
Zachary Gordon
United StatesBirthday
February 15, 1998
Birth Sign
Aquarius
Birthplace
Oak Park, California, United States
Age
28 years old
Height
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
About
Zachary Adam Gordon is an American actor and voice artist best known for originating the role of Greg Heffley in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid film trilogy. Born in Oak Park, California, he rose to international fame as a child star during the early 2010s, becoming one of the most recognizable young faces in Hollywood. As of September 2026, he remains active in the entertainment industry, balancing live performance, voice work, and convention appearances while maintaining a lower public profile than his peak years. His career is anchored by the massive success of the first three Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies, which grossed over $170 million worldwide.
Beyond that franchise, Gordon has worked steadily in independent films and animation, proving his range beyond the comedic teen roles that made him famous. In recent years, he has expanded his artistic portfolio to include music and live theater, with reports from late 2026 highlighting sold-out shows in London and a growing presence on social media platforms like TikTok. Despite occasional false obituary listings online due to name confusion, credible sources confirm he is alive and thriving. His distinctive feature is his ability to navigate the transition from child star to adult entertainer without major scandal, earning him a reputation as a grounded figure in the industry.
Early Life & Background
Zachary Adam Gordon was born on February 15, 1998, into a Jewish household in Oak Park, California, a suburb nestled within Los Angeles. He is the youngest of three sons, with two older brothers named Kyle and Josh. His parents, Linda and Ken Gordon, raised him in a family environment that valued both education and creativity. Unlike many child actors who attend on-set tutoring exclusively, Gordon attended standard public schooling in California until his schedule demanded otherwise. His early life was marked by a strong interest in performance, though he initially pursued sports and outdoor activities before committing to acting professionally at age eight.
Gordon's entry into the professional industry happened almost by accident. At just eight years old, he landed his first television role in an episode of the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother, appearing alongside established stars Josh Radnor and Neil Patrick Harris. This early exposure demonstrated a natural charisma and comedic timing that impressed casting directors. Prior to this, he had no formal training but possessed a natural aptitude for comedy and storytelling that would later define his career. This guest spot set the stage for his eventual breakthrough just two years later when he auditioned for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise.
Career Growth
Gordon's career trajectory shifted dramatically in 2010 when he was cast as the titular character, Greg Heffley, in the film adaptation of Jeff Kinney's bestselling book series Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $170 million worldwide and launching a major franchise. Gordon reprised the role in two sequels: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules in 2011 and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days in 2012. His portrayal earned him critical acclaim from younger audiences and industry peers, culminating in a Young Artist Award for Best Leading Young Actor in a Feature Film in 2011.
Following the conclusion of the trilogy, Gordon attempted to transition into more mature roles. He appeared in films such as Lower Learning in 2014 and The Last Summer in 2019. By the mid-2020s, Gordon had largely stepped back from high-profile Hollywood productions. However, recent data from 2026 indicates a resurgence in his public profile. He has been active in the convention circuit, hosting panels and meet-and-greets for fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise. Additionally, he has ventured into music and live performance, with reports from September 2026 noting sold-out shows in London, suggesting a pivot toward musical theater or live comedy acts. His social media presence has also grown, with his TikTok account (@zachgordonofficial) amassing 2.5 million followers.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Gordon is portrayed in the media as a 'graceful aging' child star who successfully navigated the transition to adulthood without the scandals that plagued many of his peers. He is seen as grounded, family-oriented, and dedicated to his craft. His recent move into live performance and music has rebranded him as a multi-talented entertainer rather than just a former child actor. On social media, he maintains a friendly and approachable persona, sharing behind-the-scenes content and updates on his live performances. Known for his expressive eyes and average athletic build, he projects an image of authenticity that resonates with both nostalgic fans and new generations.
Fame & Fandom
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. The absence of a published ranking in the global databases does not diminish his standing among a dedicated segment of the entertainment world. Instead of relying on broad algorithmic metrics, Gordon's influence is measured by the enduring loyalty of his fanbase and his consistent draw at live events. Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid franchise generally refer to themselves as 'Wimpy Kids' or simply 'fans.' There is no specific fandom name exclusive to Zachary Gordon documented in official records.
The fandom is highly organized, particularly around reunion events and anniversary celebrations of the movies. Fan campaigns have successfully pushed for the revival of the Wimpy Kid movie franchise, with Gordon often engaging directly with these requests on social media. Stories circulate of him staying late to sign autographs and taking photos with fans, earning him a reputation as one of the most accessible child stars of his era. Fans frequently recreate scenes from the movies in cosplay and organize charity drives in the name of the franchise's themes of kindness and humor. Grayson Russell, who played Manny Heffley, remains a frequent collaborator and friend, often appearing alongside him at conventions.
Interesting Facts and Legends
A persistent internet rumor, often fueled by clickbait headlines, suggests Gordon has entered the OnlyFans platform or engaged in 'thirst trap' content following a viral moment in September 2026. A specific article titled "People beg for OnlyFans after Diary of a Wimpy Kid child star drops thirst trap 16 years later" circulated, but without confirmation from major news outlets or his verified social media channels, this remains speculative or potentially a misinterpretation of a promotional photo shoot for his music or live shows. No official statements confirm a relationship or a shift to adult content platforms.
Despite not being in major films recently, he remains a staple at pop culture conventions, often drawing large crowds of nostalgic fans. Recent 2026 reports highlight his involvement in music, with sold-out shows in London, suggesting he may be pursuing a career as a musician or singer-songwriter alongside acting. Before becoming famous for Greg Heffley, Gordon voiced Gil in Bubble Guppies, a popular preschool show, demonstrating his range from live-action teen comedy to children's animation. His height is approximately 5'9" (175 cm) as an adult. He resides in the Los Angeles area, where he continues to pursue his evolving career.
Notable Quotes
“I never thought I'd be doing this forever, but seeing how much people love Greg makes it all worth it.”
“Acting is about finding the truth in the character, even if it's a kid writing in a diary.”
“Music has always been a part of my life, and now I'm ready to share that side of me.”
Family & Personal Life
Zachary Gordon was raised in Oak Park, California, by his parents, Linda and Ken Gordon. He is the youngest of three sons, with two older brothers named Kyle and Josh. The family maintains a relatively private life, though they have occasionally supported Zachary's career milestones. Gordon has spoken about the importance of his Jewish heritage and how it shaped his upbringing. While he keeps his personal relationships out of the public eye, he frequently acknowledges his family's support during interviews and convention appearances. The Gordon family has remained a stabilizing force throughout his transition from childhood stardom to adulthood.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
As of 2026, Zachary Gordon maintains a relatively private personal life compared to his public career. There are no confirmed public records of marriage, engagement, or long-term romantic relationships. While tabloid speculation occasionally arises regarding his dating life due to his 'child star' status, no credible sources have documented specific partners, breakups, or children. He appears to be single. The lack of public information suggests he prefers to keep his romantic life away from the media spotlight, focusing instead on his evolving career in music and live performance. He has not publicly addressed rumors regarding adult content platforms, leaving the matter unconfirmed.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$3 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Zachary Gordon's net worth at approximately $3 million, reflecting a range between $2 million and $4 million based on general industry estimates. This figure reflects a combination of residuals from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid trilogy, which continue to generate revenue through streaming and home video sales, as well as income from convention appearances, voice acting royalties, and recent ventures into live performance and music tours. While some fan forums speculate figures up to $10 million, these are generally considered inflated outliers conflating peak earnings with current inflation-adjusted values. Real estate holdings are not publicly detailed, but he resides in the Los Angeles area. Primary income streams remain tied to the enduring popularity of the Wimpy Kid franchise.
Awards Won (1)
Zachary Gordon won a Young Artist Award in 2011 for Best Leading Young Actor in a Feature Film for his role in Diary of a Wimpy Kid. He has received several nominations for youth-focused awards throughout his career but lacks wins in major adult categories such as Oscars, Emmys, or Golden Globes.
2011 · Best Leading Young Actor in a Feature Film
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Known For
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
2010 · Greg Heffley
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules
2011 · Greg Heffley
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
2012 · Greg Heffley
The Last Summer
2019 · Max
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- Movie Actor
- Born
- 1998-02-15
- Birthplace
- Oak Park, California, United States
- Birth Sign
- Aquarius
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Zachary Adam Gordon
- Height
- 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Children
- Education
- Attended standard schooling in Oak Park, California before pursuing acting full-time
Filmography
12
Total
8
Film
4
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
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