 onwards, Levi has continually raised money for Operation Smile to help kids with cleft lip and cleft palate get the surgery that they need.[96] In 2011, Levi became the international ambassador for Operation Smile.[97] He joined the group's medical missions in remote locations in Honduras and the Philippines.[98][99]
Levi also helped prepare and serve meals for homeless people in the "Christmas Eve Food and Gifts for the Homeless" event held in Los Angeles in 2010.[100] He joined a similar event in 2012 for Thanksgiving dinner.[101] In 2014, he hosted a Sesame Street "Conversations for a Cause" panel for Nerd HQ alongside puppeteers Eric Jacobson, Joey Mazzarino and David Rudman to benefit the non-profit Sesame Workshop.[102] On May 21, 2019, Active Minds, a mental health charity, announced that Levi would be an ambassador for the organization.[103]
In 2020, the Chuck cast performed a table read of the episode "Chuck Versus the Beard" to support Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund, raising $31,000 for food banks.[104] In 2022, Levi helped raise funds to support displaced Ukrainian families through Convoy of Hope.[105] In 2023, he allowed AdoptUSKids.org to use his likeness in billboards and TV spots to promote awareness for foster care and adoption in the United States.[106][107]
In 2024, Levi re-established Nerd HQ, turning it into a non-profit organization that promotes mental health awareness, advocacy and education, as well as providing support and resources for individuals needing therapy.[108]
Over the years, Levi has also donated to and raised money for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Clothes Off Our Back Foundation, Motion Picture and Television Fund, Padres Contra el Cancer (Schlomo Rechnitz Foundation), Racing for Kids, The Art of Elysium and Young Storytellers.[109]
Filmography
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Film
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Untitled Sisqo Project | Michael Golden | Unsold TV pilot[115] |
| 2002 | Big Shot: Confessions of a Campus Bookie | Adam | Television film |
| 2002–2006 | Less than Perfect | Kipp Steadman | Main role |
| 2003 | See Jane Date | Grant Asher | Television film |
| 2004 | The Division | Todd | 2 episodes |
| Curb Your Enthusiasm | Bellman | Episode: "Opening Night" | |
| 2005 | Brody & Friends | Zac | Episode: "The Hollywood Lifestyle" |
| 2006 | Worst Week of My Life | Nick | Unsold pilot |
| 2007 | Imperfect Union | Clark | Television film |
| 2007–2012 | Chuck | Chuck Bartowski | Lead role; also director of 3 episodes |
| 2011 | Team Unicorn | Young Lover | Episode: "Alien Beach Crashers" |
| 2011 Spike Video Game Awards | Host | Also consulting producer | |
| Vietnam in HD | Karl Marlantes | Voice role; 6 episodes | |
| 2012 | 4 Points | Himself | Episode: "Zachary Levi" |
| 2012–2022 | Robot Chicken | Various characters / Shazam | Voice role, 4 episodes[116] |
| 2013 | Remember Sunday | Gus | Television film |
| 2014–2015 | Hollywood Game Night | Himself | 2 episodes |
| 2015 | Deadbeat | Abraham Lincoln | Episode: "The Emancipation Apparition" |
| Heroes Reborn | Luke Collins | Main role | |
| Geeks Who Drink | Himself | Host, also executive producer | |
| 2015–2016 | Telenovela | James McMahon | Recurring role, 5 episodes |
| 2016 | The $100,000 Pyramid | Himself | Episode: "Zachary Levi vs. Teri Polo" |
| 2017 | Tangled: Before Ever After | Eugene "Flynn Rider" Fitzherbert | Television film, voice role |
| Alias Grace | Jeremiah Pontelli | Miniseries | |
| Psych: The Movie | Billy McGoldrick | Television film | |
| 2017–2020 | Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure | Eugene "Flynn Rider" Fitzherbert / Prince Horace | Main voice role |
| 2018–2019 | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Dr. Benjamin Ettenberg | Recurring role, 8 episodes |
| 2022 | Who Do You Think You Are? | Himself | Guest |
| Family Guy | Seymour | Voice role, episode: "Hard Boiled Meg" | |
| 2023 | The Masked Singer | Himself | Guest, episode: "DC Superheroes Night" |
Video games
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Halo: Reach | Trooper 4 | Voice role |
| Fallout: New Vegas | Arcade Gannon | Voice role | |
| Tangled: The Video Game | Eugene "Flynn Rider" Fitzherbert | Voice role | |
| 2013 | Tomb Raider | Himself | Voice role[117] |
| 2018 | Lego DC Super-Villains | Billy Batson / Shazam | Voice role, Shazam! DLC Level Pack |
| 2019 | Kingdom Hearts III | Eugene "Flynn Rider" Fitzherbert | Voice role |
| 2020 | Grounded | Dr. Wendell Tully | Voice role |
Internet
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Whatever | Ben | 5 episodes; credited as Zachary Pugh |
| 2011 | The Guild | Himself | 1 episode (5.8) |
| 2011–2016 | NerdHQ | Host | San Diego Comic Con Special |
| 2012 | Video Game High School | Ace | 3 episodes |
| 2013 | Tiny Commando | Tiny Commando | 7 episodes |
| 2019 | Good Mythical Morning | Himself | 1 episode |
Theater
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2014 | First Date | Aaron | Longacre Theatre, Broadway |
| 2016 | She Loves Me | Georg Nowack | Studio 54, Broadway |
| Sunday in the Park with George | Jules / Bob Greenberg | New York City Center, Off-Broadway | |
| 2023 | Gutenberg! The Musical! | The Producer | James Earl Jones Theatre, Broadway One night cameo |
Discography
- "Terrified" (2010) – Performed by Katharine McPhee featuring Zachary Levi.
- "I See the Light" (2010) – Performed by Zachary Levi and Mandy Moore for the film Tangled.
- First Date (Original Broadway Cast Recording)[118]
- She Loves Me (2016 Broadway Cast Recording)[119]
Live performances
On February 27, 2011, Levi performed "I See the Light" with Mandy Moore at the 83rd Academy Awards.[58] On June 12, 2016, Levi performed the title song from She Loves Me, as part of the medley presented on the 70th Tony Awards.[120] He has also performed live in various programs from childhood.[121]
Awards and nominations
Film
| Year | Nominated work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Tangled | Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Song | Nominated | [122] |
| World Soundtrack Academy Award for Best Original Song Written Directly for a Film | Nominated | [123] | ||
| Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Voice | Nominated | [124] | ||
| 2019 | Shazam! | MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Comedic Performance | Nominated | [125] |
| MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Hero | Nominated | [125] | ||
| Teen Choice Award for Choice Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie Actor | Nominated | [126] |
Television
 | This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (September 2022) |
Theater
| This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (September 2022) |
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Theatre World Award | First Date | Honouree | ||
| 2016 | Tony Award | Best Actor in a Musical | She Loves Me | Nominated | |
| Drama Desk Award | Outstanding Actor in a Musical | Nominated | |||
| Drama League Award | Distinguished Performance | Nominated | |||
References
External links
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