Ben Mendelsohn
Ben Mendelsohn
- Full name: Benjamin Geoffrey Mendelsohn
- Date of birth: April 3, 1969
- Place of birth: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Occupation: Actor
- Years active: 1986–present
- Spouse(s): Emma Forrest (m. 2012–2016)
Ben Mendelsohn is an Australian actor who has appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He is best known for his roles in the films Animal Kingdom (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Starred Up (2013), Mississippi Grind (2015), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Darkest Hour (2017), Ready Player One (2018), and Captain Marvel (2019).
Mendelsohn began his acting career in the 1980s, appearing in a number of Australian films and television shows. He gained international recognition for his role as Andrew "Pope" Cody in the 2010 film Animal Kingdom, for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Since then, Mendelsohn has appeared in a number of high-profile films, including The Dark Knight Rises, Starred Up, Mississippi Grind, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Darkest Hour, Ready Player One, and Captain Marvel. He has also received critical acclaim for his work in television, including his roles in the miniseries The Outsider (2020) and the anthology series Fargo (2014–2015).
Mendelsohn is known for his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of characters. He has been praised for his intense performances and his ability to create complex and memorable characters.
Personal life
Mendelsohn was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He is the son of Frederick Arthur Oscar Mendelsohn, a doctor, and Carole Ann Ferguson, a nurse. Mendelsohn has two sisters, Sarah and Emmanuelle.
Mendelsohn married British actress Emma Forrest in 2012. The couple divorced in 2016. Mendelsohn has a daughter, Carolina, from a previous relationship.
Mendelsohn is a supporter of the Australian Labor Party. He has also spoken out against climate change and the rise of nationalism.
Awards and nominations
- Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (nominated) - Animal Kingdom (2010)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film (nominated) - The Outsider (2020)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie (nominated) - The Outsider (2020)
- British Academy Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (nominated) - Starred Up (2013)
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (nominated) - The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
- AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (won) - Animal Kingdom (2010)
- AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (won) - Killing Them Softly (2012)
- AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Television Drama Series (won) - The Secret River (2016)
Additional information
- Mendelsohn is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia.
- He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
- Mendelsohn is a dual citizen of Australia and the United States.
- He speaks fluent French and German.
- Mendelsohn is a keen surfer and snowboarder.
