Biography

Ben Schatzel is a character actor, writer, and director. Born into a military family, he grew up spending time in Hawaii, Alaska, and New York before finding a home in Leavenworth, KS. Ben earned a degree in Applied Behavioral Science from the University of Kansas, leading to careers in behavioral therapy, autism employment, and social innovation.

His notable film roles include a mean-spirited hunter in the raunchy horror-comedy Curse of the Weredeer (2023), a goofy quipster in the slapstick spoof Pity I Don't Have Perfect Pitch, Too! (2017), a petty racist thief in the crime drama Ride (2021), and a reluctantly charismatic boyfriend in the supernatural horror Things That Creep Around (2019), a role for which he was nominated for Best Actor at The Bird Watching Film Festival in Kansas City, MO.

Ben is a skilled outdoorsman; an Eagle Scout with over 100 nights of camping. A lifelong athlete who has competed in baseball, football, tennis, field events, basketball, swimming, and a short collegiate career for The University of Kansas Quidditch Club. He has also performed as a stand-up comic and improviser, opening for such acts as Kevin Farley, Barry Crimmins, and Big Jay Oakerson.

Outside of acting, Ben is an autism acceptance advocate and the founder of Stannum Core Solutions - a social innovation consultancy aimed at creating competitive, integrated employment opportunities for neurodivergent job seekers. His work has gained recognition from The Illinois Manufacturer's Association and Illinois Science & Technology Coalition.
- IMDb mini biography by: Ben Schatzel