Benjamin McKenzie

Benjamin "Ben" McKenzie ( born September 12, 1978 in Austin, Texas; actually Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan ) is an American actor. A wide audience he is best known for the lead role as Ryan Atwood in the U.S. television series The OC. He currently plays the Officer Ben Sherman in the U.S. drama series Southland.

Life and career

McKenzie is the son of a lawyer. His mother is an author, journalist and professor at a university in Texas. He was born in Austin, Texas, where he grew up with his two younger brothers also. His uncle is actor Robert Schenkkan; his second cousin Sarah Drew is also an actress.

After graduating in Economics and International Relations at the University of Virginia, he moved to New York to devote his attention to acting. There he received first in off-Broadway productions different roles before he went to Los Angeles and was engaged there for a starring role in the television series The OC, with the fourth season came to an end on 22 February 2007. For his portrayal of Ryan Atwood in the series, he won a number of awards between 2003 and 2007.

McKenzie is politically interested and active. He was one of the speakers at the meeting of the Democrats in the summer of 2004.

His residence is Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles County.

Filmography (selection)

Movies

• 2005: Junebug ( Junebug )
• 2007: 88 minutes (88 Minutes)
• 2008: Johnny Got His Gun (Johnny Got His Gun )
• 2008: LAPD
• 2009: The Eight Percent
• 2011: Batman: Year One

TV series

Cast and Crew

• 2003-2007: O.C., California (The O.C. )
• 2009-2013: Southland

Guest appearances

• 2004: MADtv
• 2011: Mission Scooby -Doo
• 2011: The Blisters: How Four Became Three