Taylor Zakhar Perez

Biography

Taylor Zakhar Perez is an American actor who rose to international prominence through his work in romantic comedies and television dramas. Known for his charm, athletic background, and emotional range, he has become a recognizable face in contemporary film and streaming series.

Biography

Taylor Zakhar Perez was born on December 24, 1991, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Chesterton, Indiana. He comes from a large family and is the sixth of eight children. Raised in a hardworking household, he spent weekends helping at his family’s auto-body shop. His mother works as an aesthetician.

Perez has a diverse heritage that includes Mexican, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Croatian, and Hungarian ancestry. He attended Chesterton High School, where he excelled as a competitive swimmer at the national level. Although he was offered a swimming scholarship to Fordham University, he chose instead to attend UCLA, where he majored in Spanish culture and community and minored in film and television.

His interest in performance began early, with appearances in musical productions and opera houses, laying the groundwork for his future acting career.

Career

Perez began his professional acting career with appearances in various television series, gradually building experience and visibility. His breakthrough came with his role as Marco Peña in the romantic comedy The Kissing Booth 2 (2020), a performance that quickly made him a fan favorite. He reprised the role in The Kissing Booth 3 (2021), solidifying his popularity with global audiences.

He continued to expand his range with a supporting role in the comedy series Minx (2022), before taking on a starring role in the romantic comedy Red, White & Royal Blue (2023), which further elevated his status as a leading man.