Zachary Israel "Zach" Braff (born April 6, 1975) is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. During the 2000s, he became known for his role as John 'J.D.' Dorian, on the popular TV Series Scrubs, which earned him his first Emmy nomination.

Braff also wrote, starred in, and directed 2004's Garden State, a coming of age film which brought him his first financial success and critical acclaim in film work. The soundtrack record, which he selected and produced, earned him a Grammy for Best Soundtrack Album in 2005.

Braff was born in South Orange, New Jersey, to a Jewish family. His parents, Hal Braff, a trial attorney and sociology professor, and Anne Brodzinsky, a clinical psychologist, divorced and re-married others during Braff's childhood. One of his siblings, Joshua, is an author. Braff has wanted to be a filmmaker since his early childhood and has described it as his "life dream." Braff was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder at age 10.