'School of Rock' actor arrested for stealing guitars, blames drug addiction

Taryn Ryder

Child actor Joseph Gaydos has been arrested in Florida and is facing felony charges for larceny and grand theft. Gaydos, who played lead guitarist Zack alongside Jack Black in School of Rock, allegedly swiped guitars and amplifiers from several music stores. According to police, he also stole from his father.

Police in Venice, Fla., shared surveillance footage on Facebook from Feb. 7 that appears to show Gaydos walking out of a store with a guitar valued around $700. “COME ON! When will thieves learn that almost all establishments have cameras? This sticky-fingered bandit made off with a guitar while the employee was distracted,” the caption stated. “If you have any information please call 941-486-2444, VPD case# 19-000288.”

Gaydos was eventually picked up when he attempted to steal at another store days later. When he was identified, the former actor was linked to various thefts at music stores around the area.

Joseph Gaydos’s mug shot. (Photo: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)
Joseph Gaydos’s mug shot. (Photo: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)

The 27-year-old confessed to stealing the guitar “as well as other thefts” and “blamed his criminal activity on his drug addiction,” according to the affidavit obtained by local ABC News. TMZ reports Gaydos also stole two amplifiers from his father in order to support his drug habit. Gaydos’s father believes his son is addicted to heroin, according to authorities. Police say when Gaydos confessed, he expressed remorse, saying he wanted to get treatment.

Jack Black and Joseph Gaydos in <em>School of Rock</em>. (Photo: Everett Collection)
Jack Black and Joseph Gaydos in School of Rock. (Photo: Everett Collection)

According to Gaydos’s IMDb profile, he began playing guitar at age 3. His role in the 2003 film School of Rock was his one and only film. The following year, he released a self-titled album, Joey Gaydos Jr., but then disappeared from the entertainment world.

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