Ben Schwartz

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Benjamin Schwartz (disambiguation).
Ben Schwartz
Ben Schwartz (40817487103).jpg
Schwartz in 2019
Born
Benjamin Schwartz

(1981-09-15) September 15, 1981 (age 39)
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Occupation
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • writer
  • director
  • producer
Years active2006–present
Comedy career
MediumFilm, television, internet
GenresImprovisational comedy
Websitewww.rejectedjokes.com

Benjamin Schwartz (born September 15, 1981)[1] is an American actor, comedian, writer, director and producer, who portrayed Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on the NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation, Clyde Oberholt on the Showtime series House of Lies, voices Randy Cunningham in Randy Cunningham 9th Grade Ninja, Dewey Duck in DuckTales, Leonardo in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and appears many times in the CollegeHumor web series Jake and Amir.

Schwartz appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog as the titular character. His film career also includes roles in Peep World,[2] Everybody's Fine, The Other Guys, The Walk, This Is Where I Leave You, Standing Up, Falling Down, and Flora & Ulysses.

Early life[]

Schwartz was born in 1981 in The Bronx, New York City. His parents, both Bronx natives,[3] raised Schwartz in Riverdale, a neighborhood in the Northwestern part of the Bronx. His father was a social worker before going into real estate[4] and his mother was a music teacher.[5] In an interview with Kevin Pollak, he stated, "When I told people I was from the Bronx, it was like 'Oh, do you have bullet wounds?' And I'm like 'No, it's just me and, like, Jewish people.'"[4]

When he was eleven years old, his family moved to Edgemont, New York, in adjacent Westchester County.[4] Schwartz attended Edgemont Junior–Senior High School where he played basketball and sang in the chorus; he graduated in 1999.[6] He then attended Union College from which he graduated in 2003 with a double major in psychology and anthropology.[7]

Career[]

On television, Schwartz guest-starred as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on NBC's Parks and Recreation[8] and was a lead in the Showtime show House of Lies.[9] In 2010, Schwartz played series regular Bill Hoyt on J. J. Abrams' one-hour spy drama Undercovers for NBC.

Schwartz has been writing, directing and acting in his own short films for some time.[when?] He had his own segment on HBO’s Funny or Die Presents called Terrible Decisions with Ben Schwartz and has appeared in multiple CollegeHumor[10] sketches including the popular web series Jake and Amir.

Schwartz has been nominated for three Emmys and won the 2009 Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for coauthoring Hugh Jackman's opening number for the 81st Academy Awards.[11]

Schwartz voiced as a 14 year old freshman student named Randy Cunningham as a ninja to protect his hometown Norrisville from forces of evil Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja.

In September 2013, he was hired by Paramount Pictures to re-make the 1991 comedy Soapdish,[12] retitled El Fuego Caliente and reworking the original's American soap opera into a Latin telenovela,[13] with producers Rob Reiner and Alan Greisman and he sold an original pitch to Universal Studios based on an idea by Brian Grazer with Imagine Entertainment attached to produce. He was a staff writer for the third season of Adult Swim’s Robot Chicken and served as a freelance writer for the Weekend Update segment of Saturday Night Live as well as the monologues for the Late Show with David Letterman.[8]

Schwartz is an alumnus of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (UCBT)[8] and continues to perform there regularly. He is a member of the improv group "Hot Sauce" with Adam Pally and Gil Ozeri, the group performs their long-form improv show "Something Fresh" at UCBT every month.

He and Bill Hader served as vocal consultants for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.[14] Schwartz also played a cameo role as a Stormtrooper in the film.[15]

Since 2014 Schwartz has appeared in episodes of the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast as the only guest in "Solo Bolo" (2014), "Solo Bolo Dos Lo" (2015), "Solo Bolo Trolo" (2016), "Solo Bolo Cuatrolo" (2016) "Solo Bolo Cincolo" (2017) and "Solo Bolo Sonicolo" (2020). In nearly each episode he and host Scott Aukerman compete in the Olympic Song Challenge. Ben has also appeared on episodes of comedy podcasts If I Were You, ID1OT, You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes, and Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend.

In 2017, Schwartz began voicing Dewey in the Disney XD revival of DuckTales.[16] Schwartz has been featured as himself in Netflix's Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh’s 2017 animated Christmas special - Home for the Holidays - alongside Kelly Clarkson.[17] He provided the voice of Leonardo in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.[18] In August 2018, Schwartz was announced to voice the titular character in the 2020 film Sonic the Hedgehog.[19]

On September 26, 2019, it was announced that Schwartz was cast as F. Tony Scarapiducci in the Netflix comedy series Space Force.[20]

Ben Schwartz played a major role in the movie Standing Up, Falling Down, initially released on April 25, 2019, with Billy Crystal.

In April 2020, Schwartz and fellow comedian Thomas Middleditch starred in Netflix's first long-form improv special, Middleditch and Schwartz, a three-part series of hour-long performances filmed at New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.[21] However, in March 2021, Schwartz removed all advertisements of the special after it was revealed by the LA Times that Middleditch had allegedly sexually harassed women at Cloak & Dagger, a Los Angeles based goth club.[22]

Books[]

Schwartz has co-written four books, three with writer Amanda McCall: Grandma’s Dead: Breaking Bad News with Baby Animals; Maybe Your Leg Will Grow Back!: Looking on the Bright Side with Baby Animals and Why is Daddy in a Dress?: Asking Awkward Questions with Baby Animals and one with writer Laura Moses, Things You Should Already Know About Dating, You F-king Idiot.[23]

Filmography[]

Key
Denotes productions that have not yet been released Denotes productions that have not yet been released

Film[]

Year Title Role Notes
2007 New York City Serenade Russ
2009 Mystery Team Dougie's Buddy
I Hate Valentine's Day Tammy's Date
Everybody's Fine Writer
2010 The Other Guys Beaman's Assistant
Peep World Nathan Meyerwitz
2013 Turbo Skidmark (voice)
Coffee Town Gino
Better Living Through Chemistry Noah
Runner Runner Craig
2014 This Is Where I Leave You Rabbi Charles "Boner" Grodner
Happy Christmas Party Guest
The Interview Eminem's Publicist
2015 The Walk Albert
Star Wars: The Force Awakens BB-8 Voice consultant[14]
2016 The Intervention Jack
2017 How to Be a Latin Lover Jimmy / Valet
Outside In Ted
2018 Happy Anniversary Sam
Blue Iguana Paul Driggs
An Actor Prepares Jimmy
Night School Marvin
2019 The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part Banarnar (voice)
Standing Up, Falling Down Scott
2020 Sonic the Hedgehog Sonic the Hedgehog (voice) Also facial motion-capture
2021 Music Rudy
Flora & Ulysses George Buckman
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie Leo (voice) Completed
2022 Rumble dagger TBA (voice) In production
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 dagger Sonic the Hedgehog (voice) Post-production; also facial motion-capture

Television[]

Year Title Role Notes
2006 Late Night with Conan O'Brien Various 1 episode
2007 Starveillance Glenn (voice) 3 episodes
2007–08 Bronx World Travelers Ben 5 episodes
Also producer and director
2008–09 Mayne Street Evan Mintz 10 episodes
2009 Intercourse With A Vampire Waiter 1 episode
Accidentally On Purpose Max Episode: "Working Girl"
Happiness Isn't Everything Jacky Hamburger Television film
2009–11 Terrible Decisions with Ben Schwartz Ben Also producer
2010 The Sarah Silverman Program Writer Episode: "A Slip Slope"
2010–12 Undercovers Bill Hoyt 13 episodes
2010–15, 2020 Parks and Recreation Jean-Ralphio Saperstein 22 episodes
2011 Funny or Die Presents Ben Segment: "Terrible Decisions"; also producer
Mad Various voices Episode: "Ribbitless / The Clawfice"
2012 Tron: Uprising Rilo (voice) Episode: "The Renegade: Part 1"
2012–16 House of Lies Clyde Oberholt 58 episodes
2012–15 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja Randy Cunningham/ninja (voice) 50 episodes
2013 The Doc Files Stuffy (voice) Spin-off series to Doc McStuffins
Arrested Development John Beard Jr. Episode: "Colony Collapse"
CollegeHumor Originals Himself 1 episode; also director
2013–20 Bob's Burgers Josh / Rick (voice) 4 episodes
Robot Chicken Various voices 3 episodes
2013–16 Comedy Bang! Bang! Rodney Wayber 4 episodes
2015–19 BoJack Horseman Rutabaga Rabitowitz (voice) 8 episodes
2015 The Simpsons Clerk (voice) Episode: "Cue Detective"
Drunk History Meyer Lansky Episode: "Las Vegas"
The Late Late Show Himself Episode that aired January 30
2016 The Earliest Show Josh Bath 6 episodes; also director
Nominated – Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series
2016–17 Animals. Various voices 2 episodes
2017 Hot Date Rich Boyfriend Episode: "Gold Diggers"
2017–21 DuckTales Dewey (voice) Main cast[16]
2018 Medal of Honor Vito Bertoldo 1 episode
2018, 2019 Modern Family Nick 3 episodes
2018–20 Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leo (voice) Main cast[24]
2019 Ryan Hansen Solves Crimes on Television Himself Episode: "Execution Dependant"
Pinky Malinky Coach Freebird (voice) Episode: "Advanced"
Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ Quistian Gayle 2 episodes
2020 Middleditch and Schwartz Himself Main cast, also creator
American Dad! Various voices 2 episodes
Crossing Swords Keefer (voice) 2 episodes
The George Lucas Talk Show Himself 2 episodes
2020–present Space Force F. Tony Scarapiducci Main cast
2021 Earth to Ned Himself Episode: "Party Like It's Nineteen Ninety Ned"
Staged Tom[25] 3 episodes
M.O.D.O.K. Lou Tarleton (voice) Main role, series regular
The Afterparty Yasper Upcoming series

Web series[]

Year Title Role Notes
2009–15 Jake and Amir Dating Coach (Amir Blumenfeld), Couples Therapist, Private Eye (Jope), Office Painter, H.R. Guy (Skolbilassus Jim), Mountain Hiker (Stanley), Interrogator (Carrot Slat), Milk Man (Charles Crooshtoost), Usher (Sulu Candles), Real Estate Agent (Cherry Dude), Himself 22 episodes
2012, 2017 Kevin Pollak's Chat Show Himself/Guest Episode: "143", "291"
2016 The Earliest Show Josh Bath Writer & Director[26]
2018 Good Mythical Morning Himself Episode: "Crazy Free Stuff On Craigslist (GAME) ft. Ben Schwartz"[27]
2019 Guest Grumps Episode: "Playing Magic Kingdom w/ Ben Schwartz!"[28]
2020 Episode: "Playing Games with Epic Gamer BEN SCHWARTZ - Guest Grumps - Aladdin"[29]
Episode: "Playing Quiplash with Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz!"[30]
Good Mythical Morning Episode: "Who Is the Fastest? (SPEED CHALLENGE)"[31]

Video games[]

Year Title Voice role
2013 Turbo: Super Stunt Squad Skidmark

References[]

  1. ^ "UPI Almanac for Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018". United Press International. September 15, 2018. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 15, 2019. comedian/actor Ben Schwartz in 1981 (age 37)
  2. ^ Fernandez, Jay (25 February 2011). "TRAILER: Rainn Wilson and Sarah Silverman in 'Peep World'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 29 December 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  3. ^ Ben Schwartz Raps Along to Sugarhill Gang's "Rappers Delight" in Sonic the Hedgehog's Voice (Video). February 7, 2020.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c Pollak, Kevin. "Kevin Pollak Chat Show: Ben Schwartz #143". Kevin Pollak Chat Show. YouTube. 10:30. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
  5. ^ Marsh, Steve (January 12, 2012). "Ben Schwartz '03". Vulture. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  6. ^ Litt, Hannah (March 2015). "White Oak to Hollywood: An Interview With Ben Schwartz '99" (PDF). Edgemont School Foundation Newsletter. 3.
  7. ^ "Notable Alumni in Entertainment" (PDF). Union College. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Ben Schwartz". Upright Citizens Brigade. Archived from the original on 26 February 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  9. ^ Bacle, Ariana (June 12, 2016). "Ben Schwartz says goodbye to House of Lies in sweet letter". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
  10. ^ ""Ben Schwartz" Stuff on CollegeHumor". CollegeHumor. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  11. ^ "Primetime Emmy® Award Database". Primetime Emmy Award Database. Emmy.org. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  12. ^ Kit, Borys (23 February 2011). "Ben Schwartz to Pen 'Soapdish' Remake for Paramount". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  13. ^ Finke, Nikki (12 December 2011). "The Black List 2011: Screenplay Roster". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 17 September 2013.
  14. ^ Jump up to: a b DiClaudio, Dennis (December 16, 2015). "Turns out Bill Hader and Ben Schwartz did the voice of BB-8 in The Force Awakens". The A.V. Club. Retrieved December 16, 2015.
  15. ^ @rejectedjokes (4 May 2018). "On this beautiful #MayThe4thBeWithYou I feel like I can finally reveal that I played a Storm Trooper in @starwars The Force Awakens. It was an incredible honor and years later, I'm still smiling from the experience but please do not tell BB8" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b Petski, Denise (December 16, 2016). "'DuckTales': David Tennant, Danny Pudi, Ben Schwartz Among Voice Cast For Disney XD Reboot". Deadline. Retrieved July 14, 2017.
  17. ^ Boone, John (November 17, 2017). "Kelly Clarkson Gets Animated in 'DreamWorks Home For the Holidays' Christmas Special (Exclusive)". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  18. ^ Snierson, Dan (November 2, 2017). "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cast features Ben Schwartz and Kat Graham". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
  19. ^ Couch, Aaron (August 8, 2018). "Ben Schwartz to Lead Paramount's 'Sonic the Hedgehog' Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  20. ^ Porter, Rick (September 26, 2019). "John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz Join Steve Carell in Netflix's 'Space Force'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  21. ^ Chuba, Kirsten (21 April 2020). "Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz on Convincing Netflix to Buy its First Improv Special". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  22. ^ "L.A. Goth nightclub known for rituals and secrecy has closed amid sexual misconduct claims". Los Angeles Times. 21 March 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-21.
  23. ^ Bacle, Ariana. "Ben Schwartz, Laura Moses announce new book". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  24. ^ @rejectedjokes (August 9, 2020). "And when they ask "How bad ass was the Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series?" The reply will be "Ridicously bad ass." It was an absolute honor to play Leo in this series amongst a legendary cast & crew. Gonna miss this show. Thank you to the fans. See ya at the movies" (Tweet). Retrieved August 12, 2020 – via Twitter.
  25. ^ "David Tennant and Michael Sheen on the Real David Frost | Staged 2 (2020) - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 2020-12-26.
  26. ^ "The Earliest Show". Funny Or Die. 2016-10-28. Retrieved 2021-04-20.
  27. ^ "Crazy Free Stuff On Craigslist (GAME) ft. Ben Schwartz". Good Mythical Morning. 2018-09-03. Retrieved 2020-01-15.
  28. ^ "Playing Magic Kingdom w/ Ben Schwartz!". Game Grumps. 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
  29. ^ "Playing Games with Epic Gamer BEN SCHWARTZ - Guest Grumps - Aladdin". Game Grumps. 2020-01-25. Retrieved 2020-01-25.
  30. ^ Playing Quiplash with Thomas Middleditch and Ben Schwartz!, retrieved 2020-06-15
  31. ^ "Who Is the Fastest? (SPEED CHALLENGE)". Good Mythical Morning. 2020-02-20. Retrieved 2020-02-20.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""