If you close your eyes, you probably still see him with that signature backpack, dodging a piece of moldy cheese on a middle school blacktop. It’s a bit of a trip, honestly. We all remember Zachary Gordon as the face of Greg Heffley, the kid who basically narrated the awkwardness of our own childhoods. But time is a weird thing. One minute you're watching him struggle through seventh grade, and the next, you're realizing that the "Wimpy Kid" is a full-grown man navigating his late twenties.
So, let's get right to it. Zachary Gordon is 27 years old. He was born on February 15, 1998. Since we are currently in January 2026, he’s just a few weeks shy of his 28th birthday. It feels like just yesterday he was the 12-year-old face of a global franchise, but the math doesn't lie. He’s lived a whole lot of life since he stopped writing in that diary.
Zachary Gordon: The Age Gap Between Actor and Icon
There’s always a bit of a disconnect when we talk about child stars. We freeze them in time. For most people, Zachary is perpetually 13. However, he started his professional journey way before the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies even hit theaters. He was only eight years old when he started landing gigs in 2006.
By the time the first Wimpy Kid movie dropped in 2010, he was 12. He literally grew up on screen. By the third film, Dog Days (2012), he was 14. That was the turning point. Puberty is the one thing a child actor can't outrun. He eventually got too old to play Greg, leading to the eventual recasting for later films. It’s a tough transition. You go from being the most recognizable kid in the world to a teenager looking for "serious" roles.
Why the Age Confuses Everyone
People often search for how old Zachary Gordon is because they see his face in reruns or on Disney+ and assume he's still a teen. He has one of those faces—sorta youthful, very relatable. Plus, he's been incredibly active in voice acting. When you hear him as Nightwing in Batwheels or remember him as Gil from Bubble Guppies, your brain doesn't necessarily associate a specific age with the voice.
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Life After the Diary: What He’s Doing at 27
Honestly, it’s impressive how he’s handled the "post-child star" slump that ruins so many others. He didn't just disappear. Instead of chasing every blockbuster, he’s been working steadily in indie films and television.
He’s moved into more mature territory, appearing in shows like Good Trouble (playing Tate Wilson) and the horror-thriller Dreamcatcher. You’ve also probably seen him in The Good Doctor or The Resident. He’s not the wimpy kid anymore; he’s a character actor with a pretty deep resume.
He's also talked openly about the "quarter-life crisis" of being a child star. In recent interviews, he’s mentioned how weird it was to have teachers asking for autographs while other kids hated him out of pure jealousy. Imagine being 13 and feeling like you have to wear a mask just to walk through the mall. That’s the reality he lived.
The Voice Behind the Scenes
At 27, Zach has become a powerhouse in the voice-over world. It’s a smart move. It allows for longevity without the constant pressure of maintaining a specific "look" for the cameras.
- Batwheels: He voices Nightwing, bringing a cool, veteran hero vibe.
- Genshin Impact: Gamers know him as the voice of Tighnari (starting from version 3.5). This role alone introduced him to a massive, entirely new generation of fans who might not even know about the movies.
- Star Wars Rebels: He voiced Mart Mattin, proving he can fit into huge sci-fi universes just as easily as middle school comedies.
Beyond the Screen: Music and Personal Growth
Zachary isn't just sticking to a script these days. In 2023, he branched out into music, releasing his first music video called "Time Bomb." It was a bit of a "reveal" moment—showing fans a more personal, edgy side that you’d never see in a PG-rated movie.
He’s also very vocal about mental health. He’s shared that he spent a lot of time "getting comfortable" with himself as he got older. Being 27 in 2026 means he's part of a generation that values authenticity over the polished "Disney" image. He’s active on Instagram and Twitter, but he seems to keep a healthy distance from the toxic parts of fame.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Career
There’s a common misconception that once a kid is replaced in a franchise, their career is over. People see the Wimpy Kid reboot and think, "Oh, what happened to the original guy?"
The truth? He outgrew the role. Literally. He’s 5'10" now. You can’t exactly play a "wimpy" middle schooler when you’re a grown man with a beard. He’s leaned into that growth rather than fighting it. He’s expressed gratitude for the legacy of Greg Heffley, but he’s clearly moved on to the next chapter.
He recently worked on a project called Last Appeal, playing Max Dagan. It’s a far cry from the slapstick humor of his youth. It shows a level of grit and maturity that only comes with, well, getting older.
How to Follow Zachary Gordon Today
If you're looking to keep up with what a 27-year-old Greg Heffley looks like in the wild, your best bets are his social media channels. He doesn't post every hour, but when he does, it’s usually about his latest voice acting project or a glimpse into his life in California.
- Check out his voice work: If you’re a gamer, listen for him in Genshin Impact. If you have kids (or just love animation), catch him in Batwheels.
- Watch his indie films: Look for Violet or Dreamcatcher to see his range as an adult actor.
- Listen to his music: Search for "Time Bomb" on YouTube to hear his transition into the music industry.
Basically, Zachary Gordon is doing just fine. He's navigated the transition from child icon to working adult actor with a lot of grace. He’s 27, he’s talented, and honestly, he’s just getting started with the more "adult" phase of his career.
Next time you see a Diary of a Wimpy Kid meme, just remember—the guy behind the character is probably out there recording lines for a superhero or filming a gritty drama. He grew up, and it turns out, he’s doing pretty well for himself.
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To see his most recent career updates, you can follow his official Instagram or check his updated credits on IMDb, where he frequently adds new voice-over and live-action roles.