O.C. Life

Benjamin Mckenzie plays Ryan Atwood in the OC.  In the first season he was the new kid from China who was adopted by the Cohens.  He was not very welcomed in this rich community but faced his difficulties and just ignored the Newport gossip.  After not getting along with Luke Ward; Newport's golden boy, and Marissa's boyfriend, he finally won her over.  Ryan has been through so much that he couldn't even be explained unless you watched and understand this show.

How did he get on the O.C.

When Ben graduated he found an affordable apartment in the San Fernando valley of Los Angeles.  After several months of trying to audition for TV, he had a two-line-voice over part in one of the Dr. Pepper commercials.  Form there on; he got a guest role on TV's "Jag".  A year later tons and tons of auditions later he landed his big break, Ryan Atwood on the OC.  He says it that it couldn't have happened at a better time, needing money to live off of. 

Personal Life

 Ben McKenzie's full name is Ben McKenzie Schenkkan, yes, his last name is not Mckenzie that is his middle name.  The reason why he doesn't go by his real last name is because there is another Ben Schenkkan in Hollywood.  Ben grew up in Austin, Texas.  His birthday is September 12th, 1978.  He has blond hair and blue eyes, he is also five foot nine inches.  Ben was a jock.  He played wide receiver and defensive back for his high school football team.  He scored his fair share of touchdowns.  Football was the one sport that he loved more than anything.  Ben says football is like religion in Texas.  Ben was an amazing team player and loved playing with his friends. He also made room for studying and reading time.  He has always been the quiet type.  Not too socially aggressive but is very friendly.  When it comes to the schools drama club he admits that he didn't have enough courage.  Surprisingly, theater runs in the Schenkkan family. This should explain a lot.

Was he a normal kid?

He was certainly a normal child.  He had a great and a wonderful childhood to along with that.  He grew up playing and hanging out with his friends.  He always got good grades and was a great athlete.

Childhood

Ben was filled with many fond memories.  He had two very loving parents and his child hood was very sweet and wonderful.  At times he took advantage of being

Family Life

 Benjamin is the oldest of three children.  He was born and raised in Austin, Texas.  He grew up with two brothers along with his mom and dad.  This is totally opposite form his character on the OC.  Bens father Pete, is an attorney, and his mom Frances, is a poet writer.  His two younger brothers are Nate, 22 an actor, and Zach 19, a college student.  Ben says he had two incredible loving parents and Austin was a very quiet kind of town.  He grew up in a great family environment.