Josh Peck initially gained fame through his work with Nickelodeon, yet his most notable films and television appearances extend beyond the network’s portfolio. Starting his career as a child actor, Peck often engaged in comedic roles, most famously portraying one of the titular characters in “Drake & Josh.”Over time, he has showcased his dramatic prowess in both independent films and major blockbusters.
As of now, Peck continues to shine primarily in television, displaying a strong inclination toward sitcoms thanks to his impeccable comedic timing and delivery. Additionally, he co-hosts the “Good Guys”podcast, where he engages in thoughtful discussions about life and conducts interviews with fellow former child stars, including his past co-stars such as Miranda Cosgrove, Drake Bell, and Hilary Duff. In this way, Peck skillfully navigates the entertainment landscape, taking on dynamic acting roles while remaining a relevant figure in the industry.
10 Pitch (2016)
Josh Peck as Ross
“Pitch”is an intriguing baseball-themed series that regrettably did not last beyond its debut season, which consisted of just 10 episodes. Had it premiered a few years later, it might have found greater success, as interest in sports dramas has grown significantly.
The narrative centers around Ginny Baker (Kylie Bunbury), the first woman to play in Major League Baseball, as she embarks on her professional journey amid the challenges of public scrutiny and gender bias.
Although Peck only appears in two episodes, he plays an insightful analyst responsible for making strategic numeric assessments to benefit the team. His ability to convey a deep understanding of sports analytics, even when juggling complex statistics, ensures the audience finds him convincing in this role.
9 Mean Creek (2004)
Josh Peck as George Tooney
During the early 2000s, while establishing himself on Nickelodeon, Peck also embraced more serious acting opportunities. A standout performance was his role as George in “Mean Creek,”a film highlighting the consequences of bullying.
The plot revolves around a group of friends who plan to take revenge on a bully during a boat excursion. However, they discover that their target is a lonely and troubled individual, challenging who they thought he was. Portraying the misunderstood bully, Peck defied typecasting norms, showcasing his range as an actor early in his career.
His performance beautifully encapsulates George’s inner turmoil and aspirations, earning Peck and his young co-stars the Special Distinction Award from the Independent Spirit Awards.
8 ER (2001)
Josh Peck as Nick Stevens
His performance resonated strongly, embodying a character burdened with a maturity beyond his years. He effectively conveys Nick’s weariness and desire to escape the constant cycles of surgery and pain, creating a memorable impression within the episode.
7 The Big Bang Theory (2014)
Josh Peck as Jesse
As one of the most cherished modern sitcoms, “The Big Bang Theory”revolves around a tight-knit group of academically inclined friends and their interactions with the aspiring actress living across the hall. The series is known for featuring a variety of guest stars from pop culture, a status that Peck also enjoyed during his brief appearance.
He plays Jesse, the rival comic book shop owner, bringing a delightful antagonist element to the series. Peck’s character’s smarmy demeanor and knack for provoking the beloved Stuart adds depth to the storyline, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
6 Fillmore! (2002)
Josh Peck as Randall Julian
This animated series cleverly parodies 1970s cop shows, balancing humor appealing to both adults and children. The story follows Fillmore, a former delinquent turned safety patrol officer at his school, as he resolves various issues alongside his partner.
Peck lends his voice to Randall Julian, a character inspired by Hannibal Lecter, which adds an unexpected twist to a kids’ cartoon. As a reformed macaroni artist facing detention, Randall collaborates with Fillmore to uncover a graffiti culprit. Peck’s portrayal of Randall as a quirky yet menacing teen infuses the role with comedic intrigue.
5 Grandfathered (2015-2016)
Josh Peck as Gerald
“Grandfathered”features an engaging narrative where a lifelong bachelor discovers he has a son from a past relationship. The series effectively marries comedy with drama, supported by a stellar cast including John Stamos and Paget Brewster.
Despite his youthful role as Gerald, Peck demonstrated his adeptness at both comedy and drama within this sitcom format. Unfortunately, the show faced premature cancellation after just one season, leaving audiences yearning for more development in the characters’ journeys.
Peck’s rich sitcom background allowed him to thrive in this role, brilliantly showcasing his comedic chops alongside the seasoned cast.
4 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2013-2017)
Josh Peck as Casey Jones
In addition to his Nickelodeon roots, Peck’s voice has graced many animated shows, including the modern adaptation of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”This series depicted the beloved turtles’ journey as they hone their combat skills and confront various alien adversaries.
Peck joined the cast as the charismatic Casey Jones in season two, a character who forms a partnership with April O’Neil. His portrayal through the series’ run perfectly matched the show’s energetic narrative, allowing Peck to capture the adventure’s spirit.
The series received widespread acclaim, earning multiple Daytime Emmy nominations and winning three during its tenure.
3 How I Met Your Father (2022-2023)
Josh Peck as Drew
While Peck’s adult television roles have seen mixed success, “How I Met Your Father”offers a refreshing setting for his talents. As a potential love interest for Hilary Duff’s character, Peck adds significant tension to the narrative, navigating the ups and downs of modern relationships.
Set in a framework reminiscent of its predecessor “How I Met Your Mother,”the series focuses on the challenges faced by Duff’s character and her peers in New York City. Peck effectively captures comedic moments while providing an essential counterpoint within a love triangle that keeps viewers engaged.
2 Drake & Josh (2004-2007)
Josh Peck as Josh Nichols
“Drake & Josh”remains an iconic representation of early 2000s Nickelodeon programming, a show that resonates with both children and adults. As one of its central characters, Peck encapsulates the essence of the awkward yet loveable Josh Nichols, frequently finding himself entangled in his brother’s schemes.
The chemistry between Peck and Drake Bell was unparalleled, delivering hilarious moments throughout the series, marking it as Peck’s most memorable comedic endeavor. Despite the off-camera challenges each faced, their on-screen interactions have endured as a highlight of Nickelodeon history.
1 Oppenheimer (2023)
Josh Peck as Kenneth Bainbridge
“Oppenheimer”delves into the groundbreaking work of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the atomic bomb. This gripping film explores complex themes around science and morality while spotlighting significant historical figures.
In a brief yet impactful role, Peck appears as Kenneth Bainbridge, the physicist involved in the Manhattan Project’s Trinity test. Though his screen time is limited, this role represents the pinnacle of Peck’s career, as “Oppenheimer”garnered numerous accolades, including 13 Academy Award nominations and seven wins, demonstrating its critical acclaim.
Overall, this film stands out as Peck’s most prestigious project to date, contributing to its legacy in cinematic history.