--- name: "Ben Stein" canonical: "https://film.one/person/ben-stein" roles: ["Actor"] born: "25 November 1944" reviewed_on_fi1m: 2 average_fi1m_score: 50 updated: "2026-09-16T14:49:49.545538+00:00" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Ben Stein Actor. Born 25 November 1944 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA. ## Details - **Work:** Actor - **Born:** 25 November 1944, Washington, District of Columbia, USA - **Active:** 1986–2005 ## Fi1m on Ben Stein > Ben Stein makes pedantic authority funny by refusing to sound amused. We rate that small, precise comic skill, especially in *Ferris Bueller's Day Off*, while the later casting too often asks only for the familiar voice. Ben Stein keeps his voice flat through the economics lesson in *Ferris Bueller's Day Off* (1986), giving no suggestion that a roomful of pupils might require encouragement. The tariff lecture was improvised, but the delivery has none of the eagerness to impress that improvisation can bring. We laughed because he makes the lesson sound so earnestly worth continuing. It is a small part, and a good demonstration of how little a comic actor sometimes needs to do. John Hughes gives that voice a useful place in a comedy about skipping school: Stein makes staying in class seem an unreasonable demand. Our affection for the film rests more on Matthew Broderick's charm and Alan Ruck's emotional weight, but the teacher supplies a sharp reason to leave the building. Stein does not need a competing comic routine. His dullness is funny because the film knows when to move on. That breakthrough established a pattern of small parts as pedantic or monotonous authority figures. *The Mask* (1994) cast him as the psychologist Dr. Arthur Neuman opposite Jim Carrey, again using his deadpan delivery. There is sense in casting him this way, though another appearance by the same pedant does not necessarily mean another good joke. Hosting *Win Ben Stein's Money* (1997–2002) allowed him to use his wit and knowledge beyond an acting cameo. A familiar performer is also a poor reason to persevere with *Son of the Mask* (2005). Stein returns as Dr. Neuman, but Lawrence Guterman's film gives its shape-shifting baby more attention than its human cast. Jamie Kennedy finds occasional warmth; the frantic effects and shapeless comedy still make it a chore. We cannot recommend sitting through it for another sighting of the doctor. For the reason the casting became habitual, go back to Hughes's classroom. ## Biography Ben Stein is an American actor, writer and lawyer. Born in Washington, D.C. on 25 November 1944, he worked as a speechwriter for presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford before entering entertainment. He is best known for his role as the economics teacher in the 1986 film *Ferris Bueller's Day Off*. Other screen credits include appearances in *The Mask* (1994) as Dr. Neuman, *Ghostbusters II* (1989), *Casper* (1995) and *Planes, Trains and Automobiles* (1987). He also voiced characters in *Family Guy* and hosted the Emmy-winning game show *Win Ben Stein's Money*. *Sources: en.wikipedia.org, rottentomatoes.com, mrbenstein.com, watch.plex.tv.* ## On Fi1m (2) - *Son of the Mask* (2005), Fi1m 20, as Dr. Neuman — [page](https://film.one/film/son-of-the-mask.md) - *Ferris Bueller's Day Off* (1986), Fi1m 81, as Economics Teacher — [page](https://film.one/film/ferris-buellers-day-off.md) ## Also known for - *The Mask* (1994), Dr. Neuman - *Family Guy* (1999), Rabbi Goldberg (voice) - *Casper* (1995), Mr. Rugg - *Ghostbusters II* (1989), Public Works Official - *Ri¢hie Ri¢h* (1994), Teacher - *Seinfeld* (1989), Shellbach — [page](https://film.one/tv/seinfeld.md) - *Planes, Trains and Automobiles* (1987), Wichita Airport Rep - *Dennis the Menace* (1993), Boss --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/ben-stein