Biography
Though best known for his work in screen comedies, actor Zak Orth felt at home in a surprisingly diverse array of genres including earnest drama. An Illinois native and the son of a piano teacher and opera singer, Orth began his acting career on the New York-area stage, with plum roles in productions including Suburbia (1994), Misalliance (1997), and The Eros Trilogy (1999), but concurrently branched off into film, landing one of his first A-list parts with a bit role in the
Frank Oz-directed comedy In & Out (1997). Orth then traveled to the other end of the emotional spectrum with a small role in
Scott Hicks' sincere historical drama
Snow Falling on Cedars (1999), and landed supporting roles in the teen-oriented comedies
Loser and
Down to You ( both 2000).
Beginning in 2001, Orth commenced a longstanding association with the cast members of the MTV sketch comedy program
The State, appearing in their big-screen outings
Wet Hot American Summer (2001),
The Baxter (2005), and
The Ten (2007). Supporting roles in two additional features -- the comedies
Melinda and Melinda (2004) and
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) witnessed Orth collaborating with maestro
Woody Allen. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide