Zach Cherry has dedicated years to his craft, transitioning from an office manager at a nonprofit organization in Manhattan to earning his first Emmy nomination for his role as a diligent employee at the enigmatic Lumon Industries in the acclaimed Apple TV+ thriller, “Severance.” This journey reflects his unwavering commitment to both comedy and acting, showcasing the unique path he has taken in the entertainment industry.
Cherry’s previous role as an office manager provided him with flexibility, allowing him to pursue opportunities in improv comedy and acting. Despite the job's relaxed atmosphere, he humorously recounted a reprimand for wearing shorts to the office, noting, “My company didn’t care. But we were subletting space from a larger company, and it went through the grapevine to my boss that I wore shorts one day.” This experience taught him the unspoken rules of business casual attire.
At 37, Cherry possesses a laid-back demeanor, often seen in comfortable clothing that aligns with his relaxed personality. His dedication to improv comedy began in middle school and continued throughout his education at Amherst College, where he was part of an improv team. After graduation, he frequently performed at various Upright Citizens Brigade Theater locations in Manhattan while juggling his daytime office job and auditions for acting roles.
Reflecting on his early career, Cherry stated, “Different opportunities came from different trees. But I was planting a lot of fruit.” His early breaks included a memorable role in HBO's “Crashing,” where he played the inept manager of the lead character, a performance that caught the attention of executive producer Judd Apatow, who praised Cherry as a highlight of the series.
Cherry’s role in “You,” a thriller about a serial killer, marked a turning point in his career. Upon learning about his per-episode pay rate, Cherry realized he could finally pursue acting full-time. “I thought they meant that would be for the entire season. And I still was thrilled: Oh, my God, I can make this work,” he recalled with excitement.
With “Severance” receiving a staggering 27 Emmy nominations this year—more than any other series—Cherry’s visibility and acclaim have soared. Competing for the title of best supporting actor in a drama against co-stars Tramell Tillman and John Turturro, he finds himself in the company of notable performers like Adam Scott and Christopher Walken, as well as the series’ executive producer and director, Ben Stiller.
Despite the newfound fame, Cherry remains grounded. “I have no lack of confidence, in general,” he asserted. However, he admits that the pressure can be daunting when it comes time to deliver on set. “I believe I can do a lot of things,” he said, “but then on the day that I’m doing it, that’s when I’m really, like, ‘Oh, now I have to actually do it…’”
Cherry finds working in genres outside of comedy to be particularly challenging. “With comedy, I feel it in my bones,” he explained. “I know when I’m doing good work and I know when I’m like, ‘hmm, I don’t really like that.’” As he delves into the complex world of “Severance,” he noted that it requires a greater leap of faith.
The second season of “Severance,” which premiered in January, presented Cherry with varied challenges, including intimate scenes with Merritt Wever and filming in the breathtaking landscapes of Minnewaska State Park Preserve. “We were going really deep into the park to get to these spots,” he recalled, describing the arduous journey to reach filming locations.
When not on set or embracing his love for improv with the group RaaaatScraps, Cherry resides in Bushwick with his wife, Anabella, and their dog, Shrek. As he prepares for the upcoming Emmys ceremony in Los Angeles on September 14, he plans to bring his parents along. His father, now an enthusiastic promoter of Cherry's accomplishments, proudly introduces himself by saying, “Hey, my son was nominated for an Emmy.”
In conclusion, Zach Cherry’s journey from an office manager to an Emmy-nominated actor is a testament to his relentless pursuit of passion and creativity in the world of entertainment. With each role, he continues to captivate audiences and redefine his career.
