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Zack Ward
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Zacharias Ward is a Canadian actor.[1][2] He made his film debut with a supporting role as Scut Farkus in the comedy film A Christmas Story (1983).[3] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Ward appeared in multiple television films, and had supporting roles in the films Ed (1996) and Wild America (1997).
Key Information
Ward experienced a career resurgence with his main role as Dave Scoville on the Fox sitcom Titus (2000–2002). Following renewed attention, he had supporting roles in the films Almost Famous (2000), Freddy vs. Jason (2003), and Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004). During the late 2000s, Ward had the lead role of The Postal Dude in the action comedy film Postal (2007), and also being in the video games series in Postal 2: Paradise Lost (2015) and Postal 4: No Regerts (2022), as well as a supporting role in the science fiction film Transformers (2007).
In the 2010s, Ward starred in the films Dark House (2014) and Beyond the Law (2019). He had recurring roles as Roger on the seventh season of the FX horror anthology series American Horror Story (2017) and Lt. Dante on the Syfy series Z Nation (2018). In the 2020s, Ward reprised his Christmas Story role as Scut Farkus in the film's sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas (2022).
Early life
[edit]Ward was born on August 31 in either 1970[4] or 1973[1] in Toronto, Ontario, the son of actress Pam Hyatt and Todd Allen Ward.[5][4]
Career
[edit]He is best known for his character Dave Scoville (Titus's stoner half-brother) on the FOX show Titus[2] and as the bully Scut Farkus in the 1983 Christmas classic A Christmas Story.[1] He has had guest roles on popular television series such as NCIS, Lost, and Crossing Jordan,[2] and roles in films such as Almost Famous,[2] Transformers,[2] and Anne of Green Gables.[2] He has appeared in the horror films Resident Evil: Apocalypse[1] and Freddy vs. Jason. Ward also has had leading roles in BloodRayne 2: Deliverance[1] and Postal,[2] and can be seen in Alone in the Dark II[2] and The Devil's Tomb.[2]
In 2014, Ward co-founded the film production company Grit Film Works with James Cullen Bressack.[6] The first two films which he co-produced with Grit Film Works were the thriller Bethany and the horror film Restoration.[7]
Ward is the CEO of Global Sports Financial Exchange, Inc since 2017.[8]
In 2022, Ward reprised his role as Scut Farkus in the A Christmas Story sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas for Warner Bros. Pictures and HBO Max.[9] He has also endorsed popcorn in an outfit reflecting the character.[10]
In 2024, Ward made his directorial debut on the film The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms starring James Hong.[11]
Personal life
[edit]On August 18, 2018, Ward married actress and producer, Jennifer McMahan.[12] In an interview about sharing his experiences with his father and his battle with Alzheimer's disease, Ward stated that he stopped drinking in 2021 and smoking in 2023 and instead took the time to try and focus on exercise and a balanced diet.[13]
Litigation
[edit]In August 2011, Ward sued Warner Bros. over merchandising for A Christmas Story after Warner Bros. authorized a figurine set including the Scut Farkus character from the film without Ward's permission.[14] It was revealed that Ward's contract was under ACTRA, unlike the other actors' contracts, and did not grant likeness rights for merchandising.[14] Warner Bros. argued that the figurine showed a "generic face" that has been used on them since 2006 and that statute of limitations had run out, among other claims. The lawsuit was dismissed in January 2012 by mutual agreement.[15]
In December 2012, Ward sued the National Entertainment Collectibles Association, and briefly Warner Bros. again, over his image after attending the annual Christmas Story charity fundraiser convention in Cleveland in November 2010 where a fan handed him a Christmas Story board game, playing cards, and calendar showing his face.[16] The lawsuit was settled three days later.[17]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | A Christmas Story | Scut Farkus | Film debut |
| 1985 | Anne of Green Gables | Moody | |
| 1993 | Just for Fun | Tom | Short film |
| 1994 | The Club | Kyle | |
| 1996 | Star Hunter | Cooper | Video |
| 1996 | Ed | Dusty Richards | |
| 1997 | Lancelot: Guardian of Time | A.J. | |
| 1997 | Wild America | D.C. | |
| 1998 | How to Make the Cruelest Month | Manhattan's Neighbor | |
| 1999 | The Fair | Jimmy | |
| 2000 | Civility | Billy | |
| 2000 | Almost Famous | The Legendary Red Dog | |
| 2000 | The Size of Watermelons | Skinhead | |
| 2001 | Completely Totally Utterly | Chad | |
| 2003 | The Pink House | Murray | |
| 2003 | Freddy vs. Jason | Bobby Davis | |
| 2003 | April's Shower | August | |
| 2004 | A Night at Sophie's | Tony | |
| 2004 | L.A. Twister | Lenny | |
| 2004 | Resident Evil: Apocalypse | Nicholai Ginovaeff | |
| 2005 | Aurora Borealis | Lindstrom | |
| 2006 | Hollywood Kills | Nate Folds | |
| 2006 | Pennies | Stoner Todd | Short film |
| 2007 | Trade | Alex Green | |
| 2007 | Moving McAllister | Earl | |
| 2007 | Transformers | First Sgt. Donnelly | |
| 2007 | Postal | The Postal Dude | |
| 2007 | BloodRayne 2: Deliverance | Billy the Kid | Video |
| 2008 | Kissing Cousins | Charlie | |
| 2008 | Dead and Gone | The Weatherman | |
| 2008 | Alone in the Dark II | Xavier | Video |
| 2008 | Battle Planet | Jordan Strider | |
| 2009 | The Devil's Tomb | Nickels | Direct-to-Video |
| 2010 | Repo | Red | |
| 2010 | In the Void | Mark | |
| 2011 | End of the Road | Falco / Zack | |
| 2011 | Monster Mutt | Sirus Caldwell | |
| 2011 | In My Pocket | Rob | |
| 2014 | Dark House | Chris McCulluch | |
| 2014 | Don't Blink | Alex | Also producer |
| 2016 | Izzie's Way Home | Thurston (voice) | Animated film |
| 2016 | Bethany | Aaron | Also producer |
| 2016 | The Curse of Sleeping Beauty | Nathan | |
| 2016 | Restoration | Harold | Also director and producer |
| 2016 | A Christmas in Vermont | David Briggs | |
| 2019 | Beyond the Law | Desmond Packard | |
| 2021 | Survive the Game | Jean | |
| 2022 | A Christmas Story Christmas | Officer Scut Farkus | |
| 2024 | Darkness of Man | Alexei |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Anne of Green Gables | Moody Spurgeon | TV movie |
| 1987 | Taking Care of Terrific | Seth Sandruff | TV movie |
| 1987 | Anne of Avonlea | Moody Spurgeon | TV movie |
| 1988 | Friday the 13th: The Series | Greg Mazzey | Episode: "Vanity's Mirror" |
| 1990 | Neon Rider | Digger | Episode: "Vengeance" |
| 1990 | My Secret Identity | Daniel | Episode: "White Lies" |
| 1991 | Maniac Mansion | Tim | Episode: "Ugly Like Me" |
| 1992 | Forever Knight | Topper | Episode: "Dark Knight" |
| 1993 | Spenser: Ceremony | Hummer | TV movie |
| 1994 | Boogies Diner | Kirby | TV series |
| 1994 | Harvest for the Heart | Ross Hansen | TV movie |
| 1995 | Sliders | Security Guard (uncredited) | Episode: "The King Is Back" |
| 1995 | NYPD Blue | Jerry | Episode: "Dirty Laundry" |
| 1996 | Sliders | Gerald Thomas | Episode: "The Dream Masters" |
| 1997 | Party of Five | Ted | Episode: "Significant Others" |
| 1997 | Walker, Texas Ranger | Jerry 'Mad Dog' Sullivan | Episode: "Mr. Justice" |
| 1997 | The Sentinel | Orange Glasses Man | Episode: "Breaking Ground" |
| 1998 | Fast Track | Episode: "Guys with Guns" | |
| 1998 | Blade Squad | Billy Mustard | TV movie |
| 1998 | NYPD Blue | Dan Evers | Episode: "Top Gum" |
| 1998 | Nash Bridges | Paul Pangborn | Episode: "Overdrive" |
| 1998 | JAG | Curtis Dastuge | Episode: "The Martin Baker Fan Club" |
| 1999 | Viper | Crup | Episode: "My Fair Hoodlums" |
| 1999 | The Pretender | Little Joshua / Theodore Reed | Episode: "End Game" |
| 1999 | Profiler | Little Joshua / Theodore Reed | Episode: "Grand Master" |
| 1999 | Atomic Train | Stan Atkins | TV movie |
| 1999 | Y2K | Rick Rothman | TV movie |
| 1999 | Brotherhood of Murder | Charles Higgins | TV movie |
| 2000 | Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story | Moody Spurgeon | TV movie |
| 2000–2002 | Titus | Dave Scoville | 54 episodes |
| 2001 | Chasing Destiny | Eric | TV movie |
| 2002 | The Outer Limits | Link | Episode: "The Human Factor" |
| 2002 | She Spies | The Thin Man in Black | Episode: "Poster Girl" |
| 2002 | MDs | Dr. Lewis | Episode: "A La Casa" |
| 2003 | Chasing Alice | TV movie | |
| 2003 | Ghost Dog: A Detective Tail | Howie Tibbadoe | TV movie |
| 2003 | Monte Walsh | Powder Kent | TV movie |
| 2004 | Charmed | Kevin Casey / Sirk | Episode: "Styx Feet Under" |
| 2004 | Significant Others | Zack | Episode: "2.6" |
| 2004 | Deadwood | Episode: "No Other Sons or Daughters" | |
| 2005 | Deadwood | Hotel Desk Clerk | Episode: "Childish Things" |
| 2005 | Crossing Jordan | FBI Agent Blair | Episode: "A Stranger Among Us" |
| 2005 | Lost | Marc Silverman | Episode: "Do No Harm" |
| 2005 | NCIS | Police Officer Billy Krieg | Episode: "Hometown Hero" |
| 2005 | All of Us | Jeff Sizemore | 4 episodes |
| 2006 | Girlfriends | Mike | Episode: "Hustle & Dough" |
| 2007 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Steve Card | Episode: "Lying Down with Dogs" |
| 2008 | Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles | Wells | Episode: "Automatic for the People" |
| 2009 | Cold Case | Ed Dubinski | Episode: "Lotto Fever" |
| 2009–2010 | Dollhouse | Zone | Episodes: "Epitaph One", "Epitaph Two: Return" |
| 2010 | I'm in the Band | Xander | Episode: "Got No Class" |
| 2010 | Warehouse 13 | Leo | Episode: "13.1" |
| 2011 | Accidentally in Love | Scott Dunbar | TV movie |
| 2011 | Breakout Kings | Christian Beaumont | Episode: "Like Father, Like Son" |
| 2011 | Drop Dead Diva | Keith Geary | Episode: "The Wedding" |
| 2011 | The Mentalist | Whit Naylor | Episode: "Blood and Sand" |
| 2011 | Hawaii Five-0 | Billy Murphy | Episode: "Ike Maka" |
| 2012 | CSI: Miami | Clyde Novak | Episode: "Law & Disorder" |
| 2012 | CSI: NY | Keith Milner | Episode: "Misconceptions" |
| 2012 | Chicago Fire | Ted Griffin | Episode: "Christmas, Etc." |
| 2013 | The Exes | Bradley | Episode: "Pretty Women" |
| 2013 | Liv and Maddie | Officer Mike Clarkson | Episode: "Sleep-A-Rooney" |
| 2013 | Mike & Molly | Donny | Episode: "The First and Last Ride-Along" |
| 2014 | Blood Lake: Attack of the Killer Lampreys | Will | TV film |
| 2014 | Fallen Cards | The Drifter | |
| 2016 | It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia | Davy | "A Cricket's Tale" |
| 2017 | American Horror Story: Cult | Roger | 2 episodes |
| 2018 | Z Nation | Lt. Dante | 6 episodes |
| 2025 | Bookie | Lou Smith | 2 episodes |
Video games
[edit]| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel | Alpha |
| 2014 | Murdered: Soul Suspect | Additional voices |
| 2015 | Rise of the Tomb Raider | Konstantin |
| 2015 | Postal 2: Paradise Lost | Himself |
| 2022 | Postal 4: No Regerts | The Postal Dude |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Tracie Cooper (2015). "Zack Ward". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 24, 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Zack Ward Filmography". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. 2015. Archived from the original on June 23, 2015.
- ^ Ahearn, Victoria (December 20, 2017). "Canadian 'A Christmas Story' bully Zack Ward on making the classic film". National Post. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
- ^ a b Rose, Mike. "Today's top celebrity birthdays list for August 31, 2018". August 31, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
- ^ totalazackward (January 4, 2024). "My father has died. Todd Allen Ward passed on Dec 19th, 2023. I kept silent to mourn in private and not intrude on your holidays. I love him. I miss him. I'm relieved he's no longer in pain. I hope we can cure Alzheimer's. Life is short. Fill yours with hope and love. If you knew him, please DM me for memorial info. Thank you. @alzassociation". instagram.com.
- ^ Couch, Aaron (March 9, 2015). "Two Microbudget Horror Films First on Slate From New Production Company". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Moore, Debi (March 16, 2015). "New Production Co. Grit Film Works Announces Horror Projects Bethany and Restoration". Dread Central.
- ^ "AllSportsMarket (ASM) Splits NFL and 3HL Proving Early Success of Sports Trading Platform" (Press release). AllSportsMarket. November 8, 2017. Retrieved December 25, 2020 – via PRNewswire.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (February 15, 2022). "Four Original 'Christmas Story' Castmembers Join Peter Billingsley In HBO Max Sequel From Warner Bros. & Legendary". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
- ^ "Scut Farkas and his yellow eyes do something nice" (YouTube). News 5 Cleveland. Cleveland OH. December 23, 2025. Retrieved December 25, 2025.
- ^ Fabi, Tia (June 18, 2024). "Actor Zack Ward Talks Directing, Writing, & Producing 'Patsy Lee & The Keepers Of The 5 Kingdoms'". Geek Vibes Nation. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
- ^ "Jennifer McMahan and Zack Ward's Wedding Registry". Zola Registry. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "Zack Ward on the Powerful Connection Between Generations". The Alzheimer's Association. February 10, 2025.
- ^ a b Gardner, Eriq (August 22, 2011). "Why the 'Christmas Story' Child Actor Sued Warner Bros. Over Figurines". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ^ Gardner, Eriq (January 16, 2012). "'Christmas Story' Actor Drops Lawsuit Against Warner Bros". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ^ Gardner, Eriq (December 19, 2012). "'A Christmas Story' Bully Fights for His Image in Court". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ^ Greenblatt, Paul (December 22, 2012). "Zach Ward: Bully From 'A Christmas Story' Sues, Says He Was Bullied in Real Life". ABC News. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
| Other | |
Zack Ward
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Family background
Zack Ward, born Zacharias Ward on August 31, 1970, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, grew up in a household deeply immersed in the arts.[5] His mother, Pam Hyatt, is a Canadian actress known for voice work and live-action roles in film and television, providing young Ward with early exposure to the entertainment industry.[10] His father, Todd Ward, supported the family during Ward's childhood.[11] Ward was raised alongside siblings, including his sister Audrey, brother Jay, and older half-brother Carson T. Foster from his mother's earlier marriage.[12][13] The family's creative environment in Toronto, a major center for Canadian film, television, and theater, influenced Ward's early interests, as he often accompanied his mother to rehearsals and sets starting at age five.[14]Entry into acting
From a young age, Zack Ward expressed a strong desire to pursue acting, inspired by watching his mother, Canadian actress Pam Hyatt, perform on sets and stages, including at the Stratford Festival.[15][14] Despite this, Hyatt initially opposed her son's entry into the industry, hoping to shield him from its challenges and allow him a more conventional childhood.[16][4] Ward circumvented his mother's reluctance by secretly auditioning for a role at age 12, after tagging along to his half-brother Carson's commercial shoot and sneaking away to try out for the upcoming film A Christmas Story (1983).[14][17][18] He landed the part of the schoolyard bully Scut Farkus, which served as his feature film debut and established him as a notable child actor at age 13.[4][19] Following the success of A Christmas Story, Ward built his early resume with guest spots on Canadian television series, such as The Littlest Hobo, along with commercial work and local theater productions in Toronto.[14][5] As he entered adolescence, Ward briefly stepped back from acting to experience a more typical teenage life, before recommitting to the profession in his late teens and relocating to Los Angeles.[20][21]Professional career
Early breakthrough roles
Ward relocated to Los Angeles in the early 1990s to pursue his acting career as an adult. In the early 2000s, Ward continued building momentum with the lead role of Frankie in the comedy Whitecoats (2004), playing a medical student navigating pranks and romance in a Canadian hospital setting, alongside supporting parts in Canadian TV films such as The Skulls II (2002).Film and television work
Ward's mid-career in the 2000s marked a shift toward high-profile action and horror projects, showcasing his versatility in supporting roles within blockbuster franchises. He entered the action-horror genre with his portrayal of the mercenary Nicholai Ginovaeff in Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), a role that highlighted his ability to embody ruthless antagonists in fast-paced, effects-driven narratives alongside stars like Milla Jovovich.[22] This performance contributed to the film's exploration of survival amid a zombie outbreak, establishing Ward as a reliable presence in genre cinema. Expanding into science fiction blockbusters, Ward collaborated with director Michael Bay in Transformers (2007), playing First Sergeant Donnelly, a military operative caught in the chaos of an alien robot war.[23] The role underscored his knack for grounding high-stakes action sequences with authentic grit, working alongside Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox in a production that grossed over $700 million worldwide and revitalized the toy-based franchise. Ward's involvement in such collaborations emphasized his transition from character-driven indies to ensemble-driven spectacles, diversifying his portfolio across horror, sci-fi, and military-themed films. On television, Ward frequently took on guest spots that spanned procedural dramas and anthology horror, adding depth to his resume through recurring and one-off appearances. He guest-starred as Steve Card in an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2007), contributing to a storyline involving underground dog-fighting rings and forensic intrigue.[24] Later, he appeared in the FX anthology series American Horror Story starting in 2011, with a notable recurring role as the unhinged Roger in season seven (Cult, 2017), where he delved into themes of political paranoia and supernatural terror alongside Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson. These TV roles demonstrated Ward's range in blending suspenseful drama with psychological horror, often in collaborative ensemble casts that amplified the shows' cult followings. In the 2010s, Ward continued to explore genre boundaries in lower-budget films and TV movies. By the late decade, he featured in indie horror like House of Demons (2018) as a key player in a tale of supernatural hauntings and redemption, and sci-fi thriller The New Republic (2018), portraying a figure in a dystopian resistance narrative. Up to 2025, Ward sustained his TV presence with guest appearances in procedural dramas and indie series, including a recurring role as Lou Smith in the HBO Max comedy Bookie (2023), satirizing the gambling underworld with Sebastian Maniscalco, and episodic turns in anthology formats that echoed his earlier horror work. He reprised his iconic role as Scut Farkus, now as a police officer, in the sequel A Christmas Story Christmas (2022).[25] This period solidified his reputation for genre-spanning contributions, from visceral action to nuanced ensemble television.Directing and production ventures
In the 2010s, Zack Ward expanded his career into production by co-founding Grit Film Works in 2014 alongside James Cullen Bressack, aiming to foster independent film projects in the horror and thriller genres.[26] The company quickly supported early ventures, including the thriller Bethany (2017), where Ward served as a producer.[1] This move marked Ward's deliberate shift toward behind-the-camera roles, leveraging his acting experience to champion low-budget, genre-driven storytelling. Ward's directorial debut came with the horror film Restoration (2016), a project he co-wrote with Bressack and co-produced under Grit Film Works, centering on a couple unwittingly unleashing a malevolent entity during home renovations.[27] The film starred Ward alongside Emily O'Brien and Adrian Gaeta, blending supernatural tension with practical effects on a modest budget. Subsequent directing efforts included short films and experimental pieces, such as the concept short Experimental for the anticipated feature Protocol X (announced 2015), which explored sci-fi horror elements through innovative visual techniques.[28] Ward also earned editing credits on independent horror titles like Circus Kane (2017) and The Terror of Hallow's Eve (2018), contributing to their post-production polish and pacing.[29] In the 2020s, Ward continued producing with credits on genre hybrids, while directing the family adventure Patsy Lee & the Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms (2024), which he wrote, produced, and edited, featuring James Hong in a tale of magical realms and youthful heroism.[30] By 2025, Ward had founded Brilliant Screen Studios in Los Angeles as a full-service production company and rental facility, signaling a broader commitment to indie filmmaking infrastructure.[31] His producing role on the action-thriller Hard Justice (2025) further highlighted this evolution, incorporating comedic undertones amid high-stakes narratives.Personal life
Marriage and family
Zack Ward married actress and producer Jennifer McMahan on August 18, 2018.[32] The ceremony took place in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, at the home of one of McMahan's close friends.[33] Ward and McMahan reside in the Los Angeles area, where Ward has lived since 1995, allowing him to maintain his Hollywood career while nurturing their relationship.[34] McMahan, originally from Seattle, has supported Ward's transition into directing and producing; she appeared in a role in his 2024 family adventure film The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms, which he wrote, directed, produced, edited, and starred in.[33][30] The couple has no children.[35]Health and advocacy
Zack Ward's father, Todd Ward, was diagnosed with stage four Alzheimer's disease in July 2020 at the age of 74, a revelation that came during a routine medical visit and marked the beginning of a challenging family journey.[36] Todd passed away on December 19, 2023, after enduring the progressive effects of the disease, which Ward has described as a "nightmare experience" for both the patient and loved ones.[37] This loss deeply influenced Ward's perspective on generational bonds, underscoring the fragility of family ties and the need to cherish connections before they are altered by illness.[34] In early 2025 interviews, Ward openly reflected on the emotional toll of his father's battle, highlighting the grief of witnessing a once-vibrant parent fade and the subsequent personal mourning process he undertook privately.[34] He shared lessons from the experience, emphasizing that individuals facing similar losses are "not alone" and encouraging open conversations about dementia's impact on family dynamics.[38] These discussions, including a February 2025 feature with the Alzheimer's Association, revealed Ward's resolve to transform personal pain into public awareness, focusing on the enduring power of intergenerational relationships despite cognitive decline.[34] As an #ENDALZ Celebrity Champion for the Alzheimer's Association, Ward has actively engaged in advocacy efforts, including speaking at fundraisers and awareness events to promote family connections amid the disease.[39] For instance, in December 2022, he hosted a special gathering in Northeast Ohio to honor his father and support the organization's initiatives for care, research, and policy change.[40] Through these engagements, Ward advocates for increased funding and support, viewing research as an "investment for your children's futures."[41] Following his family's health challenges, Ward has stressed preventive health in public statements, advocating for lifestyle habits like regular exercise and healthy eating to mitigate risks as one ages, without disclosing any personal diagnoses.[34] He incorporates fitness into his routine to maintain physical readiness for acting roles, crediting it with helping him cope emotionally and stay resilient.[42] This emphasis aligns with his broader message of proactive wellness to preserve family legacies.[34]Legal issues
In December 2011, Ward filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros. in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alleging the unauthorized use of his likeness from A Christmas Story in merchandise such as action figures and bobbleheads produced by National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA). Ward claimed violation of his publicity rights and sought damages and an injunction.[43] The lawsuit was dismissed in January 2012 by mutual agreement, with no public details on any settlement.[44]Family litigation
No verified family litigation involving Zack Ward has been publicly reported.Filmography
Film roles
Zack Ward began his film career as a child actor and has since amassed a diverse portfolio of roles in both mainstream blockbusters and independent productions, often portraying tough or antagonistic characters in genres like comedy, horror, and action. His breakthrough came early, and he continued to take on supporting parts in high-profile films while exploring indie projects where he also directed.| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | A Christmas Story | Scut Farkus | Ward's debut as the iconic school bully tormenting Ralphie in this holiday comedy classic about a boy's quest for a BB gun. [45] |
| 2000 | Almost Famous | The Legendary Red Dog | Supporting role as a quirky roadie in the semi-autobiographical rock comedy-drama about a teen journalist touring with a band. [46] |
| 2003 | Freddy vs. Jason | Mark's Brother | Plays a victim in the slasher crossover pitting two horror icons against each other in a dream-world battle. [47] |
| 2004 | Resident Evil: Apocalypse | Nicholai Ginovaeff | Brief appearance as a treacherous mercenary in the zombie action sequel set in a virus-ravaged Raccoon City, focusing on survivors fighting the undead. [48] |
| 2007 | Transformers | First Sergeant Donnelly | Minor role as a soldier in the sci-fi blockbuster about Autobots and Decepticons battling on Earth, directed by Michael Bay. [49] |
| 2007 | Postal | Dude | Satirical take on the video game, featuring over-the-top violence and comedy in a tale of a postal worker's rampage. [50] |
| 2014 | Dark House | Chris McCulluch | Supporting role in the indie horror film where a man returns to his childhood home, uncovering terrifying secrets. [51] |
| 2016 | Restoration | Dr. Abbott | Ward acted and directed this indie horror-thriller about a couple restoring a haunted mansion. [27] |
| 2019 | Beyond the Law | Desmond Packard | Action thriller about an ex-cop seeking revenge against a crime syndicate. [52] |
| 2021 | Survive the Game | Mickey | Plays a hunter in this action film where a group is hunted by mercenaries in the woods. [53] |
| 2022 | A Christmas Story Christmas | Adult Scut Farkus | Cameo reprising his role in the sequel to the 1983 classic, set years later with Ralphie as an adult. [54] |
| 2024 | The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms | Role unspecified | Fantasy adventure film involving magical realms and heroic quests. [55] |
Television roles
Zack Ward began his television career in the 1990s with roles in miniseries and progressed to recurring parts in soap operas and science fiction shows, alongside numerous guest spots in procedural dramas and horror anthologies. His work in TV movies often featured in horror and thriller genres. Below is a chronological overview of select television credits, highlighting key recurring and notable guest appearances up to recent years.- 2006: Fashion House (series, recurring) - Recurred as Saul Holden, a scheming family member in the soap opera's fashion industry intrigue, appearing in multiple episodes.
- 2006: Dead & Deader (TV movie) - Starred as Bram Stoker, a detective battling zombies in this Sci Fi Channel original horror film.
- 2004: Charmed (series, guest) - Portrayed Sirk, a demon involved in a supernatural plot, in the episode "Styx Feet Under".
- 2006–2012: Eureka (series, recurring) - Played Andy, an android deputy sheriff with evolving sentience, in 41 episodes of the Syfy science fiction series set in a town of geniuses.
- 2008: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (series, guest) - Appeared as Steve Card in the episode "Lying Down with Dogs", portraying a suspect in a murder investigation. [56]
- 2017: American Horror Story (series, recurring) - Returned for season 7 as Roger, a Macaulay Culkin-like character in the cult-themed storyline, appearing in several episodes.
- 2017–2018: Z Nation (series, recurring) - Portrayed Lt. Dante, a military officer in the post-apocalyptic zombie drama, across multiple episodes in seasons 4 and 5.
- 2023: Bookie (series, recurring) - Played Lou Smith, a bookie associate, in season 1 of the HBO Max comedy series about sports betting.