Benjamin Cook
Ben Cook in 2016
Born
Benjamin Tyler Cook

(1997-12-11) December 11, 1997 (age 26)
Eden, North Carolina, U.S.
EducationProfessional Performing Arts School
Occupations
  • Actor
  • singer
  • dancer
Years active2007–present

Benjamin Tyler Cook (born December 11, 1997)[1][2] is an American stage actor. He has appeared on Broadway in Ragtime, Billy Elliot the Musical (for which he was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award), Tuck Everlasting, Mean Girls, and West Side Story. He has also performed in two Broadway national tours, Billy Elliot the Musical and Newsies the Musical, and appeared on television in episodes of 30 Rock, House of Cards, Veep, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and in the HBO film Paterno. He most recently appeared as a Jet in the 2021 film version of West Side Story and as Henry in the HBO Max horror series Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin (2022–present).

Early life

Cook was born in Eden, North Carolina, and grew up in New York City and Lorton, Virginia.[3] He is the youngest child of Jill and Glenn Cook. His mother is the executive director of the American School Counsellor Association.[4] His father is a photographer, blogger, and publishing consultant.[5]

At the age of seven, Cook began studying dance at the Metropolitan School of the Arts in northern Virginia.[6] He attended the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City for middle school and during high school.[7]

Career

Musical theatre

Cook performed in several productions as a child in Washington, D.C., including at Ford's Theatre and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.[6] He made his Broadway debut at the age of eleven in Ragtime at the Neil Simon Theatre, understudying and performing the role of Edgar (The Little Boy).[6][8] His next Broadway role was Tall Boy in Billy Elliot the Musical at the Imperial Theatre, and played the roles of Michael, then Billy in the North American National Tour of the production. His final tour performance as "Billy" was in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 19, 2013.[9]

From the age of 16, he toured for a year and a half in the role of Race and occasionally performed the role of Crutchie as the understudy in the first national tour of Newsies the Musical.[6][10] In January 2016, after over 500 performances, Cook left that tour and joined the original Broadway cast of Tuck Everlasting. Previews began in March 2016,[11] and the show closed the same May.[12]

Cook joined the ensemble of the musical adaptation of the film Mean Girls. Its pre-Broadway tryout began in October 2017 at the National Theatre, in Washington D.C.[13][14] The show premiered on Broadway in April 2018.[8] He was set to appear in the 2020 Broadway revival of West Side Story as Riff, the leader of the Jets,[15] but he left the production after being injured in a preview performance.[16]

Film and television

On television, Cook appeared as young Jack on 30 Rock, in the episode "Chain Reaction of Mental Anguish" (2010);[17] and as Walt in the episode of the HBO series Veep titled "The Choice" (2014).[18] He played Heather Dunbar's son in the episode "Chapter 27" of the Netflix series House of Cards (2013).[19] On Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, he played Adam Turner in the episode "Great Expectations" (2017).[20]

Cook reprised his role of Race in Newsies in the film adaptation of the musical, which received a limited release in February 2017[21][22] and later on Netflix before moving to Disney+.[23][24][25] In 2018, he appeared in the HBO film Paterno.[26]

He also appeared in the 2021 film adaptation of West Side Story as Mouthpiece, a member of the Jets.[27]

Credits

Theatre

Theatre
Date Title Role Theatre Note
November 16, 2007 –
December 30, 2007 		A Christmas Carol Tiny Tim[28] Ford's Theatre Washington D.C.
February 28, 2008 –
April 13, 2008 		Macbeth Young Macduff[29] Folger Shakespeare Library
December 2, 2008 –
December 28, 2008 		A Christmas Carol Urchin, Ignorance, Turkey Boy Ford's Theatre
February 3, 2009 –
March 8, 2009 		The Heavens Are Hung in Black Tad Lincoln[30] Lansburgh Theatre
April 18, 2009 –
May 17, 2009 		Ragtime Understudy: Edgar (The little boy)[31] John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
November 15, 2009 –
January 10, 2010 		Understudy: Edgar (The little boy)[32][33] Neil Simon Theatre Broadway
March 12, 2010 –
April 4, 2010 		The Golden Age The Page[34] John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington D.C.
July 7, 2010 –
October 14, 2011 		Billy Elliot the Musical Tall/Posh Boy,
Understudy: Michael[35] 		Imperial Theatre Broadway
November 3, 2011 –
January 22, 2012 		Michael[36] National Tour National Tour
June 30, 2012 –
May 19, 2013 		Billy[37]
October 11, 2014 –
January 31, 2016 		Newsies the Musical Race, Understudy: Crutchie[38]
Previews began:
March 31, 2016
Opened on:
April 26, 2016[39][40]
Closed on:
May 29, 2016[41][42] 		Tuck Everlasting Ensemble, Understudy: Jesse Tuck, Hugo[1] Broadhurst Theatre Broadway
October 31, 2017–
December 3, 2017 		Mean Girls Ensemble[1] National Theatre (Washington, D.C.) Pre-Broadway Out of Town Run
Previews began:
March 12, 2018
Opened on:
April 8, 2018
Cook's last performance:
April 8, 2019[43] 		August Wilson Theatre Broadway
Previews began:
December 10, 2019
Left production on:
January 5, 2020 		West Side Story Riff Broadway Theatre
June 23, 2023–
July 2, 2023 		Illinoise Will/Player Bard SummerScape Regional
January 31, 2024–
February 18, 2024 		Carl/Player Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2021 West Side Story Mouthpiece
2023 Happiness for Beginners Beckett

Television

Year Title Role Notes Network
2010 30 Rock Young Jack Donaghy[44] Episode: "Chain Reaction of Mental Anguish" NBC
2013 House of Cards Heather Dunbar's son[45] Episode: "Chapter 27" Netflix
2014 Veep Walt[46] Episode: "The Choice" HBO
2017 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Adam Turner[47] Episode: "Great Expectations" NBC
2018 Paterno Aaron Fisher Television film HBO
2022 The First Lady Steven Ford Recurring; 5 episodes Showtime[48]
2022 Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin Henry Nelson Recurring; 9 episodes HBO Max[49]
2023 FBI: Most Wanted Luke Spottiswood Episode: "Black Mirror" CBS

Awards

Year Award Category Role Result Ref.
2012
 Helen Hayes Awards Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production Billy Elliot the Musical Nominated
[50]
2022
 Critics' Choice Awards Best Acting Ensemble West Side Story Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b c Benjamin Cook. Performer, Playbill, 2016; retrieved July 31, 2019.
  2. ^ Benjamin Cook Theatre Credits, BroadwayWorld.com, 2016; retrieved February 12, 2015.
  3. ^ Growing Up "Normal" Archived January 10, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, glenncook.virb.com; retrieved October 18, 2015.
  4. ^ About ASCA. Contact Us Archived May 16, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, schoolcounselor.org; retrieved May 23, 2015.
  5. ^ About Me. A Biography in 178 Words Archived June 26, 2020, at the Wayback Machine, glenncook.virb.com; retrieved May 23, 2015.
  6. ^ a b c d Russo, Gianluca. BWW Interview: Benjamin Cook of Tuck Everlasting Talks Dance and Broadway, Broadway World, March 11, 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016
  7. ^ "Lorton's Ben Cook, 14, takes starring role in 'Billy Elliot' national touring production - Metro Arts". metropolitanarts.org. January 29, 2014. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
  8. ^ a b Benjamin Cook, Internet Broadway Database; retrieved April 15, 2015.
  9. ^ "Meet Billy Elliot: Ben Cook", TheSkyKid.com; retrieved January 30, 2016.
  10. ^ Disney NEWSIES official website Archived October 8, 2015, at the Wayback Machine; retrieved April 15, 2015.
  11. ^ Tuck Everlasting Begins Broadway Previews Today Robert Viagas. Playbill. March 31, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2016
  12. ^ Viagas, Robert. Broadway Musical Tuck Everlasting Closes Today, Playbill, May 29, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2016
  13. ^ Mean Girls musical officially finds its cast, Marc Snetiker. Entertainment Weekly. July 27, 2017. Retrieved September 3, 2017
  14. ^ Mean Girls Musical Finds Its Plastics in Taylor Louderman and Ashley Park; Additional Casting Announced, Ryan McPhee. Playbill. July 27, 2017. Retrieved September 3, 2017
  15. ^ "'West Side Story' Broadway Revival Cast Unveiled (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. July 10, 2019. Retrieved July 29, 2019.
  16. ^ Meyer, Dan. "Dharon E. Jones Set to Take Over as Riff in West Side Story on Broadway", Playbill, January 9, 2010
  17. ^ "Chain Reaction of Mental Anguish", imdb.com; retrieved April 15, 2015.
  18. ^ Ben on HBO's "Veep" Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, glenncook.virb.com; retrieved April 30, 2015.
  19. ^ "Ben Cook on 'House of Cards'”, kids-on-tour.net Kids on Tour; retrieved April 30, 2015.
  20. ^ THE KING AND I Press Coverage, Ben Cook on Law and Order: SVU, and more! Emily Lang. Kids On Tour. October 19, 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016
  21. ^ Disney Theatrical Productions Presents Disney's Newsies The Broadway Musical, Fathom Events. 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016
  22. ^ "Newsies" Movie Shooting Soon Glenn Cook: Words, Photos. August 10, 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016
  23. ^ "Horrible News: 'Beauty and the Beast' Is Leaving Netflix Next Month". Glamour. February 20, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  24. ^ Carly (July 1, 2020). "The Musical Theater Fan's Guide to Disney+". D23. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  25. ^ "The 14 best live-action musicals on Disney+". Mashable. May 13, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
  26. ^ Toby, Mekeisha Madden. "TV Review: Paterno With Al Pacino on HBO", Variety, April 6, 2018. Retrieved July 31, 2019
  27. ^ Fierberg, Ruthie (April 16, 2019). "Tony Nominee Mike Faist, Paloma Garcia-Lee, Maddie Ziegler, More Join Steven Spielberg's West Side Story Movie". Playbill. Retrieved April 16, 2019.
  28. ^ Ponick, Terry (January 9, 2012). "Ben Cook – talented young DC area performer is outstanding supporting player in Billy Elliot". Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  29. ^ "Macbeth Run Extended at Folger Theatre". Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  30. ^ FORD’S THEATRE REOPENS WITH A WORLD PREMIERE OF THE HEAVENS ARE HUNG IN BLACK Fords Theatre Heavens Release, January 30, 2009; retrieved February 9, 2016.
  31. ^ Diamond, Robert. "RAGTIME to Be Filmed January 8 for Lincoln Center Archives". Broadwayworld.com. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
  32. ^ "Photo Flash: RAGTIME Plays Final Show on Broadway January 10". Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  33. ^ "Benjamin Cook". Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  34. ^ "Walter Bobbie Directs GOLDEN AGE At The Kennedy Center 3/12-4/4". Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  35. ^ "Cast list for Billy Elliot at the Imperial Theatre". Archived from the original on December 24, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2012.
  36. ^ "Meet Billy Elliot: Ben Cook". BETM. October 20, 2014. Retrieved June 2, 2018.
  37. ^ "Ben Cook and Noah Parets Join BILLY ELLIOT's National Tour". May 19, 2013. Retrieved June 29, 2012.
  38. ^ "Seize the Day!: National Tour of Disney's Newsies Launches Today". October 11, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  39. ^ "Broadway Premiere of 'Tuck Everlasting' Sets Complete Cast", Broadway.com, January 15, 2016; retrieved February 9, 2016.
  40. ^ Tuck Everlasting Opens on Broadway Tonight Robert Viagas. Playbill. April 26, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2016
  41. ^ "Broadway Musical Tuck Everlasting Posts Closing Notice" Archived May 26, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Robert Viagas. Playbill, May 24, 2016
  42. ^ Broadway Musical Tuck Everlasting Closes Today Robert Viagas. Playbill. May 29, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2016
  43. ^ Cook, Ben. "@bentylercook instagram". @bentylercook instagram. Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2019.
  44. ^ Chain Reaction of Mental Anguish 30 Rock. Chain Reaction of Mental Anguish. IMDB. 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016
  45. ^ Chapter 27 House of Cards. The Choice. IMDB. 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016
  46. ^ The Choice Veep. The Choice. IMDB. 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016
  47. ^ Great Expectations Law & Order SVU. Great Expectations. IMDB. 2016. Retrieved November 27, 2016
  48. ^ Petski, Denise (March 10, 2021). "'The First Lady': Aya Cash, Jake Picking, Ben Cook Among 8 Cast In Showtime Anthology Series". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  49. ^ Del Rosario, Alexandra (September 1, 2021). "'Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin': Carson Rowland, Jordan Gonzalez Among 5 To Recur In HBO Max Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  50. ^ Lehman, Daniel. "Helen Hayes Award Nominees Announced". Retrieved May 29, 2012.

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