Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 20, 2026

Benjamin Pajak

Benjamin Pajak is an American child actor and singer in musicals and films. He is known for his Broadway debut in The Music Man, his leading role in Oliver! at New York City Center’s Encores!, and his breakout film roles in The Life of Chuck and Playdate.

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Benjamin Pajak
Born (2011-03-24) March 24, 2011
Westfield, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupations
Years active2022–present
Websitebenjaminpajak.com

Benjamin Pajak (born March 24, 2011) is an American child actor and singer in musicals and films. He is known for his Broadway debut in The Music Man, his leading role in Oliver! at New York City Center’s Encores!, and his breakout film roles in The Life of Chuck and Playdate.

Early life and career

Benjamin Pajak was born in 2011 in Westfield, New Jersey.1 When he was six, he attended a Broadway performance of The Phantom of the Opera, an experience that made him interested in acting on stage.2 He later took part in several regional theatre productions, including Peter Pan, Winnie-the-Pooh, The Aristocats, and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.3 In early 2020, he was selected to play Winthrop Paroo in the Broadway revival of The Music Man, after his mother encouraged him to audition.4

In 2022 Pajak was featured in the Broadway revival of The Music Man at the Winter Garden Theatre, with Pajak performing the cornet live; the production was postponed for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.24 Although the show received mixed reviews, Pajak's performance drew positive notice and earned him the Theatre World Award.5 The following year, he played the title role in Oliver! at New York City Center.6 In 2023, he appeared in a production of Ragtime at the Music Circus in Sacramento, California.7

Pajak made his feature film debut after being cast at age 12 in Mike Flanagan's tragicomedy The Life of Chuck,8 a 2025 adaptation of the short story of the same name by Stephen King.9 There, he played a younger version of the title character, Charles "Chuck" Krantz.10 He then played Lucas in Playdate (2025).1112 He has a leading role alongside Johnny Knoxville in Tiny Fugitives, directed by Michael Leven, which is yet to be released. 13

In 2026, Pajak played Sam Emerson in the musical comedy horror film The Lost Boys (Palace Theatre). Based on the 1987 cult classic film of the same name,14 Pajak's participation earned him a nomination at the 2026 Dorian Awards for the Outstanding Featured Performance in a Broadway Musical.15 He also received another nomination at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical.16

Filmography

Theatre credits

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Result Ref
2026 Dorian Awards Outstanding Featured Performance in a Broadway Musical Nominated 26
Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical Nominated 272829
References

References

  1. Auman, Greg (2022-03-26). "Broadway birthday bonus from Tom Brady: 'Best ever' for 11-year-old Bucs fan". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  2. "The Music Man's Benjamin Pajak on Making His Broadway Debut & Being Hypnotized by Idina Menzel". Broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  3. "Benjamin Pajak's Broadway Debut in 'Music Man' Is Thump'n Thpethyul". Newsweek. 2022-04-27. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  4. "6 Theatre Workers You Should Know". American Theatre. 2022-04-18. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  5. "Benjamin Pajak Biography". www.broadway.com. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  6. Gordon, David (May 5, 2023). "Review(ing the Situation): Benjamin Pajak, Raúl Esparza, and Lilli Cooper in Oliver! at Encores! - TheaterMania.com". Theater Mania. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  7. Rubins, Dan (2023-05-06). "'Oliver!' Review: Benjamin Pajak Leaves Audiences Wanting More". Slant Magazine. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  8. Hunt, Hannah; Nemiroff, Perri (2025-06-05). ""I Wish He Were My Real Grandson": Mark Hamill Calls This Co-Star from Mike Flanagan's The Life of Chuck a "Complete Natural"". Collider. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  9. Rudoy, Matthew (2025-11-27). "Mike Flanagan's First Stephen King Adaptation In 6 Years Officially Begins Streaming Next Month". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  10. Erbland, Kate (2025-06-13). "The Breakout Star of 'The Life of Chuck' Didn't Know He and Tom Hiddleston Were Playing the Same Role". IndieWire. Retrieved 2025-11-24.
  11. Wiseman, Andreas (2024-04-04). "Sarah Chalke, Alan Tudyk, Stephen Root & Isla Fisher Among Cast to Join Action-Comedy Playdate With Kevin James & Alan Ritchson; Filming Underway". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  12. "An uncontrollable day: the action comedy starring Kevin James and Alan Ritchson on Prime Video". www.sortiraparis.com. Retrieved 2025-11-28.
  13. Nolan, Daniel (January 17, 2025). "The Falcon and "Jackass" star shoot at former Delta Secondary School". The Hamilton Spectator. Retrieved June 19, 2006.
  14. Hall, Margaret (2026-04-27). "Photos: From Pink to Steph Curry, Stars of All Types Celebrate The Lost Boys' Broadway Opening". Playbill. Retrieved 2026-04-27.
  15. Mandell, Jonathan (May 13, 2026). "2026 Dorian Theater Award Nominations: Schmigadoon, Lost Boys lead". New York Theater. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
  16. Culwell-Block, Logan (May 11, 2026). "Schmigadoon!, Ragtime Win Big at 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards; Read the Full List of Winners". Playbill.
  17. Ng, Alan (December 9, 2022). "Where It's Beautiful When It Rains". Film Threat. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  18. Grobar, Matt (March 5, 2026). ""The Exorcist" From Mike Flanagan Adds 11 To Cast (EXCLUSIVE)". Deadline. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  19. Gordon, David (September 13, 2022). "Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster in The Music Man". Theater Mania. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  20. Miller, Marc (September 28, 2023). "Talkin' Broadway Off-Broadway - "Golden Rainbow"". Talkin' Broadway. Retrieved June 20, 2026.
  21. Gans, Andrew (June 26, 2023). "Transport Group Presents Nine in Concert June 26, Starring Santino Fontana". Playbill. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  22. "I Am Harvey Milk". Princeton Symphony. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  23. "Broadway at Music Circus. Ragtime". Broadway Sacramento. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  24. Culwell-Block, Logan (March 4, 2024). "T. Oliver Reid, Mauricio Martínez, More Celebrate Figaro Album Release at Green Room 42 March 4". Playbill. Archived from the original on March 4, 2024. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  25. "The Lost Boys". The Lost Boys. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  26. Mandell, Jonathan (May 13, 2026). "2026 Dorian Theater Award Nominations: Schmigadoon, Lost Boys lead". New York Theater. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
  27. "Outer Critics Circle Award 2026 Nominations". New York Theater. April 21, 2026. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  28. "Announcing the 2026 Outer Critics Circle winners: Full list". Broadway News. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  29. "Schmigadoon!, Ragtime Win Big at 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards; Read the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
External links