First it was Iron Will with Mackenzie Astin. Then it was D3: The Might Ducks. And of course, it's the is life on a top rating sit-com. Benjamin Salisbury hit the jackpot when he played the wealthy and precocious teen, Brighton Sheffield, on the hot CBS series, The Nanny. But unlike other bright young stars, Salisbury did not grow up in the lap of luxury. He experienced homeless life firsthand.
When Salisbury was between the tender ages of five and six, he, his pregnant mother, and two siblings were forced to live in their car for six months. "Our car was our home," says Salisbury. "And when our friends came over, they had to knock on the windows instead of a door and that was just how it was." Parked on the premises of their local church, the family received christian support. Benjamin also found comfort in God.
Salisbury says that since that time, he has accepted a personal relationship with God. Growing up he used to repeat the Lord's prayer every night with his mother before bed. He continues this tradition to this day.
Benjamin is now enjoying his life as a television actor, a career path that started at age 12. Being a television star definitely has its perks, says Salisbury. "It still boggles my mind when people come up to me, because I'm just me. When I meet people that are on TV or in movies, I'm thrilled. I'm so excited."
Benjamin admits he is a lot like his TV character Brighton. "I'm definitely sarcastic. I definitely tease my sisters, my real ones and my TV sisters. So it's pretty much the same. It's a pretty easy job," he says.
Fortunately, Salisbury gots along great with the cast. "It truly is this gigantic family. I mean, the girl who plays my little sister, Madeline Zima, she and I are probably closer than my sisters are now because Madeline and I spent so much time together," admits Salisbury.
Benjamin hopes to direct a TV show someday. But whether that happens as quickly as he wishes, Benjamin Salisbury is sure to stay in show business. "I just want to be in this business," he says. "I don't care if it's sweeping stages, being a writer's assistant, anything. I just really enjoy every single aspect of it."
Benjamin finished high school at Wayzata High in Minnesota. As of writing, he is attending college at the American University in Washington DC where he is consistently a Dean's List Honoree. He still works at the Mann Theatre in Plymouth, Minnesota and likewise works as an intern for House minority leader Richard Gephardt. He hopes to eventually pursue a career in either politics or sportscasting, but plans to act occasionally.