Ben Platt is a distinguished American singer and actor, widely recognized for his portrayal of Benji Applebaum in the 2012 musical comedy Pitch Perfect. His commitment to the theater began in his youth, marked by a stage debut at age nine as Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man. After making his Broadway debut in The Book of Mormon in 2014, he achieved massive critical and commercial success with the lead role in the 2015 musical Dear Evan Hansen. His performance in the production, which eventually transitioned to Broadway and ran for two years, earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. In addition to his stage triumphs, Platt has built a significant filmography with roles in Pitch Perfect 2, Ricki and the Flash, and Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. His recent work includes the television series Will & Grace and films such as Drunk Parents and Run This Town.
Childhood & Early Life
Benjamin Schiff Platt was born on September 24, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, into a Jewish family deeply rooted in the arts. He is the son of Julie and Marc Platt, the latter being a highly successful producer known for projects like Wicked and La La Land. Raised in an environment that fostered creativity, Ben began his training at the Adderley School for Performing Arts before attending Harvard-Westlake School. He later enrolled at Columbia University but famously took a hiatus just six weeks into his freshman year to join the cast of The Book of Mormon, eventually returning to complete his studies and perform with the musical group “Nonsequitur.“
Early Career of Ben Platt
Platt’s obsession with performance began at age six. By age nine, he made his debut at the Hollywood Bowl as Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man. His youth was marked by a steady stream of theatrical work, including the national tour of Caroline, or Change (2004) and a regional production of Les Misérables, where he played the demanding role of Jean Valjean at just 17. These early experiences laid the foundation for his rapid ascent in the professional theater world.
Career of Ben Platt
Platt’s professional breakthrough arrived with his critically acclaimed turn as Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon, a role he played in both the Chicago and Broadway productions between 2012 and 2015. Simultaneously, he transitioned to film, earning a “Male Scene Stealer” nomination at the Teen Choice Awards for his role as Benji Applebaum in the 2012 hit Pitch Perfect. He later reprised this role in the 2015 sequel and appeared alongside Meryl Streep in Ricki and the Flash.
However, his career reached new heights with the 2015 debut of Dear Evan Hansen. His performance as the title character was hailed by critics as a historic achievement in musical theater. After successful runs off-Broadway and on Broadway, Platt concluded his tenure in the show in 2017. During this era, he also appeared in films like Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and the sitcom Will & Grace. In 2018, he signed with Atlantic Records, performed at the Grammy Awards, and began work on the Netflix series The Politician.
Awards & Achievements of Ben Platt
For his transformative work in Dear Evan Hansen, Platt achieved a rare sweep of major industry honors. In 2017, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, along with Drama League, Lucille Lortel, and Obie Awards. His success continued into 2018, when he earned a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and a Daytime Emmy Award for a televised performance of “You Will Be Found” on The Today Show.
Family & Personal Life
A resident of California, Platt maintains a strong connection to his roots and his community. He is famously close friends with actress Beanie Feldstein, whom he met at a Bat Mitzvah and grew up performing alongside. An active presence on social media, Platt uses his platform to share glimpses of his personal life and professional endeavors with his vast following.
Net worth of Ben Platt
As of early 2026, Ben Platt’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million to $7 million.
While he comes from a very wealthy and prominent entertainment family (his father is mega-producer Marc Platt), Ben has built his own significant fortune through a highly successful career in theater, film, and music.
Primary Income Sources:
Broadway & Theater: As the lead in the massive hit Dear Evan Hansen, Platt earned a high-tier Broadway salary. Lead actors in blockbuster musicals typically earn a base salary plus a percentage of the weekly box office receipts, which, for a show of that magnitude, was substantial.
Film & Television: He has earned significant paychecks from the Pitch Perfect franchise and his starring role in the Netflix series The Politician. Reports suggest he earned roughly $150,000 to $250,000 per episode for his work with Netflix.
Music Career: Signed to Atlantic Records, Platt has released multiple studio albums (Sing to Me Instead, Reverie, and Honeymind) and has headlined successful national concert tours, including performances at iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall.
Film Production: More recently, he has moved into producing, including the 2023 film Theater Camp, which was sold to Searchlight Pictures for $8 million following its Sundance premiere.