Benjamin McKenzie (born Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan on September 12, 1978) is an American actor. He is the star of the television series The O.C., playing Ryan Atwood, a troubled teen who is relocated from Chino, California to Newport Beach, with the help of his lawyer, Sandy Cohen (Peter Gallagher).
Biography
McKenzie grew up in Austin, Texas and attended the University of Virginia, where he majored in Foreign Affairs and Economics. His uncle is the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan. His mother, Frances, is also a prize-winning poet.
Credits
- "Life is a Dream" (Off-Broadway play)
- "Street Scene" (Williamstown Theatre Festival)
- "The Blue Bird" (Williamstown Theatre Festival)
- "Measure for Measure" (University of Virginia)
- "Zoo Story" (University of Virginia)
- "The O.C." (FOX)
References
FOX.COM O.C. Cast Bios: Benjamin McKenzie
