Benjamin McKenzie Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 15, 2024
Benjamin McKenzie Then
Ben McKenzie, born Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan on September 12, 1978, in Austin, Texas, comes from a family steeped in the arts and law.
His mother, Frances Schenkkan, is an acclaimed poet, while his father, Pieter Schenkkan, works as an attorney. Ben is the middle child, with two brothers, Nate and Zack.
His uncle, Robert Schenkkan, is a distinguished playwright who won the Pulitzer Prize, highlighting the creative talent that runs in the family.
Growing up, McKenzie attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin, where he crossed paths with future NFL star Drew Brees during flag football games.
Later, at Stephen F. Austin High School, Ben excelled as both a defensive back and wide receiver on the school’s football team, showcasing his athletic prowess.
Following his high school graduation in 1997, Ben pursued higher education at the University of Virginia.
There, he earned a degree in economics and foreign relations in 2001, laying a solid academic foundation before venturing into the entertainment industry, where he would eventually rise to fame.
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Benjamin McKenzie Acting Career
After graduating from college, Ben McKenzie relocated to New York City to pursue his passion for acting.
In the bustling city, he immersed himself in the theater scene, performing in off-off-Broadway productions while juggling part-time jobs to support himself.
McKenzie’s dedication to his craft led him to perform at the prestigious Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts and participate in summer stock productions, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience on stage.
At the age of 23, McKenzie made a bold move to Los Angeles, where he continued to work various jobs, including waiting tables, while staying with his friend, actor Ernie Sabella, known for his roles as Pumbaa in Disney’s “The Lion King” and Leon Carosi on “Saved By The Bell.”
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It was in Los Angeles that McKenzie made his television debut with a guest appearance on the CBS crime drama “The District” in 2002, followed by a role on another CBS drama, “JAG” in 2003.
His big break came when he was cast as Ryan Atwood on the hit teen drama “The O.C.,” a role that catapulted him to stardom alongside co-stars Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson, and Adam Brody.
The show became a cultural phenomenon, airing 92 episodes over four seasons, and McKenzie earned between $15,000 and $25,000 per episode.
During this time, he was recognized by “Teen People” magazine as one of the “25 Sexiest Stars under 25” twice and was named one of “InStyle” magazine’s “10 Hottest Bachelors of Summer” in 2005.
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While starring in “The O.C.,” McKenzie also embarked on a film career, co-starring with Amy Adams in the critically acclaimed “Junebug” in 2005, which won over 20 awards.
Initially cast in the 2006 film “Snakes on a Plane” (then titled “Pacific Air 121”), McKenzie opted to drop out of the project to co-star with Al Pacino in “88 Minutes.”
In 2008, he took on a challenging solo role in “Johnny Got His Gun,” a live stage adaptation of Dalton Trumbo’s 1939 novel, which was also filmed.
The following year, McKenzie starred in the short film “The Eight Percent,” which won the Delta Air Lines Fly-in Movie Contest.
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He continued to build his television career by starring as police officer Ben Sherman on the gritty drama “Southland,” which aired on NBC for its first season before moving to TNT for its subsequent four seasons.
McKenzie’s versatility as an actor extended beyond television and film.
In 2010, he played Jim O’Connor in a production of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” at L.A.’s Mark Taper Forum.
In 2011, he lent his voice to the iconic character Batman/Bruce Wayne in the animated film “Batman: Year One” and voiced Odnarb on the animated series “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated.”
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McKenzie also explored production, producing and appearing in the 2011 short film “The Blisters: How Three Became Four,” and starred in films like “Adventures in the Sin Bin” (2012), “Decoding Annie Parker” (2012), “Goodbye World” (2013), and “Some Kind of Beautiful” (2014).
In 2014, McKenzie took on one of his most significant roles as Detective James Gordon in the popular TV series “Gotham,” which explored the origins of Batman’s universe.
McKenzie not only starred in every episode of the show’s five-season run but also expanded his creative contributions by directing three episodes and writing two.
His work on “Gotham” further solidified his place in the entertainment industry.
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In 2019, McKenzie appeared in the films “The Report” and “Line of Duty,” and in early 2020, he made his Broadway debut in the play “Grand Horizons” at the Hayes Theater, showcasing his continued passion for performing on stage.
Benjamin McKenzie Movies
- Junebug (2005)
- 88 Minutes (2007)
- Johnny Got His Gun (2008)
- The Eight Percent (2009)
- Adventures in the Sin Bin (2012)
- Decoding Annie Parker (2012)
- Goodbye World (2013)
- Some Kind of Beautiful (2014)
- The Report (2019)
- Line of Duty (2019)
- I Want You Back (2022)
Benjamin McKenzie’s Wife and Children
Ben McKenzie’s personal life took a significant turn in 2015 when he began a relationship with his “Gotham” co-star, Morena Baccarin.
Their relationship quickly became serious, and by September of that year, it was revealed through legal documents related to Baccarin’s ongoing divorce that she was pregnant with McKenzie’s child and that the couple intended to marry.
This news marked a new chapter in both their lives, blending their professional and personal worlds.
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On March 2, 2016, the couple welcomed their daughter, Frances, into the world.
The birth of their daughter brought even more joy and solidified their commitment to each other.
Just over a year later, on June 2, 2017, which coincidentally was also Morena’s 38th birthday, the couple exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.
The intimate wedding venue, surrounded by nature’s beauty, provided the perfect backdrop for the beginning of their married life together.
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In addition to becoming a father to Frances, Ben also took on the role of stepfather to Julius, Morena’s son from her previous marriage to filmmaker Austin Chick.
Ben embraced this new family dynamic, building a strong bond with Julius and creating a loving home for both children.
His relationship with Morena and their blended family reflects the deep connection they share, both as partners and as parents, navigating the complexities of family life in the public eye.
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Benjamin McKenzie Now
At 45 years old, Ben McKenzie, professionally known as Ben McKenzie, has built a versatile career as an American actor, author, and commentator.
He first rose to fame with his breakout role as Ryan Atwood on the popular teen drama “The O.C.,” which quickly established him as a household name in the early 2000s.
His portrayal of the troubled but noble teenager resonated with audiences, making “The O.C.” a cultural phenomenon.
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Following his success on “The O.C.,” McKenzie continued to prove his range as an actor with his role as Ben Sherman, a rookie police officer navigating the gritty realities of law enforcement, on the crime drama “Southland.”
His performance in “Southland” garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and dedicated actor.
McKenzie’s career reached new heights when he took on the role of James “Jim” Gordon, the iconic detective destined to become Batman’s ally, in the crime drama “Gotham.”
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His portrayal of Gordon brought depth and complexity to the character, earning him a new generation of fans and cementing his place in the world of television.
In addition to his acting career, McKenzie has also ventured into writing and commentary, expanding his creative horizons.
He remains active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he connects with his audience by sharing daily posts and videos.
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With a substantial following of 629,000 on the platform, McKenzie engages with fans by providing insights into his personal life, professional projects, and thoughts on current events.
His presence on Instagram allows him to maintain a close relationship with his fans, offering them a glimpse into his life both on and off the screen.
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Benjamin McKenzie’s Net Worth
Ben McKenzie, an accomplished American actor, director, and writer, has successfully built a diverse career in the entertainment industry, resulting in a net worth of $13 million.
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FAQs
Yes, Ben McKenzie is still married to Morena Baccarin. They wed in 2017.
Ben McKenzie and Morena Baccarin met while working together on the TV series “Gotham,” where they played love interests.
Ben McKenzie got into acting after studying economics and foreign relations in college. He moved to New York City and performed in off-off-Broadway productions before transitioning to television and film.
Besides “The O.C.,” Ben McKenzie played lead roles in “Southland” and “Gotham,” and appeared in films like “Junebug” (2005) and “88 Minutes” (2007).
There were no significant public disputes or issues between Mischa Barton and Ben McKenzie. They co-starred on “The O.C.” and have spoken positively about their working relationship.
Yes, Ben McKenzie has two children: a daughter named Frances, born in 2016, with his wife Morena Baccarin, and he is also a stepfather to Morena’s son, Julius, from her previous marriage.
Ben McKenzie was 24 years old when he began starring as Ryan Atwood on “The O.C.” in 2003.