BIOGRAPHY

Full Name: Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan
Birthdate: September 12, 1978
Birthplace: Austin, Texas
Current Home: Santa Monica, California


Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Ben is the eldest of three sons. He was too nervous to try out for plays during his high school years at Austin High School so he followed typical tradition and played football. He got into acting during his first few years at the University of Virginia, where he studied and graduated in Foreign Affairs & Economics. After finishing this course, he decided to move to New York to pursue acting.

While in New York, McKenzie appeared off Broadway in "Life is a Dream," at the Soho Repertory Theatre. He also performed in several productions at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, including "Street Scene" and "The Blue Bird," and at the University of Virginia, in "Measure for Measure" and "Zoo Story," Soon after 9/11, he moved to L.A. due to the standstill in acting opportunities. He was landing TV show bit roles here and there until his big break came along: getting cast as Ryan Atwood in the FOX's hit TV show The O.C.! He recently starred in the independent film "Junebug."