BEN MCKENZIE

This hot actor was born on September 12, 1978, in Austin, Texas. Growing up Benjamin played football for his high school team. After attending the University of Virginia, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He landed small guest star roles on a variety of television shows but did not make it big until a few years later. In 2003, Benjamin landed the role of bad boy Ryan Atwood on the hit show, “The O.C.” Playing the love interest of Mischa Barton’s “Marissa,” Benjamin captured the hearts of female audiences everywhere. After a 5-year run, “The O.C.” sadly ended and viewers were left without their weekly fix of hottie Benjamin Mckenzie. However, Benjamin hit television success again in 2009 playing a police officer in NBC’s “Southland.” It is great to see Benjamin back on the screen!

Fun Facts:

• Ben changed his name for screen-credit purposes because there's an actor named Ben Schenkman registered with the Screen Actors Guild.

• One of the first things Ben bought with his earnings from acting was a pair of $800 black leather boots.

• Went to the same high school as George W. Bush's twin daughters (they were freshmen when he was a senior).