Background and early career
Zach Woods is an American actor and comedian known for character work and a steady presence in both comedy and drama. He began performing at UCB and in theater before building a screen presence through guest roles and ensemble casts. His early years involved stage work and stand-up, shaping a precise, conversational onscreen style.
Notable television work
Woods has held recurring and series regular roles across network, cable, and streaming. He is widely recognized for supporting performances in ensemble comedies and dramedies, where his timing and reactivity stand out. His television appearances reflect range, moving between office satire, sci-fi dramedy, and anchored single-camera comedy.
The Office (U.S.)
Woods played Gabe Lewis, a sales representative and HR representative, across multiple seasons. His portrayal balanced earnestness and awkward humor, adding a relatable everyman to the Dunder Mifflin ensemble. The role introduced him to a broad audience and remains a career anchor.
Silicon Valley
He appeared as Donald "Jared" Dunn, a pragmatic engineer and cofounder, bringing low-key sincerity to a satirical setting. His work on Silicon Valley showcased his ability to play grounded technical characters inside an accelerated startup world, complementing the show's rapid-fire jokes.
Other series and variety work
Woods has guest-starred on or recurred in series such as The Get Down, Billions, and Search Party, often in roles that height tension or serve as moral foils. He has also contributed to variety and talk shows, both in front of and behind the camera.
Film roles and range
In features, Woods supports with texture and restraint, fitting into both comedies and intense dramas. He tends to play loyal friends, anxious coordinators, or quietly principled subordinates, consistently making scripted scenarios feel lived-in. His filmography is curated rather than volume-driven.
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghostbusters | 2016 | Kevin Beckman | Supporting role in reboot |
| Patriots Day | 2016 | Evan | Boston Marathon drama |
| Vice | 2018 | Gene Keene | Political biopic supporting role |
| Spies in Disguise | 2019 | Walter Beckett (voice) | Animated family feature |
Live performance and writing
Woods has a background in live comedy, including stand-up sets and longform improv at UCB. He has co-created shows, written for variety, and contributed to room noise in both scripted and unscripted environments. His live chops inform his reactive presence on camera.
Style and working relationships
Woods often aligns with creators who value ensemble authenticity. He has collaborated repeatedly with smart, dialogue-driven comedy teams and has shown comfort in both high-panic sitcom beats and subdued dramatic beats. Audiences recognize his distinctive voice and measured delivery.
Current work and public profile
Woods remains active in episodic television, streaming originals, and selective features. He maintains a steady workflow across genres, balancing comedic ensemble parts with supporting dramatic turns. His career reflects consistent work rather than viral spikes, contributing to durable name recognition.