Brief Introduction of Ben Ahlers
Ben Ahlers is a rapidly ascending American actor and producer, widely recognized for his versatile performances across television, film, and stage. He gained significant public attention for his role as John “Jack” Trotter in the critically acclaimed HBO historical drama series, The Gilded Age. Beyond this breakthrough role, Ahlers has showcased his talent in series such as NBC’s The Village and Quibi’s When the Streetlights Go On, with upcoming appearances in HBO’s The Last of Us and a new Netflix comedy. His journey into the performing arts began at a young age in community theatre, fostering a foundation in musical theatre that continues to influence his diverse career as a multifaceted artist.
Ben Ahlers Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ben Ahlers |
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1996 |
| Age (as of August 2025) | 29 years old (previously reported as 28) |
| Birthplace | Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Residence | New York City, New York, USA |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Musical Artist |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) (often perceived as shorter) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Mother | Susan Ahlers (also Susan Ahlers Leman) |
| Father | Unknown |
| Maternal Grandparents | Don and Beth Bottorff |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Relationships | Dating Broadway star Michaela Diamond |
| Children | None |
| Estimated Net Worth (as of 2025) | Between $500,000 and $2 million USD |
Early Life and Education of Ben Ahlers
Ben Ahlers was born on August 17, 1996, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States. Growing up in a small town, Ahlers was exposed to the world of performing arts early on, largely influenced by his mother, Susan Ahlers (also known as Susan Ahlers Leman), who was actively involved in community theatre and possessed an “incredible voice.” His parents, although lawyers by profession, fostered his artistic inclinations, with his mother often taking him to theatre practices instead of hiring a babysitter. This early immersion sparked his passion for the stage, leading him to his very first role as an orphan and pickpocket in a local production of Oliver! at the tender age of six. He even shared the stage with his mother, playing Chip in Beauty and the Beast while she portrayed Belle.
During his formative years, Ben Ahlers balanced his burgeoning interest in performing with a commitment to sports. In high school, he was a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, tennis, and track, and even considered pursuing Division II or III football in college. Despite his athletic pursuits, his musical talents were also recognized, as he was selected for the Iowa All-State Choir every year and achieved All-State recognition in Speech for Acting and Musical Theatre Performance during his junior year. He graduated as valedictorian from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 2015, showcasing his dedication to academics alongside his extracurricular activities.
Ahlers further honed his craft by attending the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Musical Theatre. His college education provided him with foundational training, which he credits for teaching him “how to perform with depth and authenticity.” At Michigan, he was also the recipient of the prestigious Tisch Scholarship and the Donald R. Shepard Scholarship. While in college, he also attended an acting camp offered by Broadway Dreams, where he received crucial encouragement from casting director Rachel Hoffman of The Telsey Office, who later played a role in casting The Gilded Age. This pivotal encouragement solidified his decision to pursue acting as a full-time career, eventually leading him to move to New York City.
Ben Ahlers’ Career
Ben Ahlers officially embarked on his professional acting journey in 2017. His debut came in the short film Anna Garcia Does a One Woman Play. This was quickly followed by his first appearance on network television in 2019, securing a recurring role as Liam Kelly on the NBC drama series The Village. In 2020, he took on a significant role as Brad Kirchoff in the Quibi miniseries When the Streetlights Go On and also made a brief appearance as Lucas Hunt, a love interest of the main character, in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Ahlers’ career experienced a significant breakthrough when he was cast in Julian Fellowes’ American historical drama series, The Gilded Age, for HBO. Portraying John “Jack” Trotter, a humble footman with an inventive mind, Ahlers initially held a recurring role in The first season (2022) before being promoted to a series regular for the second season. To authentically embody his character’s passion for clock-making, Ahlers diligently took watch-making classes with the Horological Society of New York, a commitment that deeply impressed the show’s creators. His character’s innovative spirit, particularly the development of an oil-free escapement for clocks, became a central plot point, symbolizing the American Dream and the era’s rapid technological advancement.
His portrayal of Jack Trotter has garnered him widespread recognition and a dedicated fanbase, even earning him the playful nickname “Clock Twink” on social media, a moniker he has embraced with humor. Ahlers acknowledges that his time on The Gilded Age, which concluded its third season in August 2025 and has been picked up for a fourth, has been a profoundly transformative “MFA he never had,” offering invaluable experience working alongside seasoned actors.
Looking ahead, Ben Ahlers’ career continues to expand. In 2025, he joined the cast of the highly anticipated second season of HBO’s post-apocalyptic drama series The Last of Us, taking on the role of Burton. Furthermore, May 2025 saw him starring as the titular character in the stage play John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only!, written by Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner, which premiered at Baltimore’s Center Stage. In July 2025, it was announced that Ahlers was cast in the upcoming Netflix comedy film Little Brother, starring alongside John Cena and Eric André, further solidifying his presence across various entertainment platforms.
Ben Ahlers Personal Life & Family
Ben Ahlers maintains a relatively private personal life, though he has openly shared insights into his upbringing and influences. He remains unmarried and does not have any children. As of mid-2025, Ben Ahlers is in a relationship with Broadway star Michaela Diamond, who has publicly expressed support for his career and even playfully approved of his “Clock Twink” nickname.
His family plays a significant role in his life, particularly his mother, Susan Ahlers (Leman), who instilled in him a love for theatre from a young age. He has often spoken affectionately about her influence, recalling how she would take him to community theatre practices, leading to his first stage roles. While details about his father are not publicly known, he has mentioned his maternal grandparents, Don and Beth Bottorff, noting his grandfather Don’s passing in 2020.
Outside of his demanding acting schedule, Ahlers prioritizes personal well-being and hobbies. He is known to enjoy practicing yoga and meditation, activities that offer both physical and mental benefits. He describes himself as a fan of acclaimed directors such as Sean Baker, Chloé Zhao, Sam Mendes, and Yorgos Lanthimos, and cites David Foster Wallace as his favorite author. Ahlers also enjoys spending time outdoors and has expressed a desire to reconnect with his musical roots, having been a musician before fully committing to acting. He previously worked as a personal trainer before his acting career became financially sustainable, demonstrating his dedication and discipline.
Awards and Achievements of Ben Ahlers
Ben Ahlers’ burgeoning career has already seen him earn notable recognition and achievements, both academically and professionally. In high school, he was celebrated for his diverse talents, graduating as valedictorian from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 2015. His musical abilities were acknowledged through his consistent selection for the Iowa All-State Choir each year of high school. Additionally, during his junior year, he achieved All-State status in Speech for both Acting and Musical Theatre Performance.
During his time at the University of Michigan, where he pursued his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Ahlers was recognized with prestigious academic scholarships, including the Tisch Scholarship and the Donald R. Shepard Scholarship. These honors underscored his talent and commitment within the highly competitive field of musical theatre. Professionally, Ben Ahlers and his castmates from HBO’s The Gilded Age received a significant nomination for “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast in a Drama Series” at the 2024 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. This nomination marked a notable milestone in his career, highlighting the collective success and critical acclaim of the series and his integral role within its ensemble.
Ben Ahlers Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Ben Ahlers’ net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $2 million USD. His primary source of income is his successful acting career, encompassing roles in television series, films, and stage productions. Beyond acting, Ahlers has also been credited as a producer, further contributing to his earnings.
His financial standing has grown significantly with his rising prominence, particularly since his breakthrough role in HBO’s The Gilded Age, a project that has brought him widespread visibility and new opportunities. His involvement in high-profile projects like The Last of Us and upcoming Netflix productions is expected to further enhance his financial portfolio in the coming years.
Legacy and Influence
Ben Ahlers is steadily carving out a significant legacy in the entertainment industry, particularly through his impactful role as Jack Trotter in The Gilded Age. His portrayal of a determined footman who innovates his way to success has resonated deeply with audiences, embodying a compelling narrative of the American Dream within the historical context of late 19th-century New York. This character’s journey has not only contributed to the show’s widespread popularity but has also garnered Ahlers a distinctive public image, notably earning him the affectionate fan-given nickname “Clock Twink,” which he has openly embraced.
Ahlers’ influence extends beyond his on-screen performances; his work on The Gilded Age has also made an impact in the fashion world, where he serves as a muse for designers like Berluti and Amiri, demonstrating his emerging status as a style icon. His dedication to his craft, exemplified by taking watch-making classes for his role, sets a standard for immersive acting. As a former musical theatre student, he represents the new wave of classically trained actors making their mark across diverse media, from prestige television to theatrical stages. His humble beginnings in Iowa community theatre and his journey to New York City serve as an inspiration for aspiring performers, highlighting the importance of passion, dedication, and embracing unexpected opportunities.
Interesting Facts about Ben Ahlers
- Ben Ahlers was initially a musician and can play the guitar, with his parents also being musicians.
- He was part of a band called “A-Rock-Alypse” for a single performance before deciding to pursue music solo.
- He performed alongside his mother in community theatre productions, including playing Chip in Beauty and the Beast while she played Belle.
- Despite being a multi-sport athlete in high school, he briefly gave up on theatre during that time, though he continued to sing.
- A pivotal moment in his career came when a casting director, Rachel Hoffman of The Telsey Office, encouraged him to pursue acting professionally. Coincidentally, The Telsey Office later cast The Gilded Age.
- He views his extensive experience on The Gilded Age as equivalent to a “Master of Fine Arts (MFA) he never had,” due to the intensive learning and collaboration involved.
- Ahlers is known to engage with fans online, including happily reposting memes related to The Gilded Age.
- He has installed an app called “Brick” on his phone to help him reduce screen time and focus.
- He used to work as a personal trainer before his acting career became sustainable.
- Ahlers openly discussed the common misconception about his height, confirming in a July 2025 interview that he is 6 feet 2 inches tall, despite sometimes being perceived as shorter on screen.
- He keeps a journal, often handwriting his thoughts, and finds it to be a powerful practice.
Controversies
As of the current available information, there are no widely reported controversies or significant public challenges associated with Ben Ahlers’ personal or professional life. His public image remains largely positive, focused on his acting career and artistic endeavors.
Social Media Presence
Ben Ahlers actively maintains a presence on various social media platforms, connecting with his growing fanbase and sharing insights into his projects and personal interests. He can be found on Instagram under the handle @benahlers, where he shares updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal photos. He also uses X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @ItsBenAhlers. While specific real-time follower counts fluctuate and are not consistently reported in verifiable sources, his engagement on these platforms, particularly his playful interactions related to The Gilded Age, indicates a significant and active online community. He is also present on TikTok, where content related to his roles, particularly “The Gilded Age,” garners considerable attention.
Final Words about Ben Ahlers
Ben Ahlers stands as a compelling figure in contemporary entertainment, a testament to dedication and versatility. His journey from Fort Dodge, Iowa, community theatre to prominent roles on HBO and Netflix underscores a commitment to his craft. As of mid-2025, Ahlers is at an exciting juncture in his career, having recently concluded a successful third season of The Gilded Age, where his character, Jack Trotter, experienced a significant trajectory. His upcoming appearances in high-profile productions like The Last of Us and the Netflix comedy Little Brother, along with his continued engagement in stage work such as John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only!, signal a bright and busy future. Ahlers continues to embrace new challenges, maintaining a positive attitude and a strong connection to his roots and personal values, ensuring his lasting impact on the evolving landscape of film, television, and theatre. His biography is one of continuous growth and an unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence.