Ben Lewis

Born on September 30, 1985, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Ben Lewis began his career in acting after graduating from the National Theatre School of Canada. His early work included a guest-starring role as Teddy Jones Jr. in an episode of “Murdoch Mysteries” in 2009. The year 2010 marked a significant turning point with roles in the film “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” as Other Scott, and as Bobby Beckonridge in the tenth season of “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” Lewis acknowledged these as his most substantial roles at that point. His portrayal of Bobby, an abusive boyfriend, on “Degrassi” required a nuanced approach, which he attributed to the trust developed with co-star Annie Clark.

Lewis’s career continued to evolve with appearances in television shows such as “Designated Survivor,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Chasing Life,” and “Suits.” A notable progression in his career occurred in 2018 when he joined the cast of the DC Comics superhero television series “Arrow.” Initially a recurring character, he was promoted to a series regular for the eighth and final season, playing the adult version of William Clayton. During his time on “Arrow,” Lewis actively requested that his character, William, have a coming-out scene, which was integrated into the series, contributing to broader LGBTQ+ representation on screen. In 2019, he completed filming for “The High Note,” further diversifying his filmography.

Beyond acting, Lewis has also ventured into writing and directing, demonstrating his versatility within the film and television industry. His directorial and writing credits include the short films “Apart from Everything” (2017) and “Zero Recognition” (2014). He also contributed as a writer to the web series “This Week Had Me Like.” In 2020, he starred alongside his real-life husband, Blake Lee, in “The Christmas Setup,” a romantic comedy television film that received recognition for its LGBTQ+ representation. Lewis continues to be an active voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion in media, openly discussing the importance of diverse casting and storylines.