
Benny Safdie
Biography
Benjamin Safdie (born February 24, 1986) is an American filmmaker, actor, and editor best known for his collaborations with his older brother, Josh Safdie. Together, the Safdie brothers have established themselves as leading voices in contemporary independent cinema with acclaimed films such as Heaven Knows What (2014), Good Time (2017), and Uncut Gems (2019).
In addition to directing, Benny has pursued a parallel career as an actor. His performance in Good Time earned him a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male. He has since appeared in high-profile films including Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza (2021), Kelly Fremon Craig’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023), and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer (2023).
On television, he co-created, co-wrote, and starred alongside Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone in the Showtime series The Curse (2023).
Known For

TV
The Daily Show
Self
1996

TV
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Self
2014

Film
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Bowser Jr. (voice)
2026

TV
The Curse
Dougie Schecter
2023

Film
Oppenheimer
Edward Teller
2023

TV
Obi-Wan Kenobi
Nari
2022

TV
Togetherness
Craddock Brother #2
2015

Film
The Odyssey
2026

TV
Mr. Scorsese
Self
2025

Film
Happy Gilmore 2
Frank Manatee
2025

Film
Licorice Pizza
Joel Wachs
2021

Film
Good Time
Nick Nikas
2017

Film
Pieces of a Woman
Chris
2020

Film
Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.
Herbert Simon
2023

TV
The Neistat Brothers
Self
2010

Film
Stars at Noon
CIA Man
2022

Film
Yeast
Riverguy 2
2008

Film
Solid Gold
Goldman
2013

Film
Meet the Filmmakers: Josh and Benny Safdie
Self
2017

Film
Person to Person
Eugene
2017
Filmography
2026FilmThe Odyssey2026FilmThe Super Mario Galaxy Movieas Bowser Jr. (voice)2025TVMr. Scorseseas Self2025FilmHappy Gilmore 2as Frank Manatee2023TVThe Curseas Dougie Schecter2023FilmOppenheimeras Edward Teller2023FilmAre You There God? It's Me, Margaret.as Herbert Simon2022FilmStars at Noonas CIA Man2022TVObi-Wan Kenobias Nari2021FilmLicorice Pizzaas Joel Wachs2020FilmPieces of a Womanas Chris2020FilmMoney on the Street: The Making of Uncut Gemsas Self2020FilmQuestion & Answeras Self2020FilmGoldman v Silvermanas Al Silverman2017FilmMeet the Filmmakers: Josh and Benny Safdieas Self2017FilmGood Timeas Nick Nikas2017FilmPerson to Personas Eugene2015TVTogethernessas Craddock Brother #22015FilmA Hot Two Weeks: The Making of Heaven Knows What2014TVThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonas Self2013FilmSolid Goldas Goldman2011FilmSecond Stop from Jupiter: The Making of Daddy Longlegsas Himself2010FilmJohn's Goneas John2010TVThe Neistat Brothersas Self2008FilmJohn's Lonely Trip to Coney Island2008FilmThere's Nothing You Can Do2008FilmThe Acquaintances of a Lonely Johnas John2008FilmYeastas Riverguy 22008FilmThe Story of Charles Riverbankas Charles Riverbank2007FilmI Think I'm Missing Parts2007FilmWhat To Do When Choking2006FilmThe Ralph Handel Storyas Ralph Handel2006FilmIf You See Something, Say Somethingas Business Man 22005FilmThe Adventures of Slater's Friendas 1st Cameraman2004FilmAlberto Live in a Bathroomas Benny the Salesman1996TVThe Daily Showas Self—FilmProjection/Admirationas Himself (Archival)—FilmInto the Woods with Mark