Milo Manheim is an American actor and performer best known for his breakout role in Disney’s Zombies franchise and his growing presence in television, film, and live‑action adaptations. Born into an entertainment family, Manheim has successfully built his own career through talent, versatility, and consistent work across multiple genres. From musical beginnings to mainstream television and high‑profile casting announcements, Milo Manheim continues to expand his footprint in Hollywood.
Early Life and Background
Milo Manheim, born Milo Jacob Manheim on March 6, 2001, in Venice, California, United States, is the son of award‑winning actress Camryn Manheim, known for her Emmy and Golden Globe‑nominated performances. Growing up around sets and theatrical environments, Milo Manheim developed an early passion for performance.
Milo’s first exposure to the performing arts began at age seven through a local after‑school theater program in Culver City. He quickly progressed to performing in more than 15 musical productions with Liza Monjauze Productions, including acclaimed shows such as Rent, Footloose, A Chorus Line, Gypsy, and Spring Awakening. These early experiences helped shape his foundation in acting, dancing, and musical performance.
Breakthrough Role: Zombies Franchise
Milo Manheim’s professional breakthrough came when casting director Amber Horn discovered him during a performance of Rent. This led to an audition for the Disney Channel Original Movie Zombies, where he landed the role of Zed, a zombie high‑school student striving to bridge the divide between humans and monsters.
Zombies premiered on Disney Channel in 2018 and became a commercial success, combining catchy musical numbers with themes of inclusion. Manheim’s performance as Zed earned praise from audiences and led to his return in the sequels Zombies 2 (2020) and Zombies 3 (2022).
More recently, the franchise continued with Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires, released in July 2025. Manheim and his co‑stars also took on executive producer roles for the film, marking a shift toward creative leadership and deeper involvement in the franchise’s direction.
Expansion into Television and Film
After establishing himself with the Zombies franchise, Milo Manheim expanded into additional projects showcasing his range:
Prom Pact (2023)
In this 2023 Disney Channel romantic comedy, Manheim starred as Ben Plunkett, sharing the screen with Peyton Elizabeth Lee and an ensemble cast. The film mixes traditional teen romance with lighthearted comedy.
Journey to Bethlehem (2023)
Demonstrating his dramatic and musical ability outside the Disney sphere, Manheim played Joseph in the musical film Journey to Bethlehem, acting opposite Fiona Palomo and Antonio Banderas in a retelling of the biblical Nativity story.
Thanksgiving (2023)
Milo appeared in the slasher film Thanksgiving, showcasing his versatility by stepping into the horror genre alongside stars like Patrick Dempsey and Addison Rae.
School Spirits (2023–present)
On Paramount+, Manheim stars as Wally in School Spirits, a supernatural teen drama. The series blends mystery and the afterlife with character‑driven storytelling, offering him an opportunity to develop a nuanced lead role beyond musical performances.
Other Appearances
Milo has appeared in episodes of The Conners, American Housewife, Doogie Kameāloha, M.D., and various specials, steadily building a diverse television résumé.
Stage Work and Musical Roots
While many recognize Manheim from screen roles, his stage credits underscore his theatrical training and versatility. In 2017 he starred in the musical Generation Me at the New York Musical Festival, where he won the award for Best Leading Actor.
In 2025, he also performed as Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors and took on the role of Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl, demonstrating that his talents extend to live performance.
New High‑Profile Casting: Tangled Live‑Action
In early January 2026, Walt Disney Pictures officially announced that Milo Manheim will star as Flynn Rider in the upcoming live‑action adaptation of Tangled. The film stars Teagan Croft as Rapunzel and reunites Disney’s commitment to reimagining its classic animated hits for modern audiences.
This casting is significant for Manheim’s career, signaling his evolution from television musicals to major studio filmmaking, and positioning him for broader mainstream recognition.
Personal Life and Off‑Screen Interests
Milo Manheim remains grounded outside of acting. He is musically talented, playing instruments like guitar, drums, piano, and ukulele, and also enjoys soccer, volleyball, and skiing.
He is active in community service, advocating for causes such as teen suicide prevention and participating in multiple charitable organizations, including Venice Family Clinic and Chords2Cure, which supports pediatric cancer research.
Industry Recognition and Public Persona
In 2018, Manheim competed on Dancing with the Stars, where he finished as runner‑up alongside professional dancer Witney Carson. This exposure broadened his audience beyond film and television, showcasing his performance skills in a competitive setting.
Interviews and coverage often highlight his grounded perspective on fame and artistic growth. In conversations published during 2025, Manheim expressed gratitude for his Disney roots while discussing his broader ambitions in acting, theater, and storytelling.
Influence and Career Trajectory
Milo Manheim’s trajectory reflects both early discipline and strategic role choices. Starting in youth theater and moving through Disney’s musical franchises, he has diversified into film, television, and stage, along with executive production experience.
Today, his growing portfolio reflects versatility and ambition, paving the way for continued growth in mainstream cinema and cross‑media opportunities. With upcoming projects like the live‑action Tangled, Manheim is positioning himself for sustained relevance in a competitive industry.
Conclusion
Milo Manheim’s career illustrates a deliberate blend of performance, musicality, and thoughtful role selection. From his defining role as Zed in Zombies to his expanding filmography and recent casting in a major Disney live‑action adaptation, Manheim has demonstrated range and potential. His background in theater, commitment to community work, and transition into production roles suggest an actor focused on long‑term artistic growth.
Whether on screen or stage, Milo Manheim continues to solidify his place in Hollywood, engaging audiences with dynamic performances and evolving creative pursuits