Ben Shenkman

Ben Shenkman (born September 26 1968 in New York) is an American television, film and theatre actor.

Related Topics:
September 26 - 1968 - New York - Television - Film - Theatre - Actor

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Following his graduation from New York University he began his acting career guest starring in the hit series Law and Order in 1993 and gaining a small role in the 1994 film Quiz Show directed by Robert Redford. He continued throughout the '90s performing small roles in films such as Eraser (1996), The Siege (1998), π (1998), Jesus' Son (1999) and the independent film Requiem for a Dream (2000) until his first leading role in the romantic comedy 30 days (1999) as Jordan Trainer. The movie gained little success but it was Shenkman's first leading role.

Related Topics:
New York University - Law and Order - 1993 - Quiz Show - Robert Redford - Eraser - 1996 - The Siege - 1998 - π - Jesus' Son - 1999 - Requiem for a Dream - 2000 - 30 days - Jordan Trainer

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Shenkman continued his television appearances playing recurring roles in the hit television series Ed and Law and Order. His biggest television break was his role in HBO's adaption of Tony Kushner's hit play Angels in America. Shenkman plays Louis Ironson, a gay Jew who upon discovering his partner is ill with AIDS decides that he can't cope with the suffering of his friend and thus leaves him. The movie wasn't the first time Shenkman took part in this award winning production. While still at New York University (NYU) Shenkman played the role of Roy Cohn (played by Al Pacino in the mini series), a homophobic republican who is actually gay himself, but won't admit it because he feels it's a sign of weakness even after he is diagnosed with AIDS himself. The HBO role gained Shenkman a Golden Globe nomination.

Related Topics:
Ed - Law and Order - HBO - Tony Kushner - Angels in America - AIDS - New York University - Roy Cohn - Homophobic - Republican - Golden Globe

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Shenkman also gained success in the theatre starring in Manhatten Theatre Club's critically acclaimed production of Proof alongside Mary-Louise Parker who also co-starred in Angels in America.

Related Topics:
Manhatten Theatre Club - Mary-Louise Parker - Angels in America

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