Benjamin Ayres, Canadian actor, director, and photographer
Born on January 19, 1977, Benjamin James Ayres is a distinguished Canadian actor widely recognized for his compelling portrayal of Dr. Zach Miller in the critically acclaimed CTV medical drama, Saving Hope. This popular series, which captivated audiences for five seasons from 2012 to 2017, featured Ayres as a dedicated internal medicine resident and later a critical care surgeon at Hope Zion Hospital, a role that solidified his presence in Canadian television and showcased his ability to navigate complex medical storylines.
Notable Roles and Critical Acclaim
Beyond his prominent role in Saving Hope, Benjamin Ayres has built a diverse and impressive filmography, earning accolades and nominations for his work across various genres and platforms.
Gemini Award–Winning Series: Less Than Kind
Ayres also played a significant recurring role on the dark comedy series Less Than Kind, an HBO Canada production that garnered critical acclaim and a prestigious Gemini Award. The Gemini Awards were the highest honor for English-language television productions in Canada, predating the current Canadian Screen Awards. His nuanced performance in this series earned him a well-deserved nomination for a Canadian Screen Award, further highlighting his versatile acting prowess.
First Series Regular Role: Casper Jesperson in jPod
Benjamin Ayres made a memorable impact with his inaugural series regular role as Casper Jesperson, famously known as the "Cancer Cowboy," in the CBC Television cult hit, jPod. This critically acclaimed series, which premiered in 2008, was an innovative and satirical adaptation of the novel of the same title by renowned Canadian author Douglas Coupland. Ayres's portrayal of Casper, a chain-smoking sex addict morbidly obsessed with death, was a masterclass in character acting, showcasing his remarkable range and ability to embody complex, eccentric personalities. The role quickly became a fan favorite and a defining moment in his early career, demonstrating his willingness to take on challenging and unconventional characters.
Familial Connection: A Link to a Legendary Actor
Adding a fascinating dimension to his professional background, Benjamin James Ayres is a distant relative of the legendary English character actor Boris Karloff. Karloff, born William Henry Pratt, is globally immortalized for his iconic portrayal of Frankenstein's monster in the classic 1931 Universal Pictures film Frankenstein and its sequels, as well as his extensive work in horror cinema. This familial connection links Ayres to a significant and historic lineage within the acting world, bridging generations of cinematic talent.
Frequently Asked Questions about Benjamin James Ayres
- What is Benjamin Ayres best known for?
- Benjamin Ayres is most widely recognized for his role as Dr. Zach Miller in the popular CTV medical drama Saving Hope, which aired from 2012 to 2017.
- Has Benjamin Ayres received any awards or nominations?
- Yes, he was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for his recurring role in the HBO Canada series Less Than Kind, a show that itself won a Gemini Award.
- What was Benjamin Ayres's first series regular role?
- His first series regular role was as Casper Jesperson, also known as "Cancer Cowboy," in the critically acclaimed CBC Television series jPod, based on the novel by Douglas Coupland.
- Is Benjamin Ayres related to any other famous actors?
- Yes, he is a distant relative of the iconic English character actor Boris Karloff, famous for portraying Frankenstein's monster.