If you haven’t seen Peanut Butter Falcon yet, please take the time to watch this exceptional movie, you should. It’s a delightful film about a man with Down Syndrome who wants nothing more than to become a wrestler. The charming and heartwarming film stars Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, and Zack Gottsagen, but it’s really Zach’s movie. We were enthralled by his story and had to know more about him. So we did an in-depth search to find ten things you didn’t know about Zack Gottsagen.
1. Acting Ambition
Like many young movie lovers, Zach always knew he wanted to act. Most American kids grow up around TV and movies, so it’s only natural that many want to grow up and be part of the film industry. Hollywood dreams are a big part of our culture, and while not everyone shares the acting ambition, plenty of people certainly do. For someone like Zach, who has Down Syndrome, the acting jobs are fewer and further between, but it’s an achievable goal as he proved. Zach told Variety that he loves acting. We loved seeing him in the film and hope to see him on the big screen again, showing people everywhere that diversity is beautiful, and you really can grow up and be anything you want to be.
2. Dream Job
Zach certainly knows how to dream big. He doesn’t want to stop at a single role. In fact, his dream is to play Danny Zuko in Grease. However, he’s still busy collecting his accolades from Peanut Butter Falcon. Zach’s name is on the list for a possible Spirit Award. We think he’d make an outstanding reformed bad boy as Danny and we’d be the first in line to get tickets to that show. Love and talent come in all forms, and we’re 100% behind seeing greater diversity in film and stage productions.
3. Fanboy Roots
As a kid, Zach loved Disney. Who doesn’t? However, his all-time favorite show was Even Stevens. If that sounds familiar, it’s because that show was the real beginning of co-star Shia LeBeouf’s career. Gottsagen would watch the show and laugh as he dreamed of someday working as an actor. For him, getting to work with Shia is a special bonus because of his early fandom. Working with someone you idolized is rare, and Zach is one of the few who has managed to bring that goal to fruition.
4. From Fan to Friend
Working with an idol isn’t the only positive that’s come out of the experience of working on Peanut Butter Falcon with Shia. Spending time on set together has led to a lasting friendship with Shia. Beyond even that, Mr. Le Beouf credits his relationship with Zach as one of the driving motivators that help him maintain his sobriety. The two text each other and hang out together. That’s a pretty big deal for someone who was a childhood fan.
5. Floridian
For all you kids growing up in the Sunshine State, Hollywood might seem like a long way from where you are in Florida, but no distance is too far to travel for a dream. Zach grew up in Florida also, and he achieved his goals. You can too. Zach Gottsagen is a genuinely worthy person to look up to, whether you’re a young acting hopeful, a person with Downs or some other genetic disorder, or just someone who wants to reach for the stars and make their goals a reality as they grow up.
6. Motherly Love
Some kids aren’t lucky enough to grow up with a mom. Meanwhile, other’s lack supportive parents, but Zach hit the mommy lottery. He has two mothers. His doting parents Shelly and Trish, have always supported his artistic dreams. When he was younger, they made sure he got the chance to take acting classes and dancing lessons. No wonder he wants to play Danny Zuko. That’s one of the musical theater and dancing’s all-time classic roles.
7. More Co-Star Bonding
Shia LeBeouf isn’t the only co-star Gottsagen has spent time with off set. He’s also bonded with Dakota Johnson, who plays his social worker in the movie. The pair have gone out to get mani-pedis together, which Zach had a lot of fun with. After all, who doesn’t like to be spoiled with a lovely afternoon doing self-care? Stars must look their best.
8. Not His First Rodeo
When it comes to acting, Peanut Butter Falcon might be the role most people know him for, but Gottsagen has other credits to his professional name. Back in 2012, Zach was in the short comic film Bulletproof with David Arquette. The film, from Zeno film camp, stars many actors with disabilities. Additionally, Zach worked with Zeno on Ready to Ride: A Musical Homecoming.
9. Need More Zach?
Are you ready for a lot more Zach Gottsagen in your life? The 35-year-old actor is undoubtedly prepared to take Hollywood by storm. However, if you can’t wait to learn more about Zach and see what he’s up to, then we suggest you follow him on Instagram. You can see pics of Zach and his co-sars and get updates about what he’s up to.
10. Leading The Way
Zach has always been willing to take the lead. He was the first person with Down Syndrome to be a part of the Palm Beach County School System, where he grew up. In 2004 he attended the Dreyfoos School of the Arts. We’re not sure if he was the first Downs actor there, but he would have been just as happy to be there if he was.
Final Thoughts
We love a story with a happy ending. Both Zach and Peanut Butter Falcon can deliver the good feelings we enjoy. We’ll be thrilled to see what Zach Gottsagen does next in his burgeoning theatrical career. So far, we’ve enjoyed every performance and even his interviews. What surprised you most about Zach? Let us know in the comments section.
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