Ben Schwartz was born on September 15, 1981, in New York, United States. He was raised in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, where he spent his childhood immersed in a vibrant, working-class community. His upbringing was strongly influenced by his family and local culture—his mother, a music teacher, instilled in him an early appreciation for classical music and the performing arts.

Schwartz attended Edgemont High School in Westchester County, New York. There, he formed close relationships with both peers and educators, many of whom recognized and nurtured his talent for entertainment. He has often expressed gratitude to his teachers for their early support, noting that he has stayed in contact with several of them since graduating.

For his higher education, Ben enrolled at Union College in Schenectady, New York. He pursued a double major in anthropology and psychology, receiving a well-rounded education that would later influence his work as a performer and writer.

Film and Television Career

Ben Schwartz began his acting career relatively later than many of his peers, making his film debut in 2007 at the age of 26. His first role was as Russ in Frank Whaley’s comedy-drama New York City Serenade. He subsequently appeared in various films, including the 2009 comedy Mystery Team and Adam McKay’s action-comedy The Other Guys, which starred Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.

Schwartz gained considerable recognition for his voice acting. One of his notable roles was voicing Skidmark in the animated feature Turbo (2013), directed by David Soren. The film was a box office success, grossing over $280 million worldwide. In a high-profile role, he also served as a voice consultant for the droid BB-8 in J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), contributing to one of the most iconic characters in the recent Star Wars saga.

On television, Schwartz is widely known for his voice work. He has lent his talents to popular animated series including Bob’s Burgers, Robot Chicken, and The Simpsons. In addition to voice acting, he is recognized for his portrayal of Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on NBC’s Parks and Recreation, which significantly boosted his public profile.