Benjamin Terrell Best (September 11, 1974 – September 10, 2021) was an American actor, writer, musician, and producer.

Best attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina with frequent collaborators Danny McBride, Jody Hill, and David Gordon Green.[1] It was with McBride and Hill that Best co-created the comedy series Eastbound & Down, which ran on HBO for four seasons from 2009 to 2013. Best appeared in eight episodes of the series as Clegg, a local bartender and Kenny's longtime friend.[2]

Best also co-wrote and co-starred with McBride and Hill in the cult indie movie The Foot Fist Way, directed by Hill. He also co-wrote the 2011 period fantasy comedy Your Highness, which starred McBride, James Franco and Natalie Portman, and was directed by Green.[3] It was also Best's last collaboration with McBride and Green.

Best’s acting credits also include Superbad, What Happens in Vegas, Observe and Report, and Land of the Lost.[4]

Best died on September 10, 2021, a day before his 47th birthday.[1]

Ben’s partner was Carrie Saunders (2011-death). Their daughter is Harper Courtney Best, born in 2014.

References

  1. ^ a b Heching, Dan (September 13, 2021). "Eastbound & Down Co-Creator Ben Best Dead at 46, One Day Before His Birthday". People. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  2. ^ Hipes, Patrick (September 12, 2021). "Ben Best Dies: 'Eastbound & Down' Co-Creator And 'The Foot Fist Way' Writer And Co-Star Was 46". Deadline. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  3. ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (September 12, 2021). "Ben Best, Co-Creator of 'Eastbound & Down,' Dies at 46". Variety. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  4. ^ Maas, Jennifer (September 13, 2021). "Ben Best, 'Eastbound & Down' Co-Creator and Actor, Dies at 46". thewrap.com. Retrieved September 14, 2021.

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