In the second film, Zed was portrayed as a hyperactive, antisocial gang leader with eccentric mannerisms, appearance, and taste. Many gags are based around Zed's fondness for things that contrast with his wild-man image, such as Family Affair (actually crying at dramatic moments) and Mickey Mouse watches. Zed is almost like a child, admonishing his cronies to "act their age" while they trash a supermarket and thanking the cashier for the "great bargains" (as his gang trundle shopping carts full of food out of the store). When his gang disrupts an anti-crime street fair sponsored by the Mayor, he tells her, "I voted for you!" Zed was caught at the end of the second film.

In the third film, a reformed Zed (who explains his change of heart by saying, "I used to be a real jerk! But now I'm a people guy!") joins the police force. He often brings trouble to Sweetchuck, who was the subject of harassment during their civilian years. They become roommates while they are both training at the Police Academy, and they manage to get along (to an extent) with each other in time. He suffers from an inability to speak properly and often squeaks or swallows his words. It is also discovered he is immune to the effects of teargas, and apparently even enjoys it. He falls in love in the fourth film with Laura, one of the Citizens On Patrol. His bad breath and screaming, potent enough to blow down a door, are far more-potent weapons than any firearm.

Zed is in the animated series (along with Sweetchuck). Several family members make guest appearances: Auntie Bertha, the cousins Ed and Ned, and his hillbilly parents. His surname is McGlunk.

A very Zed-like character (also played by Bob Goldthwait) appeared in several Twisted Sister videos.