Ben Schwartz

Actor / Producer / Writer

Birthdate – September 15, 1981 (43 Years Old)

Birthplace – Bronx, New York, USA

A versatile comic who has become a go-to vocal talent for animated features, Ben Schwartz (birthname: Benjamin Schwartz) is the lead voice of Paramount’s animation franchise, Sonic The Hedgehog I (2020) and Sonic the Hedgehog II (2022). His other major vocal performances in animated features in 2022 include DC League of Super-Pets and Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie. Schwartz co-stars with Nicolas Cage (as Dracula) and Nicholas Hoult (Renfield) in the April 2023 Universal release, Renfield, directed by Lego Movie franchise director-editor Chris McKay. 

Ben Schwartz’s first break was joining the acclaimed improv comedy group, Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. His career rose notably in a running guest part on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, which he parlayed into a regular spot on J.J. Abrams’ 2010 NBC show, Undercovers. Although much of his work has centered on TV (such as his long-running vocal work in the acclaimed animated series Bob’s Burgers (2013-2020) and BoJack Horseman (2015-2019)) as well as live stand-up and web series, Schwartz has built a steady presence—mainly with his distinctive, Bronx-accented voice—in feature films. 

Schwartz’s most important on-screen role to date was co-starring with Billy Crystal in the drama-comedy, Standing Up, Falling Down (2019). This was shortly followed by the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie in 2020, establishing Schwartz as a lead voice in a major studio animation feature. That same year, he joined comic actor Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) for Netflix’s two-person long-form improv show, Middleditch, and Schwartz.

 

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Personal Details

Ben Schwartz spent his early childhood in the northern section of The Bronx known as Riverdale, raised by a mother who taught in public school and a father who switched from social work to real estate. Schwartz has a sister named Marni. His family moved to Westchester County, where he attended high school and graduated in 1999. He attended Union College in New York City with a double major in anthropology and psychology. Schwartz is the father of one child. His height is 6’. 

Filmography

The Space Between Us

Director (2017)

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic (2020)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic (2022)

DC League of Super-Pets

Mark (aka Fire Guinea Pig) (2022)

Renfield

Tedward Lobo (2023)

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part

Banarnar (2019)

Outside In

Ted (2018)

Night School

Marvin (2016)

How to Be a Latin Lover

Jimmy (2017)

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic (2024)

Some Facts About Ben Schwartz

Author: Ben Schwartz is the author of five books, including Grandma’s Dead: Breaking Bad News with Baby Animals

Song Man: Despite his success on TV and receiving multiple Emmy nominations as a comedy actor, notably as a cast member of Parks and Recreation, Schwartz’s only Emmy is for co-writing (with Hugh Jackman) lyrics for a song performed by Jackman on the 2009 Academy Awards show broadcast.

Awards

Winner, Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics Emmy in a Limited Series or Special (2009); Three-time nominee, Emmy Awards.