ABOUT

Born Benjamin Stephens Jr. in Washington, D.C., and raised in Forestville, Maryland, Ben's  early years were shaped by a deep love for sports and an unrelenting work ethic. His dedication  to basketball earned him a full-scholarship to Shepherd University, where he excelled on the  court—setting records, earning All-American, WVIAC All-Conference honors, and being  named WVIAC Conference Tournament MVP in his Junior season. 

After college, Ben’s journey took an unexpected yet purposeful turn toward the entertainment  industry. He began sharpening his craft through guest roles on iconic television shows such as Frasier, Moesha, The Parkers, Half & Half, and One on One, steadily building his range and  confidence as an actor. His perseverance paid off when he landed the role of Curtis Duncan in  Season 3 of The Family Business—a gritty and fearless bounty hunter whose complexity and  charisma made him an instant fan favorite. Originally a recurring character, Ben’s standout  performance earned him a promotion to series regular by the show’s fourth season. 

In addition to his work in front of the camera, Ben has expanded his creative influence behind it.  He serves as an Associate Producer on The Family Business (BET+, Paramount) and its spin off, The Family Business: New Orleans, which premiered on BET+ in January 2025. Working on  both the creative and production sides has deepened his appreciation for the teamwork,  discipline, and vision it takes to bring compelling stories to life. 

In The Family Business: New Orleans, Ben continues to shine as a series regular, exploring new  layers of Curtis Duncan alongside an all-star cast that includes Brandon T. Jackson, Lela  Rochon, Pooch Hall, David Banner, Yvette Nicole Brown, Stan Shaw, and BernNadette Stanis.  The series has earned praise for its high-stakes action, emotional storytelling, and cultural  resonance—qualities Ben helps elevate through his authentic and passionate performances. 

Beyond scripted television, Ben has also made an impact in unscripted entertainment. He created and produced the MTV streetball series Who’s Got Game?, starring NBA legend and business  mogul Magic Johnson. Most recently, he co-authored his debut novel, Carl Weber Presents  Curtis Duncan: Bounty Hunter, alongside acclaimed author LaJill Hunt. The project marks a  major expansion of New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber’s Family  Business universe—bringing the story of Curtis Duncan to life on the page and introducing  audiences to a bold new chapter in the franchise. 

In addition, Ben is the host of the fast-growing syndicated radio experience The Velvet Lounge with Ben Stephens, a premium destination for 90’s R&B slow jams. The brand continues to gain momentum, supported by strong digital engagement, including recent TikTok Live metrics debuted with 17,000 viewers, 342,000 impressions, 850,000 likes, and an average 6-minute watch time within a 2-hour live experience—demonstrating strong audience retention and engagement.

Across television, film, publishing, and radio, Ben Stephens continues to build a dynamic, multi-platform presence. As an actor, producer, author, and host, he remains committed to delivering compelling, culturally resonant content that entertains, inspires, and connects with audiences worldwide.