Ben Ahlers Movies and TV Shows: A Rising Star’s Journey Through Screen and Stage

From Iowa Roots to Hollywood Breakthrough

Ben Ahlers has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing young actors working in television and film today. Born on August 17, 1996, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Ahlers’ journey into acting began at an early age through community theatre, eventually leading him to pursue formal training at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre .

What distinguishes Ahlers is not just his rapid rise, but the diversity of his roles—ranging from historical drama to post-apocalyptic television and indie film projects. His filmography reflects both a steady climb and a willingness to explore varied genres.

Early Career: Small Roles, Big Learning Curve

Like many actors, Ahlers’ career began with smaller roles that laid the groundwork for his later success.

His early screen appearances include:

• “The University” (2016–2019) – one of his first television roles, where he appeared in select episodes
• “Anna Garcia Does a One Woman Play” (2017) – a short film marking his early film work
• “Walk Off” (2019) – another short film where he also served as an associate producer

These formative projects helped Ahlers build on-screen experience while refining his acting range.

Breakthrough on Television

The Village (2019): First Major Recognition

Ahlers gained wider attention with his role as Liam Kelly in NBC’s drama series “The Village”. Appearing in seven episodes, he portrayed a character navigating the complexities of urban life and relationships, marking his first significant presence on network television .

When the Streetlights Go On (2020): Leading Role Moment

His career took a notable step forward when he landed a main role as Brad Kirchoff in “When the Streetlights Go On”. The mystery drama allowed Ahlers to showcase his ability to carry a storyline, giving him stronger visibility in the industry.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2020): Expanding His Reach

Ahlers also appeared in “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”, playing Lucas Hunt, a brief but memorable role that connected him with a global streaming audience.

Defining Role: The Gilded Age (2022–Present)

Ahlers’ most prominent work to date is undoubtedly HBO’s historical drama “The Gilded Age.”

Character: Jack Trotter

He plays John “Jack” Trotter, a footman with a passion for invention and clockmaking. Initially introduced as a recurring character, Ahlers’ performance resonated with audiences and critics alike, leading to his promotion as a series regular in later seasons .

The show itself—centered on wealth, power, and societal shifts in late 19th-century America—provided Ahlers with a platform to demonstrate both emotional depth and technical preparation. Notably, he trained in watchmaking to authentically portray his character’s arc.

Cultural Impact

Fans have even embraced his character with the nickname “Clock Twink,” a testament to how memorable his performance has become in pop culture circles .

Expanding Horizons: Film and Streaming Projects

While television has been central to Ahlers’ rise, his film work continues to grow steadily.

Notable Film Roles

• “Smago” (2023) – short film where he played Charles
• “A Wonderful Way with Dragons” (2024/2025) – portraying Gray in a fantasy-driven narrative
• “12 Hours in the Life of Jason Bruckner” (2025) – a feature film role signaling his move into more complex storytelling
• “Little Brother” (Upcoming) – a Netflix comedy where he is set to appear alongside established stars

These projects illustrate his transition from television actor to a more versatile performer across mediums.

Entering Prestige Television: The Last of Us (2025)

A major milestone in Ahlers’ career came with his casting in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “The Last of Us.”

Role: Burton

He plays Burton, a member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Introduced through flashbacks, the character adds emotional and narrative depth to the show’s exploration of loyalty and survival in a post-apocalyptic world .

This role placed Ahlers alongside high-profile talent and within one of the most widely discussed television franchises of the decade.

Complete Overview of Ben Ahlers Movies and TV Shows

Television

• The University (2016–2019) – Kyle Clark
• The Village (2019) – Liam Kelly
• Instinct (2019) – Boyd Carter
• When the Streetlights Go On (2020) – Brad Kirchoff (main role)
• Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2020) – Lucas Hunt
• The Gilded Age (2022–present) – Jack Trotter
• The Last of Us (2025) – Burton

Film

• Anna Garcia Does a One Woman Play (2017) – Ben
• Walk Off (2019) – Ben Larson
• Smago (2023) – Charles
• A Wonderful Way with Dragons (2025) – Gray
• 12 Hours in the Life of Jason Bruckner (2025) – Jason Bruckner
• Little Brother (Upcoming) – Post-production

Beyond the Screen: Stage and Creative Work

Although best known for his screen roles, Ahlers maintains strong ties to theatre. He has appeared in productions such as:

• “Good Boys”
• “Tender Napalm”
• “John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only!”
• “Death of a Salesman” (Broadway, 2026)

He currently stars in the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman, playing Happy Loman, further solidifying his credibility as a stage actor .

Career Trajectory: What Sets Ben Ahlers Apart

Ahlers’ career trajectory reveals several defining characteristics:

1. Strategic Role Selection

He balances mainstream television with indie and theatrical work, ensuring both visibility and artistic credibility.

2. Commitment to Authenticity

From watchmaking training for The Gilded Age to immersive character preparation, Ahlers approaches roles with technical precision.

3. Cross-Medium Versatility

His ability to transition between stage, television, and film positions him as a well-rounded performer in an increasingly competitive industry.

Future Outlook: A Star on the Rise

With high-profile projects like The Last of Us and Netflix’s Little Brother, Ben Ahlers is clearly entering a new phase of his career. His continued involvement in both prestige television and mainstream film suggests a trajectory toward leading roles and broader recognition.

As streaming platforms expand and demand for versatile actors grows, Ahlers is well-positioned to become a defining figure among his generation of performers.

Conclusion

Ben Ahlers’ movies and TV shows reflect more than just a growing résumé—they tell the story of an actor steadily building momentum through thoughtful choices and compelling performances. From early short films to major HBO productions, his journey illustrates the evolution of a modern actor navigating both traditional and digital entertainment landscapes.

With each new role, Ahlers continues to refine his craft and expand his reach, making him one of the most promising talents to watch in the coming years.