Zach Gordon Interview

You know him as Greg Heffley in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movies. I met him when he came to Scholastic for a Live Chat a couple of years ago before the 1st Wimpy Kid movie came out. He was hilarious and adorable in real life, much more than Greg would be. We now have a new interview with him after his 3rd Wimpy Kid movie. Read on for Zach's current reflections on his life as an actor, his favorite books, and his hopes for the future.

Q: What have you learned about yourself from being an actor? 
Zach: Being an actor has made me realize that I can overcome anything, whether it’s acting, school or any other challenge. When I put my mind to anything, I can accomplish so much. When I act, I become another character and I bring ideas and qualities to the character that I imagine and create. You have to let your imagination go when you act and become the character, and that’s the fun of it.

Q: What advice do you have for kids interested in being professional actors?
Zach: Have fun and don’t take it too seriously. There is a lot of rejection in the acting business and you can’t get too emotional or worked up after every audition. Just move on to the next one and eventually all your hard work will pay off. Acting isn’t for everyone, and it’s a lot of hard work. You give up a great deal as a child actor; but for me, the rewards are worth the sacrifice.

Q: What is an unusual talent that most people don’t know that you have?
Zach: I love to write, and I’m planning to write screenplays in the future.

Q: What is your favorite song right now?
Zach: "Stereo Hearts" by Adam Levine and Gym Class Heroes.

Q: What was your most embarrassing moment?
Zach: My family and I were seeing Diary of a Wimpy Kid at a local theatre. When the movie ended, my dad began cheering like crazy and announced to everyone in the theater that I was Greg. One guy even looked back at the screen, and then looked at me and said, “Nah, really????”

Q: How do your friends react to your stardom? 
Zach: What’s great about most of my friends is that they treat me as if I am just a regular kid. I’ve had most of the same friends since preschool and they don’t pay much attention to my acting. We just hang out like everyone else.

Q: Do you have any pets?
Zach: My chocolate lab Bosco is the coolest dog you’ll ever meet. He’s crazy, hyper, and awesome. Everything he does is funny. When I let him outside to do his business, he grabs on to my leg with his paws because he’s afraid to go out alone. He’s a keeper though.

Q: What is the best book you ever read?
Zach: (clearing throat) Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Also Call of the Wild, The Giver, A Series of Unfortunate Events series, and the Harry Potter series.

Q: Food you could not live without?
Zach: Could ANYONE live without ice cream? If I could invent a new flavor of ice cream it would be Everlasting Vanilla. It never melts and tastes creamier and richer than regular vanilla.

Q: A perfect day would include?
Zach: Sleeping in and playing video games!

Q: What is one thing you wish everyone would do to make the world a better place? 
Zach: Stay POSITIVE.

Q: What other book character would you like to play in a movie?
Zach: Harry Potter. Hey, you never know. REMAKE!

Ooh, I don't think anyone could ever replace Daniel Radcliffe as Harry, but Zach Gordon is still awesome! Leave a Comment to tell us what you think.

— Sonja, STACKS Staffer

Images courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Comments

[Comment #51]

i love the books have all of them i am just waiting for the new one the third wheel it comes out in november

[Comment #52]

I have all six of the books. I was wondering if you could post a blog for me. It's called back to school school worries. It will allow people to share their worries about going back to school. I think it would fit perfectly into this website.

[Comment #53]

They are right. No one can replace Daniel Radcliffe!

[Comment #54]

I read all of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and I enjoyed them. My favorite character is Greg.

[Comment #55]

Harry Potter Rocks And I Have All Of The Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Books. ROCK ON, Zach Gordon!!

[Comment #56]

just saw dog days 2day! so good!!!!!

[Comment #57]

this dude is so good at playing his role in diary of the wimpy kid and i cant wait to see dog days!

[Comment #58]

i love the book i want to see the movie to

[Comment #59]

I luv your books. I want to see the new movie!

[Comment #60]

I <3 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID !

[Comment #61]

hes harry now

[Comment #62]

THE THIRD WHEEL IS THE NEWEST BOOK

[Comment #63]

in your movie was the Heffly family like a real family to you?

[Comment #64]

Zach your acting feels like I can do anything your acting is really inspiering.I have not seen dog days yet but I hope it's as good as your other ones. Your really cool Zach and I hope you keep up your wimpy kid movies.I like Harry Potter too!

[Comment #65]

i love it mood:tired 8:18

[Comment #66]

i love diary of a wimpy kid

[Comment #67]

i just want to be in one of your movies there so good

[Comment #68]

i love scolastic

[Comment #69]

you are so genusis

[Comment #70]

I watched both movies, I canit wait to watch "Dog Days"!

[Comment #71]

i liked all the books i want the third wheel already keep up the good work jeff zach and robert

[Comment #72]

Read up to book 3 and watched only the first movie, but I love both film and books: Zach Gordon really is an awesome actor, and sounds like a very fun person, too!

[Comment #73]

I love reading his books!!!!!!I wathched his first movie last night!!!!!

[Comment #74]

I LOVE DIARY OF A WIMPY KID MOVIES AND BOOKS

[Comment #75]

Oh my gosh! Zach is so cute! I love the books!