Ben Schwartz

Benjamin Joseph Schwartz was born on September 15, 1981, in the Bronx, New York, to a Jewish family. He grew up in the Riverdale neighborhood before moving to Edgemont in Westchester County. Schwartz’s upbringing was steeped in the values of social responsibility; his father worked as a social worker, eventually joining the YM-YWHA after retirement, while his mother is a dedicated music teacher. Schwartz had a Bar Mitzvah and received private Hebrew tutoring, reflecting his connection to his Jewish roots.

Schwartz’s journey in the entertainment industry began after he graduated from Union College in 2003, where he double majored in psychology and anthropology. He first gained recognition as a member of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, a notable improv comedy group. His career took off when he secured a position as a page on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” where he honed his writing skills, contributing jokes for the host’s opening monologues. Schwartz made his on-screen debut in the 2007 comedy-drama “New York City Serenade” and soon became a staff writer for “Robot Chicken.”

Schwartz became famous as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein on the beloved sitcom “Parks and Recreation.” This character, known for his flamboyant personality and comedic flair, became a fan favorite, significantly boosting Schwartz’s career. Following this success, he took on various roles in television and film, including voicing characters in popular animated series like “Bob’s Burgers” and “BoJack Horseman.” His distinct Bronx-accented voice made him a go-to vocal talent for animated features.

In addition to his work in animation, Schwartz voiced the title character in the live-action adaptation of “Sonic the Hedgehog” (2020) and its sequel, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He starred alongside Billy Crystal in the indie film “Standing Up, Falling Down,” where he plays a struggling stand-up comedian who returns home to live with his parents. This collaboration marked the beginning of a friendship between Schwartz and Crystal, highlighting Schwartz’s ability to connect with fellow Jewish entertainers.

Sources: “Ben Schwartz Biography,” IMDB.
“Ben Schwartz,” Rotten Tomatoes. 
“Ben Schwartz,” Famous Birthdays. 
“Ben Schwartz,” Screen Dollars. 
“‘Sonic: The Hedgehog’ actor Ben Schwartz is still a neurotic Jew from Riverdale,” Times of Israel, (February 29, 2020). 

Photo: Greg2600, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons