Taylor Zakhar Perez Bio
Taylor James Zakhar is an American actor known for his breakout role in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth 2 (2020) and The Kissing Booth 3 (2021). Born in Chicago and raised in Chesterton, Indiana, he pursued acting after attending Chesterton High School and UCLA, where he studied Spanish culture and community and minored in film and television.
Early Life and Background
Taylor James Zakhar was born on December 24, 1991, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Chesterton, Indiana. He attended Chesterton High School where he was a national level swimmer. Perez has diverse ancestry including Mexican, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Croatian through his mother, and Hungarian through his father. He is the sixth of eight children, with his mother working as an aesthetician and the family running an auto-body shop where Perez worked changing tires on weekends.
After receiving a swimming scholarship to Fordham University, Perez chose to attend the University of California, Los Angeles instead. There he majored in Spanish culture and community with a minor in film and television. Perez began his acting career at an early age, performing in musicals at opera houses before transitioning to screen work.
Path to Acting
Perez started his professional career in 2012 with guest appearances on various television series. These early roles helped him gain experience and develop his craft before landing more substantial parts. During this formative period, he also took additional training to prepare for more challenging roles, including choreography and guitar lessons for his breakthrough performance.
The actor’s diverse background and education provided him with a unique perspective that would later inform his performances. His fluency in Spanish and understanding of different cultures became assets in his career, allowing him to connect authentically with a range of characters and audiences.
Taylor Zakhar Perez Career
Early Career (2012–2019)
Taylor Zakhar Perez began his screen career with guest roles on various television series starting in 2012. During these early years, he honed his craft through small but memorable appearances that demonstrated his versatility and potential. The actor worked consistently during this period, building his resume and establishing connections within the industry.
Perez took advantage of these early opportunities to develop his skills and prepare for more substantial roles. His dedication to improving his craft during this time laid the foundation for his later breakthrough performances. The actor’s commitment to his education and training during this period would prove invaluable as his career progressed.
Breakthrough (2020–2023)
Taylor Zakhar Perez’s career breakthrough came in 2020 when he starred as Marco Valentin Peña in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth 2. This role marked his first leading part in a major film and brought him widespread recognition. For this performance, Perez took choreography and guitar lessons to authentically portray his character. The film became the most-streamed on Netflix during its opening weekend, with 66 million households watching it over the first four weeks of release.
In 2021, Perez reprised his role as Marco in The Kissing Booth 3, further solidifying his status as a rising star in Hollywood. During this period, he also demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by partnering with a 3D tech company to produce sustainable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative cut 90% of traditional manufacturing waste, with proceeds benefiting a Chicago organization supporting disabled children and families in the Hispanic community.
Notable Works and Milestones
In 2022, Perez starred in HBO Max’s comedy series Minx as Shane Brody, a firefighter who becomes the cover star of an erotic magazine. That same year, he appeared in the gaming comedy film 1Up alongside Ruby Rose, playing the character Dustin. His most significant role to date came in 2023 when he starred as Alex Claremont-Diaz in Amazon Prime Video’s Red, White & Royal Blue opposite Nicholas Galitzine. The film became the top-watched worldwide on the platform for its first three weeks after release, with critics praising the charisma of both leads. A sequel to this successful romantic comedy is currently in development.
Taylor Zakhar Perez Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Taylor Zakhar Perez has demonstrated consistent excellence in his performances, though specific nominations are not documented in the available sources. His work in popular projects like The Kissing Booth series, Minx, and Red, White & Royal Blue has garnered significant audience attention and critical praise.
Taylor Zakhar Perez Awards Won
As of 2026, Taylor Zakhar Perez has not received any major industry awards, though his performances have resonated strongly with audiences worldwide. His role in Red, White & Royal Blue, which topped streaming charts for weeks, demonstrated his ability to carry major productions and connect with global audiences.
Taylor Zakhar Perez Family
Taylor James Zakhar comes from a large family background, being the sixth of eight children. His mother works as an aesthetician, and the family operated an auto-body business where Perez worked during his youth. His diverse ancestry includes Mexican, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Croatian, and Hungarian heritage, contributing to his multicultural identity and perspective.
Personal Life
Beyond his acting career, Taylor Zakhar Perez has shown commitment to environmental sustainability and Latin representation in entertainment. He has participated in supply-chain visits with Eco-Age and The Woolmark Company. In January 2025, Perez was appointed global brand ambassador for Lacoste and starred in their underwear ad campaign. He also served as the ambassador for the 2024 SAG Awards ceremony in February of that year, further establishing his presence within the industry.