Ben Schwartz’s career took off in a big way — right in time for the pandemic
May 25, 2022
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Ben Schwartz, a versatile actor known for his TV and movie roles, talks about his improv background shaping his career. He discusses projects like The Afterparty and Space Force, filming Renfield with Nicolas Cage, and how playing Jean-Ralphio on Parks and Recreation changed everything for him.
Ben Schwartz showcases versatility in genres from murder mystery to comedy, highlighting his talent and adaptability.
In 'The After Party,' innovative storytelling adds depth to the mystery plot through different genre perspectives, engaging viewers with intrigue and suspense.
The pandemic-induced career break allowed Ben Schwartz to reflect on personal well-being, emphasizing the importance of balance between work and life.
Deep dives
Ben Schwartz's Versatility Across Various Projects
Ben Schwartz's diverse roles in projects like 'The After Party' and 'Space Force' showcase his versatility as a comedian and actor. From starring in a Murder Mystery on Apple TV to working with Steve Carell in 'Space Force' and filming a Dracula movie with Nicolas Cage, Schwartz's ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and characters highlights his talent and adaptability.
The Unique Storytelling Approach in 'The After Party'
In 'The After Party,' Schwartz's character is part of a murder mystery unfolding at a high school reunion. The show uses a Rashomon-style narrative where different characters recount the same events from their perspectives, each episode adopting a different genre like romance, action, or thriller. This innovative storytelling technique adds depth and complexity to the whodunit storyline, engaging viewers with multiple layers of intrigue and suspense.
Ben Schwartz's Reflections on Pandemic-Induced Pause
The pandemic-induced break allowed Ben Schwartz to reflect on his career and appreciate the value of time and routine. Despite initial anxieties and uncertainties, the pause provided a moment of introspection, making him grateful for the connections he maintained with family and friends. Schwartz's experience highlights the importance of balancing work commitments with personal well-being.
Ben Schwartz's Writing Background and Training in Comedy
Ben Schwartz's writing background, including pitching monologue jokes for 'SNL' and 'Letterman,' has honed his comedic timing and quick thinking. Writing numerous jokes daily and contributing to scripts for various projects have not only sharpened his wit but also prepared him for improvisation and acting roles. Schwartz's dedication to crafting jokes and scripts reflects his commitment to his craft and continuous improvement.
Ben Schwartz's Transition Between Different Comedy Genres
Moving from stand-up to improv and acting roles, Ben Schwartz navigates diverse comedy genres with ease. While stand-up comics translate a solo act, improv demands collaborative skills in building scenes and interactions. Schwartz's ability to shift between comedic styles, from dark humor in his monologue jokes to light-hearted roles like John Ralphio in 'Parks and Recreation,' showcases his range and adaptability in the comedy landscape.
Ben Schwartz is a really busy guy. Right now, he stars in the Apple TV+ murder mystery The Afterparty as well as the comedy Space Force alongside Steve Carell. He's also currently filming Renfield — a take on the Dracula story, starring Nicolas Cage as Dracula. Ben told Tom Power how his background in improv helps him as an actor, plus how Jean-Ralphio — the character he played on Parks and Recreation for five years — changed everything for him.
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