Ben Zook
Acting
Biography
Ben is best known for his work in the Chicago Improv and Theatre scene, as well as the Los Angeles Alternative Comedy scene. Born and raised in Kansas, he went on to attend Indiana University, where he studied Music and Theatre. After graduation, he moved to Chicago, where he studied improvisation at the famed Second City.
Born: February 5, 1964
Place of Birth: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Known For
A Big Gay Hairy Hit! Where the Bears Are: The Documentary
This hilarious and touching documentary tells the story of how three older, gay, "bears" working in Hollywood, tired of having their gay-themed ideas rejected by the mainstream, decided to self-produce their own web series. Against all odds, the comedy featuring three bear roommates like "The Golden Girls" solving crimes a la "Murder, She Wrote," became a sensation online and one of the most successful web shows of all time. The documentary examines ageism, body-shaming, sex-positivity, the creative process and how friendship and community can ultimately create something beloved all over the world.
Reno 911!
This partially unscripted comedy brings viewers into the squad car as incompetent officers swing into action, answering 911 calls about everything from speeding violations and prostitution to staking out a drug den. Within each episode, viewers catch a "fly on the wall" glimpse of the cops' often politically incorrect opinions, ranging from their personal feelings to professional critiques of their colleagues.
The Drew Carey Show
Drew is an assistant director of personnel in a Cleveland department store and he has been stuck there for ten years. Other than fighting with co-worker Mimi, his hobbies include drinking beer and not being able to get dates. To make a few extra bucks he has a micro-brewery going in his garage with his buddies.
Where the Bears Are
A comedy mystery web-series that follows the exploits of three gay bear roommates living together in Los Angeles, as they attempt to solve the murder of a party guest that turned up dead in their bathtub.
The Thin Pink Line
A film crew in search of a new documentary project determines to find a wrongfully imprisoned death-row inmate. Enter Chauncey Ledbetter, a quirky and potentially gay prisoner convicted of murdering his high school show choir teacher. As filming of the documentary progresses, evidence increases that Chauncey might be guilty after all.
Where the Bears Are 5
One of the grooms vanish without a trace from a male only clothing optional resort. Feature-length re-edit of the fifth season.
Can't Stop Dancing
A Topeka, Kansas fun park dance troupe led by a 260 pound dancer (Ben Zook) learns that the park is going to close. Their leader convinces the group, now named "The Stupendous Six", to join him in a painted up bus and to hit the road to find the big time. The Six compete against other dancers to win a chance to compete in the grand finale at the Little Miss Orange County Beauty Pageant. The other members of the Six are Melanie Hutsell as an airhead, Margaret Cho as a oral fixated sex maniac, Brett Paesel as the leader's homosexual lover, Bruce Daniels as the African-American member with a penchant for misuse of black slang, and Michael Irpino as another more stereotypical gay dancer. Lots of cameos from tv stars occur in the various dance numbers. But this comedy does take most of its cues from "The Full Monty" rather than from other major dance films.
Where the Bears Are 3
Nelson, Reggie, Wood and Hot Toddy race to find out who is knocking off the sexy young male models at Chunk Studios. Feature-length re-edit of the third season.
Where the Bears Are
Three gay bear roommates living together in Los Angeles, attempt to solve the murder of a party guest that turned up dead in their bathtub. Feature-length re-edit of the first season.
Where the Bears Are 4
Murder hits close to home when a party crasher keels over from a glass of poisoned champagne at Nelson and Todd’s wedding shower. Feature-length re-edit of the fourth season.
Filmography
as Nelson Dorkoff
as Nelson Dorkoff
as Nelson Dorkoff
as Nelson Dorkoff
as Nelson Dorkoff
as Nelson Dorkoff
as Nelson Dorkoff
as Nelson Dorkoff
as Jeffrey De La Costa
as Randy Rubio
as Faggles / Mr. Wintergarden
as Underpants Guy