Benjamin McKenzie
Schenkkan
as
Ryan Atwood
Parents: Pete &
Frances Schenkkan
Age: 27
Born: Sept. 12, 1978 in Austin TX
Star Sign: Virgo
Education: Austin High, graduated 1997; University of Virginia in 2001 where he
majored in Foreign Affairs and Economics
Marital Status: Single
Home: Has an apartment in Santa Monica
What he Drives: New Infiniti G35
Benjamin McKenzie is the son of Austin attorney
Pete Schenkkan and poet-writer Frances Schenkkan. He was born in Austin TX.
Benjamin McKenzie at the age of 24 plays the 17 year Ryan Atwood on the new Fox
TV show, "The OC." When asked what he was like in high school he says "I've
always been kind of a loner and continue to be. So, in that sense, Ryan and I
are the same. I played football in Texas, but I didn't really hang out with the
jocks. I did honors courses, but I didn't hang out with those kids, either. I
sort of had my own group I hung with occasionally, but I've always been kind of
by myself."
He earned a degree in foreign affairs and economics at the University of
Virginia. Worked as an intern in U.S. House Rep. Lloyd Doggett's office. He then
moved to New York to pursue a career in acting. He got his start in the
off-Broadway production of "Life is a Dream." After the September 11th attacks
he decided to move to L.A.
Once in Los Angeles, he paid his rent by waiting tables and went
on auditions. A year and six days after he arrived in Los Angeles, he was cast
in The O.C. Although he knew a TV gig was a good opportunity, he considered
passing on the job but sought the advice of his uncle first. Fortunately, his
uncle is screenwriter Robert Schenkkan (The Quiet American) and the Pulitzer
Prize-winning playwright of The Kentucky Cycle.
Benjamin McKenzie has also made guest appearances on "JAG" and "The District."
2005
Lady OC.
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