Steven Zahn, born November 13, 1967, is a versatile American actor known for bringing depth, humor, and humanity to both leading and supporting roles across film and television. Zahn rose to prominence with standout performances in films like That Thing You Do! (1996), Joy Ride (2001), and National Security (2003). He continued to showcase his range in projects such as A Perfect Getaway (2009), the family-friendly Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (2010–2012), and most recently Cowboys (2020) and LaRoy, Texas (2023). Zahn has also made a mark in ensemble casts with supporting roles in acclaimed films including Out of Sight, Rescue Dawn, and Dallas Buyers Club.
In television, Zahn is recognized for his nuanced characters in a variety of genres. He portrayed Davis McAlary, a music-loving professor, in HBO’s post-Katrina drama Treme (2010–2013), starred in the psychological thriller Mad Dogs (2015–2016), and took on a leading role in the sci-fi series The Crossing (2018). His performance as the complex and insecure Mark Mossbacher in The White Lotus (2021) earned critical praise and award attention.
Zahn’s talent has been honored with an Independent Spirit Award, along with nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. His career reflects a strong commitment to character-driven storytelling, balancing comedic flair with dramatic weight.
