Zachary Knighton, born and raised in Virginia, really started to take his passion for performing seriously during high school. It was around that time that he began setting the foundation for what would become a solid career in acting. He went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, where his dedication to the craft deepened. While still studying, Zachary Knighton actually landed his first professional gig—a supporting role in the PBS TV movie Sally Hemmings: An American Scandal back in 2000. That early break gave him a taste of what was possible.
Taking a bold step, Zachary Knighton took a year off from VCU to study theater in Oxford, broadening his artistic horizons before returning to finish his BFA in theater. After graduation, he headed to New York, where he spent five years immersed in theater work. But even as he built his stage experience, he kept finding opportunities on screen—landing guest spots on popular shows like Ed and Law & Order. These small but meaningful roles helped keep Zachary Knighton visible in the industry.
In 2005, a major milestone came when Zachary Knighton secured his first series regular role as the lead in Life on a Stick, a Fox comedy about a recent high school grad navigating life while working at a mall food court. Though the show was canceled mid-season, it marked an important turning point. Zachary Knighton was making his way into the mainstream.
The following year, he stepped into the spotlight as a leading man in a feature film with the 2007 remake of The Hitcher, a reimagining of the classic 1986 thriller. The role showcased his ability to carry a big-screen project. Then in 2009, Zachary Knighton joined the cast of the sci-fi drama FlashForward on ABC. Despite strong buzz, the series ended after one season. But here’s the thing—Zachary Knighton never really slowed down.
Even before FlashForward wrapped, he had already booked another series regular role, this time in the beloved ensemble sitcom Happy Endings, which premiered in 2011. The show developed a loyal fanbase and ran for three seasons, earning critical praise along the way. Zachary Knighton’s performance added both charm and comedic timing to the mix.
After Happy Endings ended, he continued to stay active, taking on a lead role in the short-lived Fox comedy Weird Loners in 2015. He also made memorable appearances in recurring or guest roles on a variety of shows, including Fresh Off the Boat, Santa Clarita Diet, and LA to Vegas. Each role, no matter how brief, reminded audiences of Zachary Knighton’s steady presence and versatility.
Then, in 2018, a significant opportunity came knocking: Zachary Knighton was announced as a series regular on the reboot of Magnum P.I. airing on CBS. Starring alongside Jay Hernandez—who took on the iconic role once made famous by Tom Selleck—Zachary Knighton brought depth and camaraderie to the ensemble. It was another strong chapter in a resilient and evolving career.
Through ups and downs, cancellations and comebacks, Zachary Knighton has remained a consistent figure in television, proving time and again that perseverance and talent can carry a performer far.
So, when it comes to Zachary Knighton’s career highlights, one film really stands out as his highest rated work—The Mudge Boy from 2003. It’s definitely a project that showcased Zachary Knighton’s range and received positive attention from critics and audiences alike. On the other end of the spectrum, Zachary Knighton also had a less successful outing with Surfer, Dude in 2008, which ended up being his lowest rated movie to date. While every actor has their ups and downs, Zachary Knighton has still managed to build a solid body of work over the years.