Zachary Robin Gottsagen (born April 22, 1985) is an American actor and rapper. He was born with Down Syndrome. He had a breakout role for the film The Peanut Butter Falcon.
Career His screen debut happened as an infant in an instructional film on natural childbirth.
While at Zeno Mountain Farm, a camp for people with and without disabilities, Gottsagen met Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. At his request for them to make a film with him as the star, Nilson and Schwartz wrote and directed The Peanut Butter Falcon. In the film, Gottsagen had a starring role as an aspiring professional wrestler with Down syndrome.
In 2020, Gottsagen became the first person with Down Syndrome to be a presenter at the Academy Awards, when he and Shia LaBeouf presented the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. In 2019, he was recognized as a Breakthrough Entertainer by the Associated Press.
Gottsagen starred with Felicity Huffman in an ABC television pilot based on the life of Susan Savage, owner of the minor league baseball team the Sacramento River Cats.
Personal life Gottsagen lives independently at an apartment in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is in a long term relationship with Charlotte Woodward, a sociologist and disability rights advocate.
Filmography
Film YearTitleRoleNotes2012Bulletproof (short) Gar Vunderson / Grimm Jim2014Becoming Bulletproof (documentary) self2019The Peanut Butter FalconZak2020Best Summer EverCheerleader2025Night Always ComesKenny
Awards and nominations Year Award Work Result Ref. 2020Palm Springs International Film Festival Rising Star Award The Peanut Butter Falcon Hollywood Critics Association Newcomer Award
References
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