Net Worth Ranker
What Is Brian Benben’s Net Worth?
Brian Benben, an American actor renowned for his diverse roles in television and film, boasts a net worth of $13 million. This figure represents the combined financial standing he shares with his wife, actress Madeleine Stowe, since their marriage in 1982. Benben’s acting career spans several decades, contributing to this substantial net worth through various roles and projects.
Brian Benben’s Early Career and Key Roles
Born on June 18, 1956, in Winchester, Virginia, to Gloria and Peter Benben Sr., Brian’s initial exposure to the performing arts wasn’t immediately apparent. His father worked as a produce buyer. After moving to New York, he completed high school in Marlboro and then spent two years at Ulster County Community College in Stone Ridge, New York, before pursuing his acting aspirations in New York City. To support himself during his early career, Benben undertook various jobs while auditioning.
His career commenced in 1981 with a prominent role in “The Gangster Chronicles,” a crime drama depicting the lives of notorious gangsters Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano, and Meyer Lansky. Benben portrayed Michael Lasker, a fictionalized version of Meyer Lansky. During filming, Lansky himself visited the set to provide feedback. This role not only provided him early exposure but also laid the groundwork for future opportunities. “The Gangster Chronicles” was later adapted into a miniseries consisting of 13 hour-long episodes.
In 1983, Benben transitioned to Broadway, appearing in John Byrne’s play “Slab Boys.” This production featured a stellar cast, including Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn, Val Kilmer, and Jackie Earle Haley. The play, which ran for 48 performances, depicted the lives of young, working-class Scots between 1957 and 1972. Although “Slab Boys” was not a long-running production, it provided Benben with valuable stage experience alongside established actors.
1986 saw Benben cast in “Kay O’Brien” as Mark Doyle. Despite high expectations from CBS, the series was cancelled after only eight episodes. This early setback did not deter him.
In 1988, he appeared in the film “Clean and Sober,” portraying Martin Laux alongside Michael Keaton, who played a real estate agent struggling with drug addiction. The film, while not a box office smash, showcased Benben’s ability to play supporting roles in significant productions.
The late 1980s also included a role in the 1989 film “Mortal Sins” where he played Nathan Weinschank, contributing to his growing filmography.
“Dream On” and Subsequent Career Highlights of Brian Benben
A significant milestone in Brian Benben’s career arrived in 1990 with the lead role of Martin Tupper in the HBO comedy series “Dream On.” The show, which aired for six seasons until 1996, followed the life of a divorced New York City book editor. For his performance, Benben received the CableACE Award for Actor in a Comedy Series in 1993, a testament to his comedic talent and the show’s popularity. It is very difficult to ascertain the exact financial compensation that Brian Benben was earning while working in “Dream On”. But the show popularity at the time and the award he received suggest that he earned a considerable compensation.
During his time on “Dream On,” Benben also took on other projects. In 1990, he appeared in the film “I Come in Peace” as Special Agent Arwood ‘Larry’ Smith, which was released as “Dark Angel” outside the United States. In 1994, he featured in “Radioland Murders” as Roger Henderson, showcasing his versatility in different genres.
In 1998, he briefly had his own show, “The Brian Benben Show,” where he starred and co-executive produced. The show was cancelled after a short run, but it was a demonstration of his ability to create and produce content.
In 2001, he appeared in the television film “The Flamingo Rising” as Hubert T. Lee, and in 2003, he played the lead role of Heywood Klein in the series “Kingpin.” These roles helped him stay active in television during the early 2000s.
In 2005, Benben appeared in an episode of “Masters of Horror,” adding a horror credit to his diverse filmography.
Brian Benben’s “Private Practice” and Later Roles
Another significant role for Benben came in 2008 when he was cast as Sheldon Wallace in the series “Private Practice,” a spin-off of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Initially a recurring character in seasons two and three, he was promoted to a main role for seasons four, five, and six, remaining on the show until 2013. During his time in “Private Practice,” it is difficult to determine the exact contract value that Benben agreed to. His evolution from being a recurring character to a main cast member suggests his salary could have increased from a few thousand per episode to tens of thousands. This would have been a significant contribution to Brian Benben’s net worth.
While on “Private Practice,” Benben continued to work on other projects. In 2014, he appeared in an episode of “Scandal,” and in 2015, he had a guest-starring role in an episode of “Grace and Frankie.” In 2016, Brian landed a recurring role on the series “Roadies” as the character of Preston.
In 2017, Benben secured a main role as Max in the series “Imposters,” remaining on the show until 2018. These later roles demonstrate his continued demand as an actor in television series, further contributing to his income and overall net worth.
Brian Benben’s Personal Life and Marriage to Madeleine Stowe
In 1982, Brian Benben married actress Madeleine Stowe. They met while filming “The Gangster Chronicles.” Together, they have one child, a daughter named May, born in 1996. The couple resides west of Austin, Texas, near Johnson City. They previously lived in Santa Monica, California. Specific details about their properties, such as exact addresses or purchase prices, are not publicly available.
Madeleine Stowe’s own successful acting career also contributes to their combined net worth. Stowe, known for her roles in films like “Revenge” and “The Last of the Mohicans,” has had a prolific career spanning several decades. While Brian Benben’s net worth is $13 million, this figure is a reflection of their combined assets and earnings since their marriage in 1982. Their shared financial life reflects their long-term partnership and collaborative success.
