Mark Bennington is a multifaceted American artist, embracing various creative endeavors as an actor, photographer, drummer, and author. Born in Columbia, Missouri, to a psychologist father and an educator/activist mother, Mark's childhood was marked by a blend of academic pursuits and artistic inclinations.
Growing up in Davis, California, and South Sacramento, Mark's early aspirations lay in ballet dancing and architecture. However, his path took a dramatic turn when he graduated from The New Actors Workshop in New York City, under the guidance of renowned director Mike Nichols.
For the next decade, Mark immersed himself in the world of theater, working with esteemed directors like Tony Award-winning Diane Paulus and collaborating with notable actors such as Sir Ian McKellen and Paul Sills. His impressive repertoire includes a wide range of productions, from classical plays to experimental works.
As a theater director, Mark has showcased his talents by mounting original productions, including Elizabeth Logun's On My Knees and Noel Coward's Mild Oats. In 2019, he returned to the theater after a 16-year hiatus, directing Jeff Goldberg's The Mumbai Terror Attacks at The Royal Opera House in Mumbai and acting in Devika Rani: Goddess of the Silver Screen, directed by Lillette Dubey.
Mark's photographic work has been published in numerous prominent publications, including The Atlantic, The Huffington Post, and CNN. He has also authored the acclaimed book "Living the Dream: The Life of the 'Bollywood' Actor" (HarperCollins, 2017) and has exhibited his work in various locations around the world.
In addition to his work in photography and theater, Mark is also a skilled drummer, having played over 400 shows and recorded three albums with the LA roots/rock band '50cent Haircut' (Knitting Factory Records).
Mark's personal life is marked by his marriage to cultural anthropologist Dr. Taapsi Ramchandani, with whom he has two daughters. Based in Mumbai, Mark continues to explore the intersections of art, culture, and identity, leaving a lasting impact on the world through his diverse creative pursuits.
