Zach Woods, born on September 25, 1984, is an American actor and comedian celebrated for his distinctive deadpan delivery and portrayal of awkward, endearing characters across television and film. He rose to prominence as a series regular for three seasons as Gabe Lewis on the NBC sitcom The Office, where his character’s cringe-inducing earnestness and bizarre managerial style made him a memorable addition to the Dunder Mifflin universe. Following this breakout role, Woods solidified his reputation as a comedic force with his portrayal of Jared Dunn, the loyal yet neurotic Chief Financial Officer on the HBO series Silicon Valley, a performance that earned him critical acclaim for its subtle humor and emotional depth. He further showcased his versatility with recurring roles as the hapless political aide Ed Webster on the HBO political satire Veep and as Zach Harper on the USA Network sitcom Playing House. In recent years, he starred as the pompous billionaire Edgar D. Minnows in the Apple TV+ murder mystery series The Afterparty and appeared as the beleaguered Matt Spencer on the HBO comedy Avenue 5, both of which allowed him to explore more absurdist and dramatic comedic territory.

Woods grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, and began his career in comedy after studying at the University of Southern California, where he performed with the improv group The Groundlings. His early work included appearances on the sketch show The CollegeHumor Show and a stint as a writer and performer for the online comedy series Upright Citizens Brigade, where he honed his signature style of understated, observational humor. His big break came when he was cast in The Office in 2010, joining the show in its seventh season and remaining through its conclusion. The role of Gabe Lewis, a regional director of sales whose awkward interactions with coworkers like Steve Carell’s Michael Scott and Ed Helms’s Andy Bernard, cemented Woods as a fan favorite. After The Office ended, he transitioned seamlessly to Silicon Valley, where his performance as Jared Dunn, a character originally written as a minor role but expanded due to Woods’s comedic timing, became a cornerstone of the series over six seasons.

Beyond his television work, Woods has appeared in films such as The Post, directed by Steven Spielberg, and Other People, a comedy-drama starring Molly Shannon. He has also lent his voice to animated projects, including the Netflix series Big Mouth and the animated film The Angry Birds Movie 2. Currently, Woods remains active in the entertainment industry, balancing acting with writing and producing. He is known for his collaborative spirit and has frequently worked with creators like Mike Judge and Jesse Armstrong, contributing to the sharp, character-driven comedies that define his career. With a talent for making discomfort and vulnerability both hilarious and relatable, Zach Woods continues to be one of television’s most distinctive and respected comedic actors.