Ben Shenkman was born on September 26, 1968 in New York and was educated at New York University. As soon as he graduated, he launched his acting career by guest starring in the hit television series
Law and Order . He later gained a small role in 1994's movie Quiz Show, which was directed by Robert Redford. Subsequently he had small roles in films such as Eraser, The Siege, Pi and Jesus' Son. His first leading role was on a romantic comedy entitled
30 Days , where he played Jordan Trainer. His other films include the psychological thriller Chasing Sleep and independent films Requiem for a Dream in 2000 and Americanese in 2007. Shenkman continued to appear on television with shows such as Ed. One of his most notable portrayals was in HBO's adaptation of Tony Kushner's hit play Angels in America, where he played Louis Ironson, a gay Jew who discovers that his partner is infected with AIDS. This performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
Russell Krauss is played by Ben Shenkman on the FOX series Canterbury's Law. Russell was kicked out of the Providence District Attorney's Office, when he went against his immoral boss, D.A. Zach Williams. He then turned to his long time friend Elizabeth Canterbury, who willingly gave him a job. Now he becomes her much-needed voice of reason, even if she isn't wholeheartedly willing to listen. However, his influence is accepted as a milestone of their years of friendship.
(Photo courtesy of FOX)