Zach Braff is not only a television star, but the writer and director of a successful film as well. Born with the Sun in Aries and Moon in Aquarius, he's filled with originality and the courage to take risks. We can expect many more surprises from this unconventional actor.

Zach Braff catapulted to fame as Dr. John "J.D." Dorian on the hit comedy series 'Scrubs.' Far from being your standard sitcom, 'Scrubs' is quirky and inventive, which is also an apt description of the talented actor. Zach, born on April 6, 1975 in New Jersey, is an Aries, the pioneering first sign of the zodiac. While he doesn't have the aggressive nature often associated with Aries (think fellow Ram Russell Crowe), he's clearly rich in originality. In addition to his day job as a television star, Zach wrote, directed and played the lead in his highly successful film 'Garden State.' This impressive display of creative gifts is shown over and over again in his birth chart. His Aries Sun, for example, is supported by a harmonious 120-degree trine from imaginative Neptune, giving him an enormously wide range of artistic expression. For some people, this could lead to unproductive daydreaming, but Zach has stern Saturn in a tense 90-degree square to his Sun that brings him the commitment and discipline to turn his fantasies into reality.

Mercury, the planet of the mind, is conjunct expansive Jupiter in Zach's birth chart. This is a mentally powerful combination filled with never-ending wonder and fresh ideas. It adds intellectual restlessness and curiosity that will continue to propel him into new and different projects. Communicative Mercury joined with Jupiter is a writer's aspect, one that wouldn't allow an actor to be satisfied by reading lines created by someone else. The union of these two planets in Aries -- a do-it-yourself sign -- is made for leaders, which is why Zach is such a successful director. In fact, he's so hands-on that he even won a Grammy for "Best Compilation Soundtrack for a Motion Picture" for 'Garden State.'

Mars -- Aries' key or ruling planet -- often describes how a person acts, and is especially important for those born with the Sun in this sign. Zach's Mars is in Aquarius, another indicator of his originality and tendency to operate by his own rules. This is ideal for a person who creates an independent film that finds an audience outside the Hollywood studio system. Zach also has his Moon, a primary astrological indicator of instinct and temperament, in Aquarius, astrology's most unconventional sign. The need for freedom is strong here, especially when combined with his planets in self-sufficient Aries. Aquarius-influenced people can be great friends ('Scrubs' co-star Donald Faison is Zach's best bud), but those with the Moon in it often put head over heart, which doesn't always make for the ideal romantic partner. Zach's been linked to women like Mandy Moore, but in his personal life, as in his work, he seems to be following his own path instead of falling in line and behaving like the rest of us. He's clearly a genius who will continue to play by his own creative rules, which is sure to be appreciated by his growing number of fans.

About the Author
Jeff Jawer is the co-author of Barnes & Noble's 'Your Astrology Guide 2006.' A professional astrologer since 1973, his articles have appeared in astrology journals and magazines and Web sites around the world. He holds a B.A. in The History and Science of Astrology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and teaches and lectures both in the United States and abroad.