Ben Barnes

August 20, 2025

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Ben Barnes, born on August 20, 1981, in England, started as a member of the National Youth Music Theatre. Barnes directed “The Golden Age,” a production in which he also appeared during his days at Kingston University. He became the university’s first drama achiever of the First Class Honors. Years later, he also became a singer, releasing his debut E.P., “Songs for You.” He starred in “Easy Virtue,” acting alongside Jessica Biel and he beat Andrew Garfield for a role in “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.” Today, we celebrate this brilliant actor’s special day here with you.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Benjamin Thomas Barnes

Nickname:

Ben, Bin Bons, B-Squared

Birth date:

August 20, 1981

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Leo

Height:

6' 0.8"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$4 million

Background

Benjamin Thomas Barnes was born on August 20, 1981, in London. His mother, Patricia Becker, is a therapist; his father, Thomas Barnes, is a psychiatrist. Jack is his only sibling.

Barnes attended Homefield Preparatory School in Sutton and King’s College School in Wimbledon before attending Kingston University. He graduated with a degree in English and drama. He directed several productions including “The Golden Age.” He made his television debut in the series “Doctors” (2000). In his feature film debut, he played a role in “Stardust,” a romantic fantasy adventure film (2007). His breakthrough role came after he was cast in “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” for which he earned a nomination from the Teen Choice Awards, National Movie Awards, and the M.T.V. Movie Awards. In 2007, he starred in “Easy Virtue” and sang some of the songs included in the film. He and the cast of H.B.O.’s television series “Westworld” received a nomination for ‘Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series’ at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2021, he starred in the T.V. series “Shadow and Bone” as General Kirigan.

Although Barnes prefers keeping his love life private, he surely has a thing for actresses. He has dated Amanda Seyfried, Felicity Jones, Meganne Young, Tamsin Egerton, and Julianne Hough.

Career timeline

2006

His T.V. Appearances

He makes his T.V. debut with a guest appearance in the British T.V. series "Doctors" and he plays the character Chris Wilbur in the T.V. movie "Split Decision."

2008

His Breakthrough Role

He beats Andrew Garfield for the role of Prince Caspian in “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.”

2013

He Works with Movie Icons

He appears in “The Big Wedding” alongside Robin Williams, Robert De Niro, and Diane Keaton.

2017

His Role in "The Punisher"

He is featured as Billy Russo in Marvel’s Netflix series “The Punisher” in its first season.

2021

His E.P. and Netflix Series

He showcases his melodic voice and releases an E.P. titled “Songs for You” and he stars in the Netflix fantasy series “Shadow and Bone.”

Why We Love Ben Barnes

His sense of humor and modesty
He has always said he’s a terrible dancer. But in regard to the 2011 comedy/musical film “Killing Bono,” he said: “his terrible dancing finally found a purpose: to make people laugh.”
He’s compassionate and generous
He supports various causes such as those pursued by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, UNICEF, Greenpeace, Stand Up To Cancer, and Bullies Keep Out. He has invested his time, talent, and treasure to uplift other people’s lives.
He’s multitalented
We all know he’s a great actor. But he can also sing and play the piano and drums.

5 Surprising Facts

He didn’t know about his nickname
It was only in 2021 that Barnes discovered his fans had given him a nickname, "Bin Bons," which originates from how Barnes pronounces his full name.
An obedient son
He took his parents’ advice to heart to get a college degree before pursuing his dream as an actor.
His tip for actors
He once said that the key to playing teenage characters is to shave twice a day.
His rib injury
He broke two of his ribs while performing in "Birdsong," a two-part British T.V. drama.
A boy band member
He was a member of the British boy band, Hyrise.