Josh Peck’s journey in entertainment has unfolded with the kind of elasticity few child stars ever manage to claim. First introduced to mainstream audiences through Nickelodeon’s early-2000s comedy wave, he turned slapstick energy and timing into a signature style that made him instantly recognizable.
His presence today feels less defined by childhood fame and more by a thoughtful versatility—an actor unafraid to experiment, recalibrate, and rediscover himself. As he celebrates another year, his trajectory stands as both a reminder of where he began and a testament to the range he continues to build.
Josh Nichols | Drake and Josh (2004–2007)
(Source: IMDb)
This is the role that cemented Peck’s status as a household name. As the lovable, nerdy, and perpetually exasperated step-brother, Josh Nichols, he mastered physical comedy and impeccable timing. The character was the necessary straight-man—or rather, the highly responsible foil—to Drake’s antics. The series remains a cornerstone of 2000s comedy and showcased Peck’s remarkable ability to generate huge laughs through sheer frustration and escalating panic.
George Tooney | Mean Creek (2004)
(Source: IMDb)
A pivotal and often-cited turn that immediately marked Peck as capable of serious dramatic work. As George, the troubled bully at the heart of the film’s tense, tragic narrative, he delivered a raw, complex, and ultimately heartbreaking performance. This indie film was a crucial stepping stone, demonstrating his ability to drop the comedy persona and portray intense vulnerability and moral ambiguity in a harrowing context.
Luke Shapiro | The Wackness (2008)
(Source: IMDb)
In his first major adult lead role, Peck played Luke, a lonely, philosophical teenage marijuana dealer in 1994 New York City. Set against a backdrop of hip-hop and summer heat, the film required a performance that was simultaneously comedic, romantic, and deeply melancholy. Peck handled the transition from stoner slacker to yearning romantic with critical acclaim, proving his command over nuanced, character-driven material.
Dr. Kenneth Bainbridge | Oppenheimer (2023)
(Source: IMDb)
Though a supporting role, Peck’s inclusion in a Christopher Nolan epic signaled his full integration into prestige cinema. He played the real-life physicist Kenneth Bainbridge, who oversaw the Trinity nuclear test. In his brief, intense scenes, Peck conveyed the heavy gravitas, intellectual commitment, and underlying tension required of a scientist involved in the creation of the atomic bomb, executing a significant tonal shift from his previous work.
Gerald Kingsley | Grandfathered (2015–2016)
(Source: IMDb)
This Fox sitcom placed Peck in a lead role opposite John Stamos, where he played Gerald, the young father of an infant and the son Stamos’s character never knew he had. The role required him to transition back to network comedy, but with a grown-up, slightly clumsy earnestness, allowing him to demonstrate his maturity while still utilizing his innate comedic warmth.
Casey Jones (Voice) | Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012–2017)
(Source: IMDb)
As a prolific voice actor, his portrayal of the hockey-mask-wearing vigilante Casey Jones was a highlight. Peck successfully captured the brash, reckless energy of the character while grounding him with a sense of loyalty and charm. This role showcased his continued connection to the world of animation and his ability to bring iconic characters to life through voice work.
Nick Stevens | ER (2001)
An early but impactful dramatic guest role, Peck appeared in a single episode of the iconic medical drama. His performance as a patient who is revealed to be a troubled young man facing terminal illness provided a serious, poignant counterpoint to his comedic roles at the time. It was a clear, early indication of the dramatic depth he possessed.
Eddie (Voice) | The Ice Age Franchise (2006–2016)
(Source: IMDb)
For an entire generation, Peck is recognizable as the voice of Eddie, one of the two mischievous and accident-prone possum brothers. The role was purely comedic and demanded high-energy vocal delivery and improvisation, underscoring his reliable skill in animated family films across multiple sequels.
Matt Eckert | Red Dawn (2012)
(Source: IMDb)
This action-thriller remake saw Peck cast as an action hero, a marked physical and genre shift. As Matt Eckert, a high school athlete who becomes a guerrilla fighter resisting an invasion, he proved capable of handling tense physical sequences and conveying the fear and bravery of a civilian forced into combat.
Vice Principal Drew | How I Met Your Father (2022)
(Source: IMDb)
A memorable guest role that demonstrated his continued relevance in modern sitcoms. As the kind, yet ultimately ill-fated love interest of the main character, he played a buttoned-up Vice Principal who had to balance romantic charm with awkward professionalism, showcasing his ability to deliver subtle, charming comedy in a supporting capacity.
