Zachary Levi Pugh Bio
Zachary Levi Pugh (born September 29, 1980) is an American actor known for his roles in television and film. He gained fame for starring as Chuck Bartowski in the action-comedy series Chuck and as the titular character in the superhero film Shazam! and its sequel. In addition to acting, Levi has voiced prominent characters in animated films, notably Flynn Rider in Disney’s Tangled, and has received critical acclaim for his performances across various mediums, including Broadway. His multifaceted career spans over two decades, during which he has also ventured into producing.
Early Life and Background
Levi was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the son of Susan Marie Pugh and Darrell Alton Pugh. Zachary is of English, Welsh, and German descent. While he was a child, he and his family moved to several states before returning to their home in Ventura, California, where he attended Buena High School for four years. He began acting on stage at the age of six, performing lead roles in regional productions including Grease, The Outsiders, Oklahoma!, Oliver!, The Wizard of Oz, and Big River at the Ojai Art Center in Ojai, California.
Path to Hollywood
Levi first appeared in the Showtime series Whatever as a teenage boy, credited as Zachary Pugh. He was next seen in the FX television film Big Shot: Confessions of a Campus Bookie and played Kipp Steadman on the ABC sitcom Less Than Perfect. He also portrayed a potential boyfriend of Charisma Carpenter’s character in the ABC Family television film See Jane Date. Levi landed the starring role in Chuck in 2007, which became a defining moment in his career. He and his Chuck co-star Yvonne Strahovski were both nominated for Best Action Actor and Actress Choice TV Series for the Teen Choice Awards in 2010, where they won and presented.
Zachary Levi Pugh Career
Early Career (2001–2007)
Levi’s early career included various television roles, but his breakthrough came with the series Chuck, which premiered in 2007. The show received positive reviews and helped establish Levi as a household name. He also starred in the film Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel in 2009, further solidifying his presence in the entertainment industry.
Breakthrough (2007–2019)
Levi’s role as Chuck Bartowski in Chuck was a significant turning point in his career. The series ran for five seasons and garnered a dedicated fanbase. Following this success, he voiced Flynn Rider in Disney’s animated feature film Tangled in 2010, which was both a commercial and critical success. He reprised this role in various related projects, including the television series Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure. In 2019, Levi starred as the main character in New Line Cinema’s superhero comedy film Shazam!, which was part of the DC Extended Universe and received positive reviews for its humor and Levi’s performance.
Notable Works and Milestones
Levi’s signature work includes his role in Chuck and his portrayal of Shazam. He has received critical acclaim for his performances, particularly in Broadway productions like She Loves Me, for which he received a Tony Award nomination.
Zachary Levi Pugh Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Zachary Levi has received several nominations, including a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical for his role in She Loves Me.
Zachary Levi Pugh Awards Won
While specific awards won by Zachary Levi are not detailed, he has been recognized for his contributions to television and film, particularly for his roles in Chuck and Shazam!.
Zachary Levi Pugh Family
Zachary Levi is the son of Susan Marie Pugh and Darrell Alton Pugh. He was previously married to actress Missy Peregrym from 2014 to 2015.
Personal Life
Levi is a sports car and motorcycle enthusiast and lives near Austin, Texas. He has been open about his struggles with mental health and has shared his experiences in his memoir, Radical Love. In December 2024, he announced that his girlfriend Maggie Keating was expecting their child, with their son born in April 2025. Levi identifies as a libertarian and has been active in philanthropy, supporting various causes throughout his career.
