Steve Zahn, a talented individual, was born in Marshall, Minnesota, to Zelda, a dedicated employee of the local YMCA, and Carleton Edward Zahn, a devoted Lutheran pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale, Minnesota.
As a native Minnesotan, Zahn's professional journey began when he unexpectedly crashed an audition for a local stage production of "Biloxi Blues" and landed the lead role, marking the start of his illustrious career.
He subsequently honed his craft at the esteemed American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, before relocating to New York City, where he secured a role in the national touring company of Tommy Tune's production of "Bye Bye Birdie", an experience that spanned 13 months.
Upon returning to New York, Zahn appeared alongside Ethan Hawke in "Sophistry" at Playwright's Horizon, an opportunity that caught the attention of Ben Stiller, who subsequently cast him and Hawke in the 1994 film "Reality Bites".