Ben Schwartz
A whirlwind of manic energy and rapid-fire wit, he's become the defining comedic voice for a generation of animated and live-action heroes.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American actor·Birthday: September 15·Millennials
Biography
Ben Schwartz exploded out of the New York improv scene with a specific, unforgettable brand of hyper-confident, rhythmically chaotic comedy. While his breakout role as the gloriously delusional Jean-Ralphio on 'Parks and Recreation' made him a cult favorite, Schwartz has meticulously built a career that defies easy categorization. He is a writer's performer, co-creating and starring in the critically adored show 'House of Lies' and lending his distinctive voice to a roster of iconic characters, from a rebooted Dewey Duck to the lead in the 'Sonic the Hedgehog' films. His comedy is deeply collaborative, born from years with the Upright Citizens Brigade and a famed partnership with actor Thomas Middleditch, resulting in improvised specials that are masterclasses in spontaneous creation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ben was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ben Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Ben's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-created and starred as Clyde Oberholt in the Showtime series 'House of Lies,' which ran for six seasons.
- Voiced the title character in the live-action 'Sonic the Hedgehog' film franchise and its sequels.
- Earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for his work on the '2019 Academy Awards' telecast.
- Was a prolific writer and performer for the early digital comedy site CollegeHumor, notably in the long-running series 'Jake and Amir.'
Did You Know?
He began his career as an intern for 'Late Show with David Letterman' and later wrote jokes for the show's 'Top Ten' list.
He performed the voice of Leonardo in 'Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' but is also a huge fan of the franchise.
He and Thomas Middleditch's entirely improvised comedy special, 'Middleditch & Schwartz,' was released on Netflix in 2020.
He provided the voice for the character 'Pony' in the animated series 'BoJack Horseman.'
““I just want to make stuff with my friends that we think is funny.””
