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Owen Benjamin, born May 24, 1980, in Oswego, New York, has had a tumultuous career that has seen him evolve from a mainstream comedian and actor to a highly controversial internet personality known for promoting divisive ideologies. This article delves into the significant events and aspects of Owen Benjamin’s life and career.
Early Life and Education
Owen Benjamin Smith was born to John Kares Smith and Jean Troy-Smith. He grew up in Oswego, where he attended the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. His early life was relatively conventional, marked by a strong interest in the arts and performance.
From College to Comedy
After college, Owen Benjamin moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. His tall stature, standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.98 m), and his quick wit helped him gain initial roles in both stand-up comedy and acting. He performed at various comedy clubs and quickly made a name for himself with his observational humor and musical comedy.
Television and Film Roles
Between 2008 and 2015, Owen Benjamin appeared in several television shows and films. He had roles in "The House Bunny" (2008), "All’s Faire in Love" (2009), and "Sullivan & Son" (2012-2014). His performances were well-received, and he was seen as a rising star in Hollywood.
Stand-Up Comedy Specials
Benjamin also released a number of stand-up comedy specials during this period. His unique blend of music and comedy, often featuring him playing the piano, set him apart from his contemporaries. His specials, such as "High Five Til It Hurts" (2013), showcased his talent and helped him build a loyal fanbase.
Initial Signs of Controversy
In the mid-2010s, Owen Benjamin’s content began to take a controversial turn. He started making headlines for his outspoken views on various social and political issues. His once light-hearted comedy began to include inflammatory remarks and conspiracy theories.
Internet Personality and Conspiracy Theorist
By 2017, Benjamin had fully transitioned from mainstream entertainment to becoming an internet personality known for promoting white supremacy, antisemitism, homophobia, and neo-Nazism. His YouTube channel, which once featured comedy sketches and musical performances, became a platform for his controversial views.
Personal Life
In 2015, Owen Benjamin married Amy Reinke Smith, and the couple has since had children together. Despite his controversial public persona, Benjamin often shares moments from his family life on social media, portraying a different side of himself.
Heightened Controversy and Deplatforming
As Benjamin’s views became more extreme, he faced significant backlash from both the public and the platforms he used. In 2018, he was banned from Twitter for violating the platform’s policies on hate speech. This deplatforming continued across various social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram.
Financial Impact and Current Endeavors
The financial impact of his deplatforming has been significant. According to Forbes, Benjamin’s earnings from mainstream entertainment dwindled as he became more controversial. His reliance on crowd-funding platforms like Patreon was also hampered when he was banned from these services for violating their terms of use.
Current Projects
Despite these setbacks, Owen Benjamin continues to produce content for his followers. He has moved to alternative platforms that are less strict about content moderation. His current projects include livestreams, podcasts, and community-building efforts among his fanbase.
Conclusion
Owen Benjamin’s journey from a mainstream comedian to a controversial internet personality is a stark example of how public figures can evolve and sometimes devolve in the age of social media. His story is a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of embracing and promoting divisive ideologies.
