Ben Ahlers is one of those actors whose presence feels both grounded and full of possibility. At just 29 years old, Ben Ahlers has already moved from small-town stages in Iowa to the lights of New York and major streaming series. His story blends hard work, artistic sensitivity, and a willingness to grow in front of an audience.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Ben Ahlers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 17, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Fort Dodge, Iowa, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Education | University of Michigan (Musical Theatre) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Known For | The Gilded Age, The Village, The Last of Us |
| Net Worth | $1 – $2 million (estimated) |
| Mother | Susan Ahlers Leman |
| Relationship | Dating Micaela Diamond |
| Hobbies | Yoga, meditation, watchmaking, fitness |
Early Life in Iowa
Ben Ahlers was born on August 17, 1996, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Growing up in a family that valued both education and creativity, he found his way to the stage early. His mother, Susan Ahlers Leman, was active in community theatre, and young Ben often joined her rehearsals or watched from the wings. That exposure planted the seed for his future.
By the time he was six years old, Ben Ahlers was already acting in local productions. One of his first roles was in Oliver!, a show that gave him his first taste of performance. From then on, theatre became a part of his daily rhythm.
Academic and Artistic Beginnings
Ben Ahlers wasn’t only a performer. At Fort Dodge Senior High, he was an all-rounder: excelling in choir, speech competitions, athletics, and academics. He graduated as valedictorian, a testament to his discipline and curiosity.
His academic success led him to the University of Michigan, where he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre. That training sharpened his stage presence, vocal skills, and understanding of character work. Though he eventually left before completing the degree, the experience gave Ben Ahlers a professional foundation.
Stepping Into Acting
Like many young actors, Ben Ahlers’ early steps were a mix of auditions, guest roles, and small projects. He first appeared in NBC’s drama The Village in 2019, playing Liam Kelly, a high school student navigating life in New York. The role gave him network exposure and opened doors to new projects.
He later had parts in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and When the Streetlights Go On. These appearances showcased Ben Ahlers’ versatility and gave him room to try different tones — from darker, edgier settings to heartfelt teen drama.
Breakthrough With The Gilded Age
Ben Ahlers’ career took a major leap when he joined the cast of The Gilded Age on HBO in 2022. He played Jack Trotter, a footman in the Russell household. What set Jack apart wasn’t just his charm, but his inventive mind — his storyline centered on creating an alarm clock device and pursuing a patent.
The role required more than memorizing lines. To prepare, Ben Ahlers studied watchmaking with the Horological Society of New York. That attention to detail helped him embody Jack’s mechanical skills authentically. Fans and critics noticed, and the role quickly became one of his most recognized.
Expanding Into New Projects
Following his success on The Gilded Age, Ben Ahlers continued to stretch himself. In 2025, he appeared in HBO’s The Last of Us, playing Burton, a soldier within the Seattle militia storyline. The role allowed him to show a different side — grittier, darker, and physically demanding.
That same year, Ben Ahlers also took to the stage in John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only! in Baltimore, proving he hadn’t lost his love for live theatre. Switching between screen and stage demonstrates his versatility and commitment to the craft.
Personal Life and Relationships
Away from the spotlight, Ben Ahlers keeps his personal life relatively private. He has spoken about his family of five siblings, and his late mother remains a central influence in his story. His father, a lawyer turned judge, represents the academic and disciplined side of his upbringing.
Ben Ahlers is currently in a relationship with Micaela Diamond, a Broadway actress known for her work in Parade and other productions. Their shared love for performance makes them a natural artistic pair.
Lifestyle and Interests
Ben Ahlers’ lifestyle balances the demands of acting with practices that keep him centered. He is dedicated to yoga and meditation, habits he uses to manage stress and maintain focus.
Before his acting career stabilized, Ben Ahlers worked as a personal trainer, which not only supported him financially but also deepened his understanding of health and discipline. Even now, fitness and mindfulness remain important to him.
His artistic inspirations include filmmakers like Sean Baker, Chloé Zhao, Sam Mendes, and Yorgos Lanthimos. He also cites author David Foster Wallace as a favorite, showing his interest in layered, introspective storytelling.
Physical Appearance
At around 6 ft 2 in, Ben Ahlers has a tall, athletic build that naturally stands out on screen. His sharp features and expressive eyes often give him a thoughtful presence in both photographs and performances.
His sense of fashion leans toward understated but well-chosen pieces. In interviews and magazine shoots, Ben Ahlers often wears classic tailored looks or casual outfits with an artistic edge. Accessories, particularly watches, are one of his passions — a connection that began while preparing for The Gilded Age.
Net Worth and Achievements
Estimating the earnings of young actors can be tricky, but most sources place Ben Ahlers’ net worth between $1 million and $2 million. Much of this comes from his television roles, stage work, and endorsements.
He has been part of ensembles nominated for prestigious awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Awards for The Gilded Age. While he hasn’t yet won major individual honors, the recognition signals that his peers and industry leaders see him as a talent worth watching.
Public Image and Social Media
On social media, Ben Ahlers is approachable rather than overly polished. His Instagram showcases glimpses of his professional life, behind-the-scenes moments, and occasional personal reflections. He engages with fans but maintains healthy boundaries, never oversharing.
Within fandom circles, Ben Ahlers became affectionately known as the “Clock Twink”, a playful nickname born from his character Jack Trotter’s storyline in The Gilded Age. While humorous, the nickname also reflects how strongly audiences connected with his role.
Fun Facts About Ben Ahlers
- Ben Ahlers studied watchmaking for a role and grew to love the craft.
- He once worked as a personal trainer before acting became full-time.
- His favorite book by David Foster Wallace is Infinite Jest, though he admits it’s not an easy read.
- Ben Ahlers grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa, a small town that continues to influence his grounded approach to fame.
Looking Ahead
Ben Ahlers’ career is still unfolding, but the trajectory is clear. He has proven himself capable of carrying roles in both period dramas and contemporary series. His interest in theatre ensures that he will likely continue appearing on stage, while his growing screen presence points toward bigger projects in film and television.
At 29, Ben Ahlers has the advantage of experience without being typecast, which makes him flexible for many types of roles. Whether in historical dramas, modern thrillers, or independent films, he seems determined to choose work that challenges him and deepens his craft.
Conclusion
Ben Ahlers is not just another young actor climbing the ladder of fame. He’s an artist who brings intelligence, discipline, and authenticity to every role. From his small-town Iowa roots to HBO dramas, his story is about persistence and passion.
With his talent, humility, and curiosity, it’s easy to see why audiences and critics alike are drawn to Ben Ahlers. For fans following his journey, the best part is that his career is only just beginning — and there’s much more of Ben Ahlers still to come.
FAQs About Ben Ahlers
1. How old is Ben Ahlers?
Ben Ahlers was born on August 17, 1996, which makes him 29 years old as of 2025.
2. What is Ben Ahlers best known for?
He is best known for playing Jack Trotter in HBO’s period drama The Gilded Age. He has also appeared in The Village, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and The Last of Us.
3. What is Ben Ahlers’ height?
Ben Ahlers stands at about 6 feet 2 inches tall, giving him a strong screen presence and stage appeal.
4. Who is Ben Ahlers dating?
Ben Ahlers is in a relationship with Broadway actress Micaela Diamond, and they share a love for performance and theatre.
5. What is Ben Ahlers’ net worth?
Estimates suggest his net worth is between $1 million and $2 million, mainly from his acting work in television, theatre, and streaming series.
