Ben Ahlers

Ben Ahlers (born August 17, 1996) is an American actor. He is best known for playing Liam Kelly in the NBC drama series The Village (2019), Jack Trotter in the HBO historical drama series The Gilded Age (2022–present), and Burton in the HBO post-apocalyptic drama series The Last of Us (2025).

Early life and career

Ahlers was born on August 17, 1996, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He began singing and acting in community theatre from 6-years old, landing his first role as an orphan in a local production of Oliver!. After graduating as valedictorian from Fort Dodge Senior High School, he attended the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre.

In 2017, Ahlers starred in the short film Anna Garcia Does a One Woman Play. He then landed a small role on the NBC drama The Village, his first appearance on network television. In 2020, he starred in the Quibi miniseries When the Streetlights Go On, playing the main role of Brad Kirchoff. He also briefly appeared in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina playing Lucas Hunt, a love interest of the main character.

In 2022, Ahlers was cast on the HBO series The Gilded Age, playing the role of footman and clockmaker John "Jack" Trotter. Beginning as a recurring role, he was promoted to a series regular in the second season. In preparation of the show's second season, Ahlers took watch-making classes with the Horological Society of New York.

In 2025, Ahlers was cast in the second season of HBO series The Last of Us as Burton, a loyal soldier of the Seattle rebel militia group Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Introduced during a flashback as a naïve rookie serving the government, he is recruited to the WLF by Jeffrey Wright's Isaac.

In May 2025, Ahlers played the titular role in John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only!, a stage show from Mad Men screenwriter Matthew Weiner that premiered at Baltimore's Center Stage.

In a July 2025 announcement, he was cast in Little Brother, an upcoming comedy film on Netflix. That December, it was announced that he will appear in Death of a Salesman in the Broadway revival being led by Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf.

Personal life

Ahlers grew up Catholic, but is no longer a practicing Christian.

Due to his The Gilded Age character's clock-making arc, Ahlers has been widely nicknamed "Clock Twink" by fans online, which he has embraced. Following the show, he retained an interest in clock-making, and began collecting vintage watches. He has remained involved with the Horological Society, attending their 2024 gala, and serving as co-chair of the Society's 2026 gala, alongside watchmakers Danièla Dufour (daughter of Philippe Dufour) and Roger W. Smith.

Outside of acting, Ahlers enjoys yoga and meditation; he worked as a personal trainer before his acting career became sustainable.

He is a fan of directors Sean Baker, Chloé Zhao, Sam Mendes and Yorgos Lanthimos, and says his favorite author is David Foster Wallace.

Ahlers is in a relationship with Broadway actress Micaela Diamond.

Filmography

Film

Television

Stage

Awards and nominations

Notes

External links

• at IMDb