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Zach Anner (born November 17, 1984[1]) is an American comedian, actor, and writer with cerebral palsy who gained worldwide attention with the submission of a video to Oprah Winfrey's "Search for the Next TV Star" competition.[2] He won his own TV show on OWN through Oprah's Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star.[3] His wheelchair travel show, Rollin' With Zach, premiered December 12, 2011.[4] Zach recently wrote for and guest-starred on the ABC-TV sitcom Speechless, which is centered on a teenager with cerebral palsy.

Key Information

Personal life

[edit]

Zach Anner is originally from Kenmore, New York. He was born with cerebral palsy.[5] Anner graduated from Kenmore West Senior High School. After a stint working for Disney World as a park security specialist at Epcot,[6] he started college at the University of Texas, Austin, in 2005. While attending school, he obtained celebrity interviews through That's Awesome, a sketch comedy program on Texas Student TV K29HW-D, the university's local public-access television cable TV channel.[2] That’s Awesome was created by independent filmmaker Mark Dennis, a friend Zach credits as the one who encouraged him to be in front of the camera.[7] In 2008, he and fellow production mates started a comedy troupe called Lark the Beard, which produced a Streamy-nominated web series entitled The Wingmen. Anner is currently involved in writing shows and feature movies with Lark the Beard.[citation needed]

Oprah contest and Rollin' With Zach

[edit]

On June 2, 2010, Anner uploaded a video submission to a contest sponsored by Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Productions.[8] Oprah's "Search for the Next TV Star" contest is a chance for one "top five" finalist to compete on a reality show located in Los Angeles, California. The winner of the reality program would receive a show on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. The "top five" online finalists were to be determined by the number of votes their video received. On the morning of Friday, June 11, 2010, Anner had just over 3,000 votes for his video submission, while the leader of the competition possessed more votes.

By the night of Saturday, June 12, celebrity endorsements and support began to appear for Anner. John Mayer, an early supporter of Anner's, posted words of encouragement on his blog. According to The Daily Texan, Anner, who had taken a weekend trip to Dallas, was unaware of the overnight success of his video submission.[2] Anner's friends filmed his reaction to the then over 2,000,000 votes, as well as the blog and "To Zach Anner" video by John Mayer. Anner exclaimed, "How.... what the... what the balls is this?" at the sight of his new popularity.[9] As a response, Anner posted the subsequent "Thank You, Internet" and "I want to come and see you!" videos.

On February 25, it was announced that Zach Anner had won the competition, winning his own television show, $100,000, and a Chevrolet Equinox. The show, titled Rollin' With Zach, premiered December 12, 2011,[10] but was cancelled after six episodes.[11]

Celebrity and media support

[edit]

As of June 15, 2010, Anner had received support from Perez Hilton, John Mayer, Harry Knowles, David Hasselhoff, Daniel Tosh, and others on the Internet. He had also received coverage in New York Magazine,[12] Time,[13] Entertainment Weekly,[14] ABC News,[15] Fox News (Red Eye),[16] Tubefilter.tv,[17] and G4TV.[18]

Alleged rigging

[edit]

According to internet speculation, the contest was rigged against Anner, as a contestant named Dr. Phyllis received over 300,000 votes in 20 minutes and surpassed Anner.[19] Many voters noticed that after they placed a vote for Anner, the total number of his votes would actually decrease, further adding to the belief that the system was rigged. Anner expressed skepticism about the alleged rigging, stating, "I sincerely doubt that Oprah would do anything like that. She’s probably too busy building schools and helping children to even notice someone like me."[20]

YouTube

[edit]

Anner has a YouTube channel where he posts videos on a weekly basis. The channel has over 350,000 subscribers and over 15 million total views.[21] He has multiple series that he includes on the channel, including project "Riding Shotgun",[22] which premiered on October 23, 2012, and "Workout Wednesday", which premiered on August 21, 2013.[23] The latter featured a video that was auto-tuned by The Gregory Brothers.[24] In 2013, Zach started doing a show with SoulPancake titled "Have a little faith", in which he explores, in his comedic way, the basic rules of several religions that have a foothold in the United States. Among other religions, Zach has explored Judaism, Islam, the Bahá'í faith, Mormonism, Quakerism, Baptism, and Catholicism.

Zach has also been featured on the Rooster Teeth shows The Eleven Little Roosters, Million Dollars But..., and its game show, On The Spot, as a contestant.

Since April 2025, Anner has been a part of "Answer for It" alongside James and Elyse Willems, and A.J. LoCascio.

Television

[edit]

Zach Anner also guest-starred as Lee on the 2016–2019 ABC television series Speechless, and was a staff writer and story editor who wrote two episodes for the show as well.[25]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zach Anner

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Zach Anner (born November 17, 1984) is an American comedian, actor, writer, television host, and advocate diagnosed with shortly after his first birthday. Best known for his humorous takes on life with a , he rose to prominence in 2011 by winning Oprah Winfrey's "Your OWN Show" contest with a viral audition video that garnered over 9 million votes, earning him $100,000, an adaptive vehicle, and his own travel series, Rollin' with Zach, on the (OWN)—making him the first person with to host a national TV show. Born in suburban , to a theater professor mother and with a brother who later collaborated on his projects, Anner grew up in an environment where his was not overly emphasized, fostering his resilient and comedic outlook. He studied film and television production at the , where he honed his skills through early ventures like , a stint in Disney World security, and co-founding the "Lark and the Beard" alongside the The Wingmen. Following his OWN success, which included a six-episode run of Rollin' with Zach starting in December 2011, Anner expanded into digital media with series such as with Zach Anner (a 2012 travel show produced in partnership with , covering eight U.S. and Canadian cities), Workout Wednesday, Have a Little Faith, and Top of the Monday for SoulPancake. Anner's writing career gained momentum as a consultant and staff writer on ABC's Speechless (2016–2020), a sitcom inspired by real-life family experiences with disability, where he also guest-starred in the first season and contributed to its portrayal of multifaceted characters with disabilities—not just as inspirational figures but as complex individuals who can be "jerks" too. He later wrote for Apple TV+'s Emmy-winning family comedy Best Foot Forward (2022–2023) and, in 2024, produced, wrote, and starred in the short film Wheelchair Club, nominated for the Easterseals Film Challenge. In 2016, he published his memoir, If at Birth You Don’t Succeed: My Adventures with Disaster and Destiny, which chronicles his life's mishaps and triumphs, including driving a simulator and influencing a song. As an advocate, Anner serves as an ambassador for the Foundation and has collaborated on viral campaigns with organizations like UCPLA Wheels for Humanity, , and BraunAbility to promote accessibility and challenge stereotypes. Splitting his time between and New York, he continues as a public speaker emphasizing empowerment and humor in disability narratives.

Early Life and Education

Childhood and Family

Zach Anner was born on November 17, 1984, in , and raised in the suburb of Kenmore. He was born two months premature and diagnosed with approximately one year later, a condition that affects muscle control and movement. From an early age, the significantly impacted his mobility, leading him to rely on a for transportation. Anner's family provided a supportive and normalizing environment during his childhood, where his was not stigmatized but integrated into daily life. His parents, Jonathan Anner, a , and Susan Anner, a theater lecturer at SUNY Buffalo, along with his older brother Brad, treated him as capable and encouraged his independence without emphasizing differences caused by his condition. This familial dynamic, marked by humor and partnership—particularly with Brad, who remains a close collaborator—helped foster Anner's resilience amid physical challenges. Growing up in Kenmore, Anner attended local schools, including Lindbergh Elementary, Kenmore Middle School, and Kenmore West Senior High School, though frequent illnesses related to his caused him to withdraw from high school and complete his education by earning a GED around 2002. Throughout these early years, he developed an interest in humor as a coping mechanism, using to navigate social and physical obstacles, which became a foundational aspect of his personality. This approach later influenced his move to for higher education.

University and Early Interests

Anner first attended the State University of New York at Buffalo for one year before beginning his higher education at the University of Texas at Austin in 2005, where he majored in radio-television-film, focusing on production and creative storytelling. His decision to attend UT was influenced by a visit to the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival, where the vibrant Austin creative scene captivated him and ultimately led him to stay in the city after completing his studies around 2009. During his college years, Anner co-founded the sketch comedy troupe Lark the Beard in 2007 alongside his brother Brad and several fellow students. The group produced original sketches and short films that highlighted Anner's emerging comedic voice, blending absurdity with personal experiences to create accessible, inclusive humor. This collaborative work laid the groundwork for his foundational media experiments, emphasizing in comedy production. A key project from this period was Anner's creation and hosting of the public-access television show That's Awesome! on UT's Texas Student TV channel K29HW-D. The program featured a mix of celebrity interviews—such as with Bill Clinton and Dennis Quaid—and original comedic sketches, allowing Anner to hone his on-camera presence and interviewing skills while producing content that resonated with campus audiences. Through these endeavors, Anner explored early forms of stand-up and sketch comedy on campus and in local Austin venues, developing a style that incorporated disability-inclusive humor to challenge stereotypes and foster relatability.

Career Beginnings

Stand-up Comedy and Local Media

Following his time at the , where he honed his comedic skills through student television projects, Zach Anner established himself in the city's vibrant comedy scene around 2007 by co-founding Lark the Beard Productions, a troupe, with his brother Brad and three college friends. This collective produced short films, sketches, and the award-winning web series The Wingmen, which followed a group of young men running a radio and earned recognition in local and online circles. Anner's contributions as writer, director, actor, and producer in these projects marked his transition to professional local media work, including client commissions such as short films for Fox Television. Anner began performing stand-up and improv routines at Austin venues like the Alamo Drafthouse's Open Screen Night, where he debuted popular bits such as a improvisational skit portraying a "Middle-Aged British Couple in Crisis" alongside celebrity guest . His material centered on personal experiences with , transforming everyday challenges—like mobility limitations and societal perceptions—into relatable, self-deprecating humor that resonated with audiences. These performances, often as opening acts for larger shows, helped him secure early paid opportunities and build a regional following within by 2009-2010. Accessibility barriers in comedy clubs and theaters, such as inadequate ramps or stage setups for wheelchair users, presented ongoing hurdles that Anner navigated through advocacy and adaptation, often incorporating these obstacles directly into his routines to underscore themes of resilience and inclusion. This approach not only informed his evolving material but also positioned him as a distinctive voice in Austin's local scene, fostering connections with fellow performers and producers before broader recognition.

Initial Online Videos

In 2008, Zach Anner co-created and starred in the The Wingmen, a low-budget produced with fellow students Jordan Crowder and Chris DeMarais as part of their Lark the Beard. The series followed a fictional crew documenting three self-proclaimed "love gurus" navigating absurd dating scenarios after their radio show faced an FCC fine, blending self-deprecating humor with satirical takes on relationships and everyday mishaps. This project marked Anner's entry into online video, influencing his later digital style through its organic, sketch-based format and emphasis on comedic timing amid physical limitations from . Around 2010, Anner launched his personal YouTube channel, uploading initial comedy sketches, vlogs, and short travel segments filmed in Austin, Texas. These early videos explored themes of daily life with disability, such as navigating urban spaces in a wheelchair, infused with self-deprecating wit and aspirations for adventure, including local explorations like the "Rolls Over Austin" series visiting sites such as the Texas State Capitol and Mount Bonnell. Some content repurposed material from his stand-up routines, adapting live comedy bits into visual sketches shared among local networks. Produced with basic equipment like consumer-grade cameras, the videos relied on collaborations with university friends for filming and Anner's brother Brad for editing, fostering a DIY approach that highlighted resourcefulness over polish. By late 2010, the channel had accumulated modest viewership and a small subscriber base, primarily built through local sharing in Austin's comedy and university communities rather than widespread viral traction.

Oprah Winfrey Contest Breakthrough

Contest Entry and Viral Success

In June 2010, Zach Anner submitted an audition video to the Network's "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" contest, proposing a series called "Rollin' with Zach." The video featured Anner humorously pitching himself as host of a wheelchair-accessible show, emphasizing adventurous explorations of cities while navigating challenges with , including quips like "No mountain is too high… and no is too underwater or fictional!" Uploaded to on June 14, 2010, the video rapidly gained traction through online communities such as and , sparking immediate virality with widespread shares across platforms. By mid-2010, it had amassed over 2.6 million public votes in the contest's voting mechanism, propelling Anner to frontrunner status amid intense online support. Anner's ascent culminated in his selection as a co-winner in February 2011, with early media coverage from outlets including ABC News, Time, and praising the video's inspirational blend of humor and resilience in highlighting experiences.

Celebrity Support and Selection

Following the viral success of his audition video, which amassed millions of views and over 9 million votes in the "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" contest, Zach Anner garnered notable celebrity endorsements that amplified his candidacy. Singer publicly praised Anner's video in a 2010 vlog on his official blog, commenting that "the chair simply disappears" and highlighting its humor, which contributed to a surge in support and votes. Mayer later wrote and performed the theme song for Anner's resulting series, further solidifying his backing during the production phase. The contest's visibility sparked widespread media attention and grassroots fan campaigns, particularly on platforms like , where communities rallied to promote Anner's entry and drive additional votes, turning it into a that pressured OWN to address the overwhelming public response. This frenzy included allegations of vote rigging in June , when Anner's lead reportedly fluctuated suspiciously amid competition from another finalist, prompting OWN to investigate claims of automated voting and fan accusations of interference to prevent his advancement, though no wrongdoing was ultimately confirmed. These controversies heightened the drama around the selection, with Anner's supporters viewing the online buzz as instrumental in keeping him in contention despite the irregularities. Oprah Winfrey took a direct role in the process, conducting a personal one-on-one interview with Anner during the competition's later stages, where his comedic style and authenticity impressed her, leading to an emotional response from Winfrey herself. On the final episode of the contest, aired February 25, 2011, Winfrey announced Anner as a co-winner alongside finalist Kristina Kuzmic-Crocco, handpicking him for his unique perspective and declaring that both deserved their own platforms on OWN. This selection culminated in a contract for Anner's travel series, "Rollin' with Zach," with a six-episode order executive produced by Mark Burnett, emphasizing accessible adventures tailored to his experiences with cerebral palsy.

Television Career

Hosting Rollin' with Zach

"Rollin' with Zach" is a comedic travel series hosted by Zach Anner that premiered on the (OWN) on December 12, 2011, following his victory in the network's "Your OWN Show" contest. The show consisted of six half-hour episodes, airing two back-to-back each Monday for three weeks, concluding on December 26, 2011. Produced over the summer of 2011, it featured Anner, who has and uses a , exploring various U.S. cities while highlighting issues through humor and . The format centered on Anner counting down his top five activities in each destination, blending travelogue elements with personal challenges to emphasize fun and inclusivity for people with disabilities. Episodes covered cities including , , New York, , , and , where Anner attempted activities such as , , and . In the premiere, he visited The Price Is Right set, tried , and even inspired a custom milkshake, using self-deprecating wit to navigate physical obstacles like wheelchair maneuvers on beaches. The New York episode focused on a nerve-wracking stand-up performance at Caroline's comedy club, underscoring accessibility hurdles in urban environments while showcasing Anner's comedic timing amid spasms and mishaps, such as a malfunctioning van door. Production faced challenges amid OWN's turbulent early years, including network restructuring and low initial ratings for many programs. The series was cancelled after its single season in early 2012, despite Anner's engaging on-screen presence. contributed the theme song, adding a notable musical touch. Reception praised the show's representation of disability, with critics noting Anner's charm and relatability in making travel accessible and entertaining. The New York Times described it as "witty" and "unpredictable," though light on traditional travel depth, highlighting its value in normalizing experiences for viewers with disabilities. It garnered positive attention for inspiring adventure and humor, even as viewership contributed to its short run.

Guest Roles and Writing Contributions

Following the premiere of his OWN series Rollin' with Zach in 2011, Anner expanded his television presence through various guest appearances and writing roles. He appeared as himself on an episode of G4's Attack of the Show! on December 7, 2011, discussing his emerging career in comedy and media. Anner took on scripted acting roles in subsequent years, including a recurring part as the gadgeteer Annersby in Rooster Teeth's web miniseries The Eleven Little Roosters (2017), a spy comedy where he contributed to the ensemble cast alongside Rooster Teeth regulars. He also guest-starred as Lee, a confident peer with cerebral palsy, in the ABC sitcom Speechless across multiple episodes from 2016 to 2019, portraying a character who mentors the protagonist J.J. DiMeo and highlights relatable experiences of young adults with disabilities. In addition to acting, Anner served as a on Speechless for 18 episodes during seasons 2 and 3 (2017–2019), where he focused on authentic storylines. Drawing from his own life with , he helped develop nuanced portrayals of characters like J.J., emphasizing their complexities—such as desires for independence, relationships, and occasional flaws like being a "jerk"—to challenge stereotypical depictions and promote broader representation. He initially consulted for season 1 before joining the full-time. He later served as story editor for 22 episodes in season 4 (2019). Anner also participated in Rooster Teeth's improvisational game shows, appearing as a contestant on On the Spot in episodes such as "Zach Anner Goes to Mars" (2015) and others through the 2010s, showcasing his quick wit in comedic challenges. He featured similarly on Million Dollars, But..., a debate-style series, in episodes like "Evil Twin & Fart Parade" (2016), engaging in humorous hypotheticals with hosts. Other notable credits include a small acting role as a man in a in the "Civil Rights" episode of Comedy Central's (2018), which dramatized disability rights activism, aligning with Anner's advocacy interests. These contributions marked Anner's transition from host to multifaceted television contributor, often infusing projects with personal insights on .

Writing and Recent Projects

Memoir and Screenwriting

In 2016, Zach Anner published his If at Birth You Don't Succeed: My Adventures with Disaster and Destiny through , an imprint of . The book chronicles his life experiences, including his childhood with , his viral entry in Oprah Winfrey's reality TV contest, and subsequent career breakthroughs, all woven with a philosophy that embraces through humor and self-acceptance. It received positive reviews for its irreverent wit and heartfelt insights, praised as a candid exploration of turning personal disasters into destiny. Anner extended his writing into screenwriting, contributing scripts to the Apple TV+ family comedy series Best Foot Forward in 2022. The show, inspired by Josh Sundquist's memoir Just Don't Fall, features Anner as part of the writing team for its ten-episode first season, which emphasizes authentic representation of in a lighthearted about a teen influencer with a prosthetic . Best Foot Forward earned a Children's & Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Live Action Program in 2023, highlighting its impact in inclusive storytelling. Across his and projects, Anner's style consistently highlights themes of resilience and as tools for navigating adversity, transforming challenges associated with into sources of and laughter without shying away from raw realities. This approach fosters a broader understanding of humor's role in personal growth, as seen in his reflective anecdotes and collaborative script contributions that prioritize relatable, uplifting narratives.

Film and Fellowship Involvement

In 2024, Zach Anner produced, wrote, and starred in the short buddy Wheelchair Club, created as an entry for the Easterseals Film Challenge, which highlights stories by and about people with disabilities. The film earned nominations for Best Film and Best Writing at the 11th Annual Easterseals Film Challenge Awards, announced in May 2024, recognizing its contributions to disability representation in cinema. In 2023, Anner was selected as one of 14 mid-level writers for Netflix's inaugural Created By Initiative, a program providing script development deals to underrepresented creators, including those with disabilities, to foster inclusive in film and television. Building on his screenwriting experience, Anner was chosen in 2025 as a fellow for the Inevitable Foundation's Accelerate Program, a six-month intensive for disabled that offers $40,000 grants and mentorship to support in disability-focused cinema. Anner's broader involvement in disability-focused cinema includes collaborations on short films that emphasize authentic narratives, such as his work through the Easterseals Challenge, advancing opportunities for disabled filmmakers.

YouTube Presence

Channel Development

Following his breakthrough in Oprah Winfrey's 2011 contest, Zach Anner's YouTube channel experienced significant growth, capitalizing on the viral exposure from his audition video and subsequent OWN show. Launched in 2010 with initial solo travel vlogs from Austin, Texas, the channel expanded rapidly post-contest, attracting a dedicated audience interested in his humorous takes on disability and adventure. As of November 2025, it had amassed 342,000 subscribers and over 19 million total views, reflecting sustained engagement through consistent content creation. After the conclusion of Rollin' with Zach in 2012, Anner shifted focus back to YouTube, adopting a weekly upload schedule to maintain momentum and share personal updates alongside comedy sketches. This regular cadence allowed him to build a loyal , transitioning from sporadic posts during his early career to a structured platform for ongoing . The move emphasized and relatability, drawing viewers who appreciated his unfiltered perspective on life with . Anner's relocations influenced his content's tone and settings, mirroring his personal transitions. Based in Austin during the contest era, he briefly returned to his hometown of , from around 2012 to 2014, incorporating local explorations that highlighted Midwestern resilience and family ties. By 2014, his relocation to marked a pivot toward professional opportunities in , with videos increasingly featuring urban adventures and industry insights, adapting to the city's dynamic environment. Monetization efforts grew alongside the channel's popularity, including sponsorships from brands aligned with and sponsorships from disability-focused initiatives. Collaborations with organizations like the Foundation enabled cross-promotions, such as awareness campaigns integrated into his videos, enhancing reach while supporting advocacy. These partnerships not only provided but also amplified messages of inclusion, with Anner serving as an to bridge entertainment and social impact. Technically, the channel evolved from basic solo vlogs—often shot with minimal equipment during his Austin days—to more polished productions. Post-relocation to , content incorporated professional editing, multi-camera setups, and guest appearances from friends and collaborators, elevating production quality while retaining Anner's signature raw humor. This progression supported broader appeal, allowing for diverse formats that engaged viewers on deeper levels without losing the channel's intimate feel.

Signature Content Series

One of Zach Anner's most prominent recurring series is "Workout Wednesday," which began in 2013 and continues into the , featuring humorous parodies of fitness videos adapted for use. In episodes like "Pullups and Pick-me-ups - Workout Wednesday #1" from August 2013, Anner demonstrates exercises such as assisted pull-ups while delivering witty commentary on accessibility and motivation. The series gained significant traction with "Milestones - Workout Wednesday #12" in April 2014, which amassed over 1.9 million views by celebrating personal achievements in a lighthearted manner. Other installments, such as "Baby Steps - Workout Wednesday #2" with 1.8 million views, highlight incremental progress and resilience through comedy. Anner's Q&A videos foster direct fan interaction, blending personal anecdotes with humor. A notable example is the 2017 episode "Zach Anner Answers All Of Your BURNING Questions!" from the SoulPancake series, where he addresses viewer inquiries on topics like in an engaging, comedic style. More recently, in March 2025, "Our Pug Has Trauma - Zach & Karlee Q&A!" featured collaborations with his partner, answering questions about daily life and pets, garnering community comments on shared experiences. Standout individual videos emphasize education through entertainment, such as the 2016 collaboration with the Foundation, "Top 10 Things I Wish People Knew About ," which has 558,000 views as of November 2025 by debunking myths with humor and personal insights. Holiday specials, like the April 2025 "Will We Ever Eat this Again - Edition," showcase nostalgic challenges with treats, combining and relatability to engage viewers. Anner's content often weaves themes of disability education with comedic takes on everyday hurdles, evident in travel vlogs from his early "Zach Anner: Travel Videos" playlist, where he navigates accessible adventures like exploring Austin's landmarks in a wheelchair. Videos addressing daily life challenges, such as "My Morning Routine - The Lost Workout Wednesday" from 2021, humorously depict routines adapted for cerebral palsy, promoting understanding without preachiness. These elements contribute to viewership milestones, with multiple videos surpassing 1 million views and strong community engagement through thousands of comments per upload. The channel's growth to 342,000 subscribers as of November 2025 underscores the appeal of this signature style.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Family and Relationships

Anner is married to Karlee Currin, who also uses a due to a . Their relationship began in 2024, leading to an later that year and by early 2025. The couple shares experiences shaped by their disabilities, including collaborative content creation and travels documented in their 2025 social media updates, such as visits to romantic spots in and -oriented outings. Anner maintains close relationships with his mother, Susan Anner, a theater professor, and his older brother, Brad Anner, who has collaborated with him on creative projects, including co-founding the troupe Lark the Beard Productions in 2007 and providing support during career transitions. For personal reasons tied to family, Anner temporarily returned to his hometown of , in 2012 following the cancellation of his television show, before returning to , and later relocating to in late 2022 to pursue professional opportunities while building his life there. In his daily life outside of work, Anner enjoys cooking, as demonstrated in his instructional videos like "How to Make with Zach," and shares his home with a pug named Olive, incorporating care into his routine alongside his . His childhood dynamics, particularly his mother's influence as a theater educator, continue to inform his ongoing personal connections and creative outlook.

Disability Rights Work

Zach Anner has established a notable career focused on rights, delivering keynotes that emphasize inclusion and resilience. In 2022, he served as a plenary speaker at State University's Public Affairs Conference, where he addressed themes of collaborative communities and turning words into actions for people with . More recently, on October 3, 2025, Anner headlined the Community Partnership Foundation's Fall Speaker Series in , sharing insights as an award-winning speaker on advocacy and . Through his advocacy, Anner promotes accessibility in media and travel, drawing from his experiences to highlight barriers and solutions for people with . He has collaborated with organizations such as the United Spinal Association, appearing on their "Stronger Together" podcast in June 2025 to discuss "joyful grit" and challenging societal perceptions of . Similarly, Anner has engaged with Easterseals, participating in a 2016 Q&A on navigating relationships with and contributing to their initiatives on inclusive media representation. Anner's contributions extend to targeted initiatives, including the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, where he co-wrote and starred in the 2024 short film "Wheelchair Club," which earned nominations for Best Film and Best Writing by using humor to explore friendship and mobility. These efforts tie into broader advocacy for accessible storytelling, amplifying voices in film to foster greater understanding of disability experiences. In educational outreach, Anner has addressed misconceptions about cerebral palsy through interviews in ABILITY Magazine in the 2010s, stressing that attitudes toward the condition often determine outcomes more than the disability itself, and discouraging self-limitation based on it. He counters stereotypes by explaining how cerebral palsy affects individuals variably, advocating for empowerment over pity. Central to Anner's philosophy is the use of humor as a tool for , a theme recurrent in his talks on resilience and inclusion. In presentations, he illustrates how transforms challenges into shared connections, promoting mutual in relationships and communities affected by . This approach, highlighted in like No Barriers USA's Episode 194 on "Comedy & Courage," underscores his belief in proactive inclusion to redefine narratives.

References

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  2. https://laist.com/shows/the-frame/speechless-writer-zach-anner-people-with-disabilities-can-be-anything-even-jerks
  3. https://www.zachanner.com/about
  4. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3278761/
  5. https://www.wqxr.org/story/how-comedian-zach-anner-defied-disability-and-became-youtube-star
  6. https://www.austinmonthly.com/the-golden-ticket/
  7. https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/18/health/turning-points-zach-anner
  8. https://www.lovethatmax.com/2011/03/meet-mom-of-guy-who-won-oprah-your-own.html
  9. https://buffalonews.com/news/article_c41da41d-5dd0-5bc4-a54d-438c91b1b3ef.html
  10. https://dailyillini.com/news-stories/2015/02/25/zach-anner-exploring-faith-laughing-it-out-across-the-country/
  11. https://newmobility.com/zach-anner/
  12. https://thedailytexan.com/2010/06/16/zach-anner-flattens-next-oprah-competition/
  13. https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2012/09/22/from-internet-video-star-to-host-of-his-own-show-zach-anner-tells-his-story/9850032007/
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  15. https://www.tubefilter.com/2011/03/01/zach-anner-from-the-internet-to-the-next-oprah/
  16. https://www.tubefilter.com/2014/04/11/zach-anner-workout-wednesday/
  17. https://abilitymagazine.com/zach-anner-interview/
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  22. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/02/28/oprah-taps-zach-anner/12419/
  23. https://www.salon.com/2016/04/01/how_i_friended_oprah_winfrey_and_stephen_colbert_zach_anner_on_comedy_and_cerebral_palsy_the_sexiest_of_the_palsies/
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  25. https://ew.com/article/2010/06/23/oprah-zach-anner-voting-controversy/
  26. https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/netizens-allege-vote-rigging-in-oprah-sponsored-competition/article_cf2bf1ea-a407-585b-a6f8-0d0b4a1acc64.html
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  28. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2011/12/12/oprah-pick-debut/14621/
  29. https://newsfeed.time.com/2011/12/12/zach-anner-from-viral-video-star-to-host-of-his-own-show/
  30. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/arts/television/rollin-with-zach-starring-zac-anner-on-own-review.html
  31. https://thedailytexan.com/2012/07/24/comedian-returns-with-reddit-interactive-show/
  32. https://www.vulture.com/2011/11/zach-anner-show.html
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2123408/
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfkQbzVvbZ4
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5592146/fullcredits
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5103952/
  37. https://roosterteeth.fandom.com/wiki/Zach_Anner
  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5746994/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6863506/
  40. https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250116543/ifatbirthyoudontsucceed/
  41. https://www.amazon.com/Birth-You-Dont-Succeed-Adventures/dp/162779364X
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20414738/
  43. https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2023/12/apple-lands-childrens-family-emmy-award-wins-for-acclaimed-programs-pinecone-pony-jane-best-foot-forward-and-life-by-ella/
  44. https://www.thewrap.com/easterseals-disability-film-challenge-awards-2024-recap/
  45. https://ggfdn.org/record-breaking-participation-at-11th-annual-easterseals-disability-film-challenge/
  46. https://about.netflix.com/news/introducing-the-netflix-created-by-initiative
  47. https://www.imdb.com/news/ni63908648/
  48. https://www.inevitable.foundation/inevitable-insider/inevitable-foundation-2025-accelerate-fellowship-cohort
  49. https://deadline.com/2025/06/inevitable-foundation-2025-accelerate-fellows-1236444767/
  50. https://www.youtube.com/user/ZachAnner
  51. https://www.peckham.org/peckham-speaker-series-hosts-zach-anner/
  52. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKid_CNBQaE7a_lDb6HCRJe1eSlRrQ9KW
  53. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqEQ4SSdZAs
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veBfjFULOSU
  55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7czBEhwY8sg
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1c9h4oPV0PA
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Sh8ZuGbMI
  58. https://www.youtube.com/user/ZachAnner/videos
  59. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7263BED55D50DEA9
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISq-iNO6T1g
  61. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1148062006690407&id=100044598542083&set=a.212931620203455
  62. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI2YgsvTLNa/
  63. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOFAXRmDWed/
  64. https://www.facebook.com/zachannerfanpage/videos/karlee-and-i-break-down-la-most-romantic-spots-what-are-some-of-your-most-memora/8104174676305762/
  65. https://roosterteeth.fandom.com/wiki/Brad_Anner
  66. https://www.austinchronicle.com/screens/have-wheels-will-travel-11755251/
  67. https://www.ami.ca/Tripping-Ep-6-Zach-Anner
  68. https://www.facebook.com/zachannerfanpage/videos/how-to-make-soup-with-chef-zach/2280041388958502/
  69. https://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/2022/presenter-bio.aspx?PresenterID=1929
  70. https://www.peckham.org/events/speaker-series-fall-2025/
  71. https://unitedspinal.org/stronger-together-podcast/
  72. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwFlStK5Cdg
  73. https://abilitymagazine.com/zach-anner/
  74. https://www.zachanner.com/speaker
  75. https://nobarriersusa.org/podcast/no-barriers-podcast-episode-194-zach-anner-comedy-courage/
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