Benjamin McKenzie Schenkkan (born September 12, 1978) is an American actor and commentator. He is best known for his starring television roles as Ryan Atwood on the teen drama The O.C. (2003–2007), Ben Sherman on the crime drama Southland (2009–2013), and James Gordon on the crime drama Gotham (2014–2019).
After graduating in Economics and International Relations at the University of Virginia, he moved to New York in order to devote his attention to acting. There he received first in off-Broadway productions different roles, before moving to Los Angeles and was hired there for a starring role in the television series The OC, with the fourth season came to an end on 22 February 2007. For his portrayal of Ryan Atwood in the series he won several awards between 2003 and 2007.
He made his film debut in the Academy Award-nominated film Junebug (2005), before appearing in films including 88 Minutes (2007), Goodbye World (2013), Some Kind of Beautiful (2014), and Line of Duty (2019).
He has been married to actress Morena Baccarin since 2017; they have 2 children. His uncle is actor and Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan; his second cousin is actress Sarah Drew.
Everyone Is Lying to You for Money
Self
2025
Bloat
Jack Reynolds
2025
I Want You Back
Leighton's Dad
2022
The Accidental Wolf
Cast · (4 episodes)
2020
Line of Duty
Dean Keller
2019
The Report
Scrubbed CIA Officer
2019
Night of Too Many Stars: America Unites for Autism Programs
Self
2017
Some Kind of Beautiful
Brian
2015
The Late Late Show with James Corden
Self · (1 episode)
2015
The Late Late Show with James Corden
Self - Guest · (1 episode)
2015
Gotham
James 'Jim' Gordon · (100 episodes)
2014
Decoding Annie Parker
Tom
2014
Late Night with Seth Meyers
Self · (1 episode)
2014
Goodbye World
Nick
2013
The Advocates
Henry Bird
2013
Adventures in the Sin Bin
Michael
2012
Men At Work
Bryan · (1 episode)
2012
Batman: Year One
Batman / Bruce Wayne (voice)
2011
Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated
Odnarb (voice) · (1 episode)
2010
Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
Self - Guest · (1 episode)
2009
Southland
Ben Sherman · (43 episodes)
2009
Johnny Got His Gun
Joe Bonham
2008
88 Minutes
Mike Stempt
2007
The Reichen Show
Self · (1 episode)
2005
Desperate Souls
2005
Junebug
Johnny
2005
The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
Self · (1 episode)
2005
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Self · (2 episodes)
2003
The O.C.
Ryan Atwood · (92 episodes)
2003
Punk'd
Self · (2 episodes)
2003
Real Time with Bill Maher
Self · (1 episode)
2003
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Self · (1 episode)
2003
Abby
(1 episode)
2003
Good Day Live
Self · (1 episode)
2001
The District
Tim Ruskin · (1 episode)
2000
The View
Self · (2 episodes)
1997
MADtv
Ryan Atwood · (1 episode)
1995
JAG
Petty Officer Spencer · (1 episode)
1995
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Self - Guest · (2 episodes)
1993
LIVE with Kelly and Mark
(1 episode)
1988
Entertainment Tonight
Self · (1 episode)
1981