Jacob Zachar
Jacob Zachar – Life, Career, and Insights
Learn about Jacob Zachar (born May 16, 1986) — actor known for Greek. Explore his early life, education, acting roles, personal journey, philosophy, and memorable moments.
Introduction
Jacob Zachar (b. May 16, 1986) is an American actor best known for his role as Russell “Rusty” Cartwright on the ABC Family series Greek. Over his career, he’s balanced work in television, film, voice acting, and stage. His path reflects persistence, artistic versatility, and a blending of performance with personal expression.
Early Life and Education
Jacob Zachar was born in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. St. Francis Borgia grammar school and later St. Patrick High School, an all-boys Catholic school in Chicago.
Growing up, he was involved in local theater in Chicago before eventually relocating toward the acting hub of Los Angeles.
Career and Achievements
Breakthrough & Greek
Shortly after moving to Los Angeles, Zachar secured his most prominent role: Rusty Cartwright on Greek, which aired from 2007 to 2011. Greek gave him broad exposure and a steady leading role in a youth-oriented series.
Film & Voice Acting
Before Greek, he appeared in films such as Little Big Top (2006) as Ernest, and in Bodega. Drunkboat (2010), working alongside John Malkovich, John Goodman, and Dana Delany.
Zachar has contributed voice work, including in Surf’s Up and a voice credit on an episode of King of the Hill.
After Greek, he continued to guest star in series like House and CSI, and appeared in films such as Detention of the Dead.
Theater & Other Projects
He has a background in stage acting too, having performed in theater productions such as Les Misérables, Guys and Dolls, On Golden Pond, Big: The Musical, and Prairie Lights.
He has also done commercials (e.g. Carl’s Jr., Dunkin’ Donuts) early in his career.
Personal Life & Interests
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While living in Chicago, he played in a metal band, Megaband, and also was involved in a punk/ska group called Not Too Good.
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On May 25, 2019, Zachar married Brittany Saberhagen, after dating for five years.
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He is a father: in April 2021, their son Lincoln was born.
His heritage includes a mix of Polish, Slovak, and Bohemian (Czech) ancestry, per some sources.
Style, Values & Public Persona
Zachar projects an image of relatability, authenticity, and a balance between mainstream acting and artistic ventures. He has maintained a presence both in the screen roles that bring broad recognition and in more personal creative work (music, theater).
He seems to value stability in personal life (long courtship, music as ongoing side passion) and to keep his roots in Chicago while working in the entertainment industry’s centers.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
I was unable to reliably locate many well-documented public quotes from Jacob Zachar. He is more known through his performances than through a reputation as a quotable public speaker.
However, his career path and roles say a lot:
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Choosing Greek as the defining role that connected him with a younger, enthusiastic audience.
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Blending music and acting, demonstrating he doesn’t confine himself to one medium.
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Maintaining theater work even while working in film and television.
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