Operation Smile is proud to recognize Zachary Levi, star of the new animated Disney film,
Tangled, as an official Smile Ambassador who will support the organization’s global efforts to provide free surgeries for children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.
In his latest leading role, Levi lends his voice as Flynn Rider, the charming bandit in the new Disney film
Tangled. As the star of NBC’s hit TV show
Chuck, now in its fourth season, Levi plays a nerd-turned-secret agent. Levi also appeared in
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. He began his career in regional theatre.
With the help of medical volunteers and generous supporters like Levi, Operation Smile has provided free reconstructive surgeries for more than 150,000 children worldwide since its founding in 1982. Every three minutes, it is estimated a child is born with a cleft. One in 10 of those children die before their first birthday.
A long-time supporter of Operation Smile, Levi utilizes his wide array of talents to help children worldwide. In 2010, Zac donated his $15,000 prize to Operation Smile after winning the Pole Position at the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race. Recently for his 30th birthday on September 29, Levi asked for donations to Operation Smile in lieu of gifts. In 2009, Levi participated in TMobile’s myFaves Shot of a Lifetime celebrity shoot-out and raised $10,000 for Operation Smile. In 2008, Zac performed with Band From TV – whose members include celebrities such as
House’s Hugh Laurie and
Desperate Housewives’ James Denton – and raised $5,000 for Operation Smile. In total, Levi’s fundraising has provided free surgeries for more than 145 children.
“There are so many children around the world who so desperately need our help,” Levi said. “I am personally committed to helping give them new smiles and to make sure their voices are heard. I am proud to be a Smile Ambassador for Operation Smile, and to know that I am making a difference in the lives of these children.”
“Without supporters like Zac, it would be impossible for us to provide free surgeries for the thousands of children who are waiting for us,” said Dr. Bill Magee, CEO and Co-Founder of Operation Smile. “Zac’s energy and dedication are an inspiration for us all. He is helping us give new smiles and new hope for these children.”
For more information about Zac Levi and Operation Smile’s global efforts, please visit
www.operationsmile.org/zachary-levi. Supporters can follow Operation Smile on Twitter
@operationsmile and on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/operationsmile.
About Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org)
Founded in 1982 by Dr. Bill and Kathy Magee and headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, Operation Smile is an international children’s medical charity whose network of global volunteers is dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults. Since its founding, Operation Smile has treated more than 150,000 children born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities and the organization has a presence in more than 60 countries. In addition to contributing free medical treatment, Operation Smile trains local medical professionals in its partner countries and donates crucial equipment to lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency.
