Everything You Wanted to Know About Actor and Singer-Songwriter Ben Barnes
English actor Ben Barnes is a star with a truly impressive resume, with roles in everything from Stardust and The Chronicles of Narnia to Westworld, The Punisher and Shadow and Bone. With the release of his debut album, Where the Light Gets In, we've also gained a new appreciation for him as a singer and songwriter.
The album dropped last week on Jan. 10, featuring 12 soulful tracks with a larger-than-life, cinematic sound reflective of his strengths as an actor. Fans got a first glimpse at the project with the release of striking singles "Beloved" and "Nevermind," with the full release taking listeners through every step of a relationship, from the blissful hope of a new start through hurt, heartbreak, love and healing. We simply can't stop listening, and if you're in the same boat, keep scrolling to discover everything Ben shared with us below as our Man Crush Monday.
(Photo credit: Irvin Rivera)
Name: Ben Barnes
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Birthday: August 20
Fun Facts:
1. Christmas Day is Ben's favorite day of the year.
2. What's the scariest things Ben's ever done? He can name a few.
"My first concert at 40 years old?! Act in a 'comedy' opposite Robin Williams?! Join TikTok?!"
-Ben Barnes
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3. He's seen Back to the Future, The Shawshank Redemption and Notting Hill more times than any other films.
4. If he could pick anyone from history to be his mentor, it'd probably have to be William Shakespeare.
"Finding it hard to get past Shakespeare. He invented so many phrases we all use every day! 'Wear your heart on your sleeve', 'love is blind'… etc. etc."
-Ben Barnes
5. His new niece never fails to make him smile.
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6. He had a hamster named Freddie Mercury, after the Queen frontman of the same name.
"But always wanted a dog. Love dogs so much."
-Ben Barnes
7. His biggest pet peeve is people not saying "thank you" when you hold the door open for them.
8. His go-to coffee order is a cappuccino.
"I'm so boring."
-Ben Barnes
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9. He says his strangest hobby is hosting role-playing board game nights.
10. He has a squeaky-clean pre-show ritual.
"I try to take a shower right before I go on stage at the venue—who doesn't sing best in there?!"
-Ben Barnes
11. If there's one thing you should know about Ben, it's that he's all too willing to help out.
"My toxic trait is that I feel the need to be everyone's therapist."
-Ben Barnes
For more on actors who inspire us, click HERE to learn all about "Kidventurist" Jake Diaz.