Biographie
Ben Maccabee is an American actor born in Haifa, Israel. His mother, Sima Cohen Kobby, was a nurse and homemaker, while his father, Judah Maccabee Kobby, worked as a Merchant Marine and owned a restaurant. At fourteen, Ben left for boarding school, where he spent four years gaining independence and learning to navigate life on his own. Despite a challenging childhood, he avoided a path of crime, focusing instead on martial arts and academics, with a clear goal of moving to America and succeeding in Hollywood. "Films were always my passion, watching Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando, Charles Bronson, Clint Eastwood, James Coburn, Sylvester Stallone, and of course Bruce Lee. I knew this was where I was going," he recalls.
This dream was temporarily set aside when Ben enlisted in the Israeli Defense Forces, serving four years and achieving the rank of First Sergeant. After an honorable discharge, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering and a degree in Physical Fitness. Ready to pursue his dream, Ben moved to America.
Determined and focused, Ben began his journey by attending The Estelle Harmen Actors Workshop in Hollywood. Shortly after, he married his childhood sweetheart, Ronit, and together they had a son, Judah Dean.
Ben made his acting debut on the 1992 show Knights and Warriors. In 1994, he landed a role as a party host in the low-budget film Deadly Eyes. Seizing an opportunity, he approached producer Bob Kronovet with a script treatment titled Lethal Heart. Soon after, Gun for Hire Films announced the production of the film, later renamed Enter the Blood Ring, starring Ben. The movie was a significant success. He went on to star in another Gun for Hire film, Broken Bars, and later wrote, directed, and starred in The Ultimate Prey, produced by his own company, Tiberia Pictures. Ben and Ronit eventually divorced, but remain close friends.
Circumstances led Ben to pause his career to raise his son. In 2005, he was contacted by the History Channel to audition for the role of Hannibal the Great. Competing against top Hollywood talent, Ben secured the role of the legendary general Hannibal Barca, directed by Mark Hafnail. That same year, he wrote, directed, and starred in Moses, Fallen In the City of Angels, the second feature produced by Tiberia Pictures. Ben is known for his strong presence and versatility in playing multi-ethnic roles. His other passions include vintage car racing, Indian motorcycles, flying small planes, and working on his vehicles.
Above all, Ben is a devoted father to his sons Judah Dean, Harel, and Adi Joshua. Dean, a talented actor and writer, has inherited his father's passion for performing.
In 2009, Ben married Sabit Adry, and they have a son named Harel. Sabit served as the political assistant to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for over seven years. After relocating to the United States, she became a certified children's program director. Ben also owns Steel Buffalo Motors, Inc., located in West Los Angeles.
Ben and his family currently live in Los Angeles, California.
