Who Are Taylor Zakhar Perez’s Parents? 7 Surprising Facts About His Huge, Diverse Family
Taylor Zakhar Perez, the breakout star of Red, White & Royal Blue and The Kissing Booth franchise, is known for his magnetic screen presence, but his personal life, especially his family, is far more fascinating and complex than many fans realize. As of December 2025, the actor frequently credits his upbringing and the values instilled by his parents for his disciplined approach to Hollywood, often sharing glimpses into his large, diverse, and incredibly supportive family unit.
The foundation of Taylor Zakhar Perez's success lies in his roots, which are steeped in a rich tapestry of cultures and a strong work ethic passed down by his mother, Antoinette Zakhar, and his father. His family life, marked by seven siblings and a multicultural background, has profoundly shaped his identity and his commitment to Latin representation in the entertainment industry.
Taylor Zakhar Perez: A Quick Biographical Profile
Before diving into the details of his parents, here is a consolidated look at the actor's background, which provides essential context for his family's influence:
- Full Name: Taylor James Zakhar
- Stage Name: Taylor Zakhar Perez
- Date of Birth: c. 1991 (Specific date is often unconfirmed, commonly cited as December 24)
- Age (as of 2025): Approximately 33–34
- Place of Birth: South Side, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
- Raised In: Chesterton, Indiana
- Alma Mater: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Breakthrough Role: Marco Peña in The Kissing Booth 2 (2020)
- Recent Notable Role: Alex Claremont-Diaz in Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
- Ethnicity/Heritage: Complex mix including Mexican, Croatian, Hungarian, and Italian descent.
- Siblings: Seven (Five sisters and two brothers); he is the third youngest.
The Woman Behind the Star: Antoinette Zakhar, His Mother
Taylor Zakhar Perez is particularly close to his mother, Antoinette Zakhar, and she is the parent whose details are most publicly known. She is a figure of strength, cultural heritage, and unwavering support for the actor.
1. Antoinette Zakhar’s Profession and Work Ethic
Taylor's mother, Antoinette Zakhar, is a professional esthetician. Her career in the beauty and skincare industry highlights a strong entrepreneurial spirit and dedication, a trait Taylor has often mentioned is common in his family. This professional background contrasts with the glitz of Hollywood, keeping Taylor grounded in real-world values.
2. She Was His Date to the 2024 Emmy Awards
In a heartwarming and very recent public display of their bond, Taylor brought his mother, Antoinette, as his date to the 2024 Emmy Awards in September. This gesture underscored the importance of his family in his life and offered a rare glimpse of Antoinette on a major red carpet, showing her support for his nomination for Red, White & Royal Blue.
3. The Source of His Mexican and Croatian Heritage
Antoinette Zakhar is the parent who connects Taylor to his rich Mexican and Croatian heritage. Taylor has consistently expressed immense pride in his Latin ethnicity, often speaking about the need for better representation in film and television. His mother's background is a key reason why he feels so strongly about this cultural representation.
The Mystery Surrounding Taylor Zakhar Perez’s Father
While his mother's name is public, details about Taylor Zakhar Perez’s father are less frequently discussed by the actor, leading to more privacy regarding that side of his family.
4. His Father Owned an Auto-Body Shop
Similar to his mother’s dedication, Taylor's father had a blue-collar background, owning and operating an auto-body shop. This detail reinforces the theme of a disciplined, hard-working upbringing that shaped Taylor's early life in the Midwest.
5. The Hungarian and Italian Roots
Taylor’s complex heritage is completed by his father’s side, which is reported to be of part Hungarian ancestry. Other sources also cite Italian heritage in his overall background. This blend of Mexican, Croatian, Hungarian, and Italian ancestry makes Taylor Zakhar Perez’s ethnic background one of the most diverse in Hollywood.
6. The Unconventional Family Structure
Taylor has mentioned that his parents separated when he was young. Despite this, he was raised in a highly supportive environment in Chesterton, Indiana, alongside his seven siblings. The family's focus remained on discipline, diligence, and maintaining strong bonds, regardless of the parental structure.
The Impact of Seven Siblings and a Tragic Loss
Perhaps the most defining feature of Taylor Zakhar Perez’s family life is the sheer size of his immediate family, which has instilled in him a unique set of social and personal skills.
7. Taylor is One of Eight Children
Taylor is the third youngest of eight children, with five sisters and two brothers. Growing up in such a large household meant he learned the arts of compromise, communication, and competition early on—skills that are invaluable in the demanding world of acting.
8. The Influence of His Late Sister, Kristy
The actor has spoken movingly about the profound influence of his late sister, Kristy, who passed away from colorectal cancer. Despite a 12-year age gap, their bond was significant. Taylor’s public advocacy for cancer awareness and his disciplined approach to life often trace back to the lessons and memories shared with Kristy, underscoring the deep emotional connections within the extended Zakhar family.
The story of Taylor Zakhar Perez’s parents and family is one of resilience, cultural pride, and immense support. From his mother Antoinette’s presence on the 2024 Emmy red carpet to the blue-collar roots of his father's auto-body shop, these details paint a complete picture of the foundation that launched one of Hollywood’s most exciting young stars. His background, rich with Mexican, Croatian, Hungarian, and Italian influences, is a testament to the diverse and powerful forces that continue to shape his career and his identity.
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