Ben Zook
Biography
Ben Zook is an American actor, writer, director, and producer, known for his diverse career spanning the Chicago improv and theater scene, the Los Angeles alternative comedy circuit, and successful ventures in film and web series. He has made a name for himself with his comedic talents and contributions to various projects.
Early Life and Improv Foundations:
Born on February 5, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, Ben Zook was raised in Kansas. He pursued his education at Indiana University, where he studied Music and Theatre. After graduation, he moved to Chicago, a renowned hub for improvisational comedy. There, he honed his skills at the legendary Second City, an institution known for training many of comedy's biggest names.
Zook was also a founding member of Chicago's Annoyance Theatre, where he co-wrote and performed in several popular shows, including "The Real Live Brady Bunch," "That Darn Anti-Christ," and "Manson: The Musical." He also co-wrote and directed "Tippi Portrait of a Virgin: An Afterschool Special Gone Bad." During his time in Chicago, he performed alongside notable talents such as Jon Favreau, Andy Richter, Steve Carell, and Jane Lynch.
Transition to Los Angeles and Film/TV Writing:
After performing "The Real Live Brady Bunch" in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Zook relocated to Los Angeles. He continued to write, direct, and perform in stage hits like "Not Without My Nipples!" (with Janeane Garofalo and Molly Shannon) and "Baby Jesus and his Holiday Pixies" (with Ana Gasteyer). He became a fixture in the Los Angeles alternative comedy scene, performing with comedians such as Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and Sarah Silverman. He also became the head writer/director of the sketch comedy group Margot's Bush.
Zook's writing talents extended to film and television. He was the original story writer for the Sony Pictures movie "Jack and Jill" (2011), starring Adam Sandler and Al Pacino. His other feature projects include "Tom, Dick and Harry," "Weddingville" for New Line, "Housemom" for MGM, "My Gay Ghost" for Patriot Pictures, and "I Hate Valentine's Day" for Revolution Studios. For television, he co-wrote two sketch comedy pilots for MTV and ABC, and also wrote and performed in Bob Odenkirk's sketch pilot for FOX entitled "Next!"
"Where the Bears Are" and Beyond:
One of Zook's most notable ventures is the hit web series "Where the Bears Are!" He is one of the creators, producers, and stars of this comedy-mystery series, which has garnered over 70 million views online and was named "Best Gay Web Series" in 2012 and 2018. A documentary about the series' success, "A Big Gay Hairy Hit! Where the Bears Are: The Documentary," is set to be released in June 2025.
Beyond "Where the Bears Are," Zook continues to create original comedy content for his YouTube channel and tours the world with his one-man stage show, "The Dirty Show" with Skyler Gentry. He is also a successful actor, writer, producer, and director with over 30 years of experience in Hollywood, having developed projects with numerous other well-known industry figures.
