Zoey Francis Thompson Deutch (born November 10, 1994) is an American actress and producer. The daughter of director Howard Deutch and actress-director Lea Thompson, she began her career in television in the early 2010s before establishing herself as a leading actress in independent and studio films. Known for her blend of sharp comedic timing and dramatic range, Deutch has become a prominent figure in contemporary American cinema.
Early Life and Education
Deutch was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Her father is of Jewish heritage, while her mother has partial Irish ancestry. Deutch identifies as Jewish and had a bat mitzvah. She has one sister, Madelyn Deutch, who is also an actress.
She began taking acting classes at the age of five. Deutch attended the Oakwood School, later studying at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, where she majored in theater. She also trained at the Young Actors Space.
Career
Early Work (2010–2013)
Deutch made her acting debut in 2010 at age 15 with a recurring role on the Disney Channel series The Suite Life on Deck, playing Maya, a love interest of Zack Martin. She followed this with a recurring role on the CW thriller series Ringer from 2011 to 2012.
Her film debut came with Mayor Cupcake (2011), in which she appeared alongside her mother and sister. Around this time, she also filmed a small role in The Amazing Spider-Man, which was ultimately cut from the theatrical release.
Her first major supporting film role came in Beautiful Creatures (2013), where she appeared alongside Emma Thompson, Thomas Mann, and Alden Ehrenreich.
Breakthrough (2014–2017)
In 2014, Deutch starred as Rose Hathaway in Vampire Academy, marking her first leading role in a studio film. Although the film received mixed reviews, her performance was widely noted as a breakout.
Her profile rose significantly in 2016 with Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some!!, followed by roles in Dirty Grandpa, Why Him?, and the crime drama Vincent N Roxxy. In 2017, she starred in Before I Fall, an adaptation of the young adult novel, which was seen as a turning point in her career.
That same year, Deutch received strong critical acclaim for her performances in Flower and The Year of Spectacular Men, the latter directed by her mother and co-produced by Deutch herself. Critics frequently singled her out as the emotional and energetic center of both films.
She also appeared in The Disaster Artist and featured in the music video for Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.”
Established Career (2018–Present)
Deutch starred opposite Glen Powell in the romantic comedy Set It Up (2018), which became a major streaming success and helped cement her reputation as a modern romantic-comedy lead.
In Buffaloed (2019), which she also co-produced, Deutch played a fast-talking debt collector determined to escape her Rust Belt hometown. The performance was widely praised as one of her most dynamic and commanding.
She appeared in Zombieland: Double Tap (2019), earning strong notices for her comedic turn, and starred in the Netflix series The Politician. In the early 2020s, she took on darker and more complex roles in Not Okay, The Outfit, and Something from Tiffany’s, the latter of which she executive produced.
In 2024, Deutch appeared in Clint Eastwood’s courtroom thriller Juror #2 and made her Broadway debut as Emily Webb in a revival of Our Town. Her performance was praised for its warmth and emotional restraint.
Her portrayal of Jean Seberg in Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague (2025) was widely acclaimed and earned her an Independent Spirit Award nomination. Critics described the performance as transformative and one of the finest of her career.
Other Work and Public Presence
Deutch has been active as a producer, presenter, and speaker at film industry events. She became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2018.
She is also known for her presence in fashion and media, frequently appearing on magazine covers and being cited as a standout on best-dressed lists. Industry publications have consistently identified her as one of her generation’s most promising and versatile actresses.
Activism
Deutch has supported a range of charitable and social causes, including reproductive rights, women’s advocacy initiatives, Alzheimer’s research, and organizations supporting children in orphanages in Mexico. She has participated in major public demonstrations and fundraising efforts and has worked extensively alongside her family on humanitarian initiatives.
Personal Life
Deutch was previously in a long-term relationship with actor Avan Jogia. Since 2021, she has been in a relationship with actor and comedian Jimmy Tatro, to whom she became engaged in 2025.
