MAIN Art &... Pop Culture TV Stars Ben McKenzie

Born Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan in Austin, Texas on September 12, 1978, the actor now known as Benjamin McKenzie later attended the University of Virginia where he was said to have performed well on the football field while majoring in foreign relations and economics.

However, a love of acting took hold while he was performing in a college skit - when McKenzie suddenly decided to persue a career in New York theater.

Waiting tables while auditioning for work, McKenzie eventually left the Big Apple to move to Los Angeles where he would change his name to avoid confusion with another member of the Screen Actors' Guild of the same name. After auditioning stints for a variety of projects, McKenzie eventually landed a bit part in the CBS hit, The District which led to his starring role in the WB hit, The O.C. alongside Mischa Barton.

An instant hit with critics, McKenzie has been likened to a young Russell Crowe for his charisma and brooding screen presence. McKenzie's performance garnered him a 2004 Teen Choice Award nomination for TV Male Breakout Star and TV Actor Drama/Action Adventure.

Since leaving The O.C., McKenzie has appeared on the big screen opposite Al Pacino in "88 Minutes" and is slated to star in the role of Joe Bonham in the antiwar film Johnny Got His Gun scheduled to open in late 2008.

Returning to primetime TV in 2009, the actor currently stars in the NBC police drama Southland in which he plays rookie patrol officer Ben Sherman.

More about Ben McKenzie around the Web:

Benjamin McKenzie - Wikipedia - Complete biography, career highlights, and related resources.

A Tribute to Ben McKenzie - Fan site featuring photos, career news and updates, video clips.

Benjamin McKenzie Current Month TV Schedule - Times, channels and plot summeries of the actor's appearance in The O.C.around the network and cable TV dial.

also see in TV Stars -> Josh Duhamel | Matthew Fox | Dominic Monaghan