Donald Faison
An actor whose infectious energy and perfect comic timing made Dr. Chris Turk on 'Scrubs' a beloved figure and defined a career of charismatic supporting roles.
Born 1974 (age 52)·American actor and comedian·Birthday: June 22·Generation X
Biography
Donald Faison broke through in the mid-90s with a scene-stealing turn as the stylish, confident Murray in the film 'Clueless,' a role he reprised for the subsequent TV series. That early success showcased his natural charm and knack for comedy, qualities that would find their ultimate showcase in 2001 when he was cast as surgical resident Chris Turk on the hit series 'Scrubs.' For nine seasons, his portrayal of the confident, often hilarious, and deeply loyal best friend to Zach Braff's J.D. became a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its physical comedy and the authentic depiction of male friendship. While 'Scrubs' remains his signature work, Faison has maintained a steady presence on screen, starring in sitcoms like 'The Exes,' appearing in films from 'Remember the Titans' to 'Kick-Ass 2,' and lending his voice to animated projects. His career is a testament to the lasting impact of a perfectly played supporting character who radiates genuine joy.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Donald was born in 1974, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Donald Was Born
The biggest hits of 1974
#1 Movie
The Towering Inferno
Best Picture
The Godfather Part II
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Donald's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1974Born
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1979Started school
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1987Became a teenager
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1990Could drive
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1992Could vote
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Turned 21
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2004Turned 30
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2014Turned 40
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 50
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 52 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Dr. Christopher Turk for nine seasons on the critically acclaimed comedy-drama series 'Scrubs'.
- Starred as Murray in the hit 1995 film 'Clueless' and its subsequent television adaptation.
- Played the lead role of Phil Chase in the TV Land sitcom 'The Exes' for its entire four-season run.
Did You Know?
He and his 'Scrubs' co-star Zach Braff are close friends in real life and host a rewatch podcast about the show.
Faison is a trained dancer and performed in music videos for artists like Heavy D and the Boyz.
He provided the voice for the character of Spike in the 'Star Wars: Clone Wars' animated micro-series.
He is married to CaCee Cobb, a former assistant to Jessica Simpson.
“Scrubs was a family. We laughed until we couldn't breathe, every single day.”
