Zachary Adam Gordon was born on February 15, 1998, in Oak Park, California, USA. He comes from a Jewish family with roots in Russia, Poland, and Romania. From a young age, Zachary showed an interest in acting and performing. By the age of eight, he had already started working in film and television, quickly building a reputation for his charm and natural talent.
Zachary’s film career began in 2007 with Georgia Rule, where he acted alongside Jane Fonda. His performance earned him a Young Artist Award. That same year, he appeared in National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Over the next few years, he took on a variety of roles in both live-action and voice work, including Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008) and guest roles on popular shows like How I Met Your Mother and Desperate Housewives.
In 2010, Zachary landed his most iconic role as Greg Heffley in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. His portrayal of the awkward yet lovable middle schooler won over audiences and defined a generation of young moviegoers. He starred in the first three films of the series:
His performance earned nominations for Kids’ Choice Awards and multiple Young Artist Awards. However, due to his age, a new actor replaced him when the series was rebooted in 2017.
After the Diary of a Wimpy Kid trilogy, Zachary continued to work in both film and television. He lent his voice to the animated series Bubble Guppies and appeared in several indie and family films. His notable later roles include the animated feature Huevos: Little Rooster's Egg-cellent Adventure (2016) and the horror film Dreamcatcher (2021), where he played one of the lead roles.
Now 27 years old (as of November 2025), Zachary Gordon continues to act selectively, choosing roles that challenge him and reflect his growth as an artist. He enjoys connecting with fans and often expresses gratitude for the continued love shown to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid films that launched his career.
| Year | Movie | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Georgia Rule | Ethan | Won Young Artist Award |
| 2007 | National Treasure: Book of Secrets | Riley’s Son | Supporting role |
| 2010 | Diary of a Wimpy Kid | Greg Heffley | Main role |
| 2011 | Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules | Greg Heffley | Main role |
| 2012 | Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days | Greg Heffley | Main role |
| 2016 | Huevos: Little Rooster’s Egg-cellent Adventure | Toto (voice) | Lead voice role |
| 2021 | Dreamcatcher | Dylan | Lead role |
Zachary Gordon is a talented American actor best known for his role as Greg Heffley in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid films. From child stardom to adult roles, he has continued to evolve as a performer. His journey shows that early fame can grow into a thoughtful, sustained career — one built on passion, talent, and a genuine connection with fans.