‘Scrubs’ Cast: See The Sacred Heart Hospital Crew Today!
Television has seen its fair share of medical dramas, but few have captured the hearts of audiences quite like the Scrubs cast.
Created by Bill Lawrence, this beloved comedy-drama series offered a unique blend of humor, heart, and raw emotion, all set within the chaotic environment of a fictional teaching hospital. Scrubs ran from 2001 to 2010; the show left a strong mark on the landscape of television, thanks in no small part to its talented ensemble cast.
At its core, Scrubs followed the lives of medical interns, residents, and attending physicians as they navigated the challenges of working at the fictious Sacred Heart Hospital. The show's protagonist, Dr. John "J.D." Dorian, portrayed by Zach Braff, served as the audience's guide through the often absurd, poignant, and hilarious moments that made up the daily grind of hospital life.
What set Scrubs apart from other medical dramas was its willingness to explore both the comedic and dramatic aspects of healthcare. From absurd daydream sequences to gut-wrenching patient outcomes, the series struck a delicate balance between laughter and tears, earning it a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
Here, we look at the Scrubs cast and where they are now.
Zach Braff a John "J.D." Dorian
Born on April 6, 1975, in South Orange, New Jersey, Zach Braff played John "J.D." Dorian, an idealistic and often daydreaming medical intern.
Before his breakout role on Scrubs, Braff had bit parts in TV shows and movies including the The Baby-Sitters Club, Manhattan Murder Mystery, and CBS’s Schoolbreak Special. Then he got his career-defining part in the Scrubs cast where he earned several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
He then wrote, directed and starred in the 2004 movie Garden State, which also co-stared Natalie Portman. He then appeared in 2014's Wish I Was Here with Kate Hudson, and 2017's Going in Style with Morgan Freeman. In 2018, Braff starred on the ABC comedy Alex, Inc., where he also served as executive producer and director. He also starred, alongside Gabrielle Union, in the 2022 Disney+ remake of Cheaper by the Dozen. He also wrote and directed A Good Person (2023), which co-starred Freeman.
Braff stayed in touch with his Scrubs co-star and real-life best friend Donald Faison, and together they have the podcast Fake Doctors, Real Friends.
His most recent project is 2024’s film French Girl, where he stars opposite Vanessa Hudgens.
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Donald Faison as Dr. Christopher Turk Scrubs Cast
Born June 22, 1974, in New York City, Donald Faison plays the role of Dr. Christopher Turk, J.D.'s best friend and fellow surgical resident. Prior to Scrubs, Faison gained recognition for his roles in films such as Clueless (1995) and Remember the Titans (2000).
After Scrubs, Faison starred on the TV Land comedy The Exes from 2011 to 2015. He also appeared in several other shows like Drunk History, House of Lies, Ray Donovan, and Undatable. In addition to acting, Faison has done a lot of voice work including Robot Chicken, TRON: Uprising, and Star Wars Resistance. On the film side, Faison had roles in Pitch Perfect (2012), Kick-Ass 2 (2013), Braff's Wish I Was Here (2014), and Little Evil (2017).
He is married to CaCee Cobb.
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Sarah Chalke as Dr. Elliot Reid
Born August 27, 1976, in Ontario, Canada, Sarah Chalke plays the role of Dr. Elliot Reid, a neurotic and ambitious medical intern who eventually becomes a successful attending physician.
Before joining the Scrubs cast, Chalke was best known for her role as Becky Conner in the sitcom Roseanne.
Post Scrubs, Chalke played the role of Stella Zinman, a dermatologist and Ted Mosby's love interest on How I Met Your Mother. She also starred on the series Mad Love and How to Live With Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life), as well as Netflix's Friends From College. Chalke reunited with Scrubs costar Christa Miller in a recurring role on Cougar Town.
She also did quite a bit of voice work including the animated projects Rick and Morty and Paradise PD. She then costarred on the Netflix drama series Firefly Lane alongside Katherine Heigl.
Most recently she’s appeared in 2024’s Animal Control series.
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John C. McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox Scrubs Cast
Born on August 3, 1959, in New York City, John C. McGinley played the character of Dr. Perry Cox, a gruff and sarcastic attending physician known for his tough-love approach to mentoring.
Prior to joining the Scrubs cast, McGinley had parts in several movies including like Platoon (1986), Wall Street (1987), and Office Space (1999).
He continued acting post-Scrubs and landed a recurring role on Burn Notice, Chicago P.D., and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He also appeared in the Broadway revival of Glengarry Glenn Ross. He also appeared in the movies 42 (2013) and Battle of the Sexes (2017). Most recently he was seen in the TV series Genius (2024).
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Judy Reyes as Nurse Carla Espinosa
Born on November 5, 1967, in the Bronx, New York, Judy Reyes played the character of Nurse Carla Espinosa, a no-nonsense but caring nurse who serves as a maternal figure to her colleagues.
Before Scrubs, she had appeared in shows like The Sopranos, Law & Order, Nothing Sacred, Oz and NYPD Blue. Then she landed her career-defining role on Scrubs and she appeared in every season but the last.
She continued to have a successful career. She was a series regular on Lifetime's Devious Maids from 2013 to 2016. She also appeared on several shows including Jane the Virgin, Black-ish, Batwoman, Succession, and Dirty John. She also appeared in the Netflix film All Together Now as well as the 2022 horror film Smile.
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Neil Flynn as the Janitor Scrubs Cast
Born on November 13, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, Neil Flynn plays the janitor, a mysterious and often antagonistic member of the hospital staff who frequently torments J.D.
Flynn had several movie parts before Scrubs including Magnolia, The Fugitive, Mean Girls, Rookie of the Year, and Home Alone 3.
Post Scrubs, Flynn continued acting. He portrayed patriarch Mike Heck on ABC's The Middle opposite Patricia Heaton. From 2018 to 2019, he also starred on the NBC sitcom Abby's. He has also appeared in shows like Lopez vs. Lopez and Clone High. Most recently, he’s been in the TV show Shrinking (2023)
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Ken Jenkins as Dr. Bob Kelso
Born August 28, 1940 in Dayton, Ohio, Ken Jenkins played the role of Dr. Bob Kelson on Scrubs.
Prior to playing the cantankerous Chief of Medicine, Jenkins was in several TV shows including The X-Files, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Beverly Hills, 90210. He also appeared in moves including The Abyss (1989) and Psycho (1998).
After Scrubs he appeared in Cougar Town, Gravity Falls and A Series of Unfortunate Events. His most recent acting credit was the movie Girls Weekend (2019).
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