Benjamin Pajak

Benjamin Pajak
Born (2011-03-24) March 24, 2011
Westfield, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupations
Years active2022–present
Websitebenjaminpajak.com

Benjamin Pajak (born March 24, 2011) is an American actor and musical theatre performer. He is known for his Broadway debut in The Music Man, his leading role in Oliver! at New York City Center’s Encores!, and his breakout film roles in The Life of Chuck and Playdate.

Early life and career

Benjamin Pajak was born in 2011 in Westfield, New Jersey.[1] When he was six, he attended a Broadway performance of The Phantom of the Opera, an experience that made him interested in acting on stage.[2] He later took part in several regional theatre productions, including Peter Pan, Winnie-the-Pooh, The Aristocats, and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.[3] In early 2020, he was selected to play Winthrop Paroo in the Broadway revival of The Music Man, after his mother encouraged him to audition.[4]

Pajak was featured alongside Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster at the Broadway revival of The Music Man at the Winter Garden Theatre, with Pajak performing the cornet live, which was initially postponed for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[2][4] When it eventually opened, the production received mixed reviews, although Pajak's performance drew particular positive notice and earned him the Theatre World Award.[5] The following year, he played the title role in Oliver Twist! at New York City Center, where his portrayal was again noted by critics. In 2023, he also appeared in a production of Ragtime at the Music Circus in Sacramento.[6]

Pajak made his feature film debut at age 12 when he was cast in Mike Flanagan's tragicomedy The Life of Chuck ,[7] an adaptation of the short story of the same name by Stephen King .[8] There, he played a younger version of the title character, Charles "Chuck" Krantz, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston, alongside Mark Hamill  and Mia Sara.[9] He then played Lucas in Playdate,[10][11] and Tiny Fugitives.[12]

Filmography

Theatre credits

References

  1. ^ Auman, Greg (2022-03-26). "Broadway birthday bonus from Tom Brady: 'Best ever' for 11-year-old Bucs fan". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  2. ^ a b "The Music Man's Benjamin Pajak on Making His Broadway Debut & Being Hypnotized by Idina Menzel". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  3. ^ "Benjamin Pajak's Broadway Debut in 'Music Man' Is Thump'n Thpethyul". Newsweek. 2022-04-27. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  4. ^ a b "6 Theatre Workers You Should Know". AMERICAN THEATRE. 2022-04-18. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  5. ^ "Benjamin Pajak Biography | Broadway Buzz | Broadway.com". www.broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  6. ^ Rubins, Dan (2023-05-06). "'Oliver!' Review: Benjamin Pajak Leaves Audiences Wanting More". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  7. ^ Hunt, Hannah; Nemiroff, Perri (2025-06-05). ""I Wish He Were My Real Grandson": Mark Hamill Calls This Co-Star From Mike Flanagan's 'The Life of Chuck' a "Complete Natural"". Collider. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  8. ^ Rudoy, Matthew (2025-11-27). "Mike Flanagan's First Stephen King Adaptation In 6 Years Officially Begins Streaming Next Month". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  9. ^ Erbland, Kate (2025-06-13). "The Breakout Star of 'The Life of Chuck' Didn't Know He and Tom Hiddleston Were Playing the Same Role". IndieWire. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
  10. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (2024-04-04). "Sarah Chalke, Alan Tudyk, Stephen Root & Isla Fisher Among Cast To Join Action-Comedy 'Playdate' With Kevin James & Alan Ritchson; Filming Underway". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  11. ^ "An uncontrollable day: the action comedy starring Kevin James and Alan Ritchson on Prime Video". www.sortiraparis.com. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  12. ^ español, LINDSEY BAHR Leer en (2025-05-01). "Summer Movies: 11 breakout actors to watch". AP News. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
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