Benjamin J. Stein, commonly known as Ben Stein, was born on November 25, 1944, in Washington, D.C. As the son of renowned economist and writer Herbert Stein, Ben grew up in the affluent community of Silver Spring, Maryland. He attended Montgomery Blair High School, where he was fortunate enough to share the same academic space with notable figures such as journalist Carl Bernstein, and actors Goldie Hawn and Sylvester Stallone.
Ben's academic prowess earned him a spot at Columbia University, where he graduated in 1966 with honors in economics. He further solidified his intellectual reputation by becoming valedictorian of the 1970 Yale Law School class.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ben has worn many hats. He has worked as a poverty lawyer, trial lawyer, and university adjunct at esteemed institutions such as American University, University of California at Santa Cruz, and Pepperdine University. His impressive list of credentials also includes serving as a speechwriter for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, as well as a columnist for prominent publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Herald Examiner, King Features Syndicate, Los Angeles Magazine, New York Magazine, E! Online, and The American Spectator. He frequently contributes to The Washington Post.
Ben is a prolific author, having written and published 16 books, comprising seven novels and nine non-fiction books. His most recent publication is a heartwarming account of his experiences as a father to his 12-year-old son, Tommy. As a screenwriter, Ben co-created the popular TV series Fernwood Tonight in 1977. He has also made numerous guest appearances in films and television shows, and has lent his voice to various TV commercials. Ben is the host of two Comedy Central TV series, Win Ben Stein's Money (1997-2002) and Turn Ben Stein On (1999).
In his personal life, Ben is married to Alexandra Denman, a prominent entertainment-industry attorney. Together, they share a son named Tom Stein.
