Ben Barrington

Ben Barrington, born on January 14, 1977, in New Zealand, is a prominent actor recognized for his compelling performances in television and theatre, notably his decade-long role as Dr. Drew McCaskill on the renowned soap opera *Shortland Street* and as the charming Norse god Olaf Johnson in *The Almighty Johnsons*. At an impressive height of 6'4" (193 cm), Barrington has cultivated a diverse career that spans over twenty years in acting, encompassing theatre, television, and international film.

Raised in Hamilton, Barrington did not initially consider acting as a career until his time at Waikato University, where he unexpectedly auditioned for Caryl Churchill's *Cloud Nine*. His success in this role led him to apply to Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, where he stood out among 300 applicants as one of the 18 chosen. He graduated in 2001, earning a Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for his contributions to Wellington's theatre scene.

In his professional journey, Barrington gained early recognition with *The Insider's Guide to Happiness* (2004) and portrayed the notorious gang leader Tyson in *Outrageous Fortune* (2006–2007) before exploring opportunities in England. His international film appearances include roles in Peter Jackson's *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy and *The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe* (2005).

Barrington's portrayal of Olaf Johnson in *The Almighty Johnsons* (2011–2013) solidified his status in the industry, despite the initial reluctance of casting directors to consider him. Since 2015, he has captivated audiences as Dr. McCaskill in *Shortland Street*, amassing over 1,560 episodes by 2025. He also showcased his skills in reality television by participating in *Dancing With the Stars NZ* in 2015.

Currently, Barrington resides