Hollywood’s next big thing? Look no further than Benjamin Mackey! At just eleven years old, Benjamin is proving he’s a powerhouse talent, captivating audiences with his performances across film and television. Now, he’s taking on his biggest role yet—starring as Max in Happy Face, premiering March 20th on Paramount+.

The gripping drama tells the true story of Melissa Jesperson-Moore, who, at 15, discovered that her father was the infamous serial killer known as the Happy Face Killer. With a cast that includes legendary actor Dennis Quaid, Happy Face promises intense storytelling and standout performances—and Benjamin is ready to leave his mark.

From Comedy to Crime Drama: Benjamin’s Big Leap

While Happy Face is a dark and gripping drama, Benjamin found excitement in playing Max. “Stepping into Max’s shoes was so cool!” he shares. “It’s a pretty serious story, but Max is still a kid, so I got to balance the fun parts with the scary or sad parts. It felt like a huge adventure!”

Max may be at the heart of a mystery, but Benjamin describes him as a regular nine-year-old who loves his family. “He’s the youngest, so he’s pretty playful and doesn’t always understand the serious stuff happening, but he stays hopeful. I think it’s awesome how his innocence shines through.”

Sharing the Screen with Dennis Quaid

Benjamin’s career has already put him alongside Hollywood greats, and working with Dennis Quaid was a major highlight. “Dennis is super nice! I’ve seen him in A Dog’s Purpose, and when I met him, he introduced me to his bulldog—she can do all these neat tricks, and it was so funny!”

Even though the show tackles serious themes, there were plenty of lighthearted moments behind the scenes. “One day, I played a prank on Tamera [Ivy] with a fake spider in a magic box,” he laughs. “She screamed, but she was a good sport about it. It was a fun moment in between filming some serious scenes.”

Building an Impressive Résumé

Benjamin is no stranger to the spotlight. His credits include Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, Nickelodeon’s Danger Force, and voice work on Pretzel and the Puppies. He’s also set to voice a main character in an upcoming Disney animated series—a project he’s extremely proud of.

So, what’s next for the young star? “It would be cool to play a villain someday—maybe in a horror movie, something with zombies, or even a Marvel or DC project. Villains are complicated, and I think it would be a fun challenge.”

A Future as Bright as His Talent

Despite his growing fame, Benjamin stays grounded. “The best advice I’ve gotten on set is to keep my eyes open and learn from everybody—actors, directors, camera crew, everybody! You can pick up so many tips just by watching how they do their jobs.”

When he’s not acting, he’s just a regular kid—riding his bike, playing video games, taking karate classes, and hanging out with his family and dogs. “Even though I’m an actor, I still get to do all the fun things I love.”

And when he lands a big role? “My family and I do a little dance, and they all hug me. It doesn’t matter if it’s a huge role or a small part—we always celebrate and say how grateful we are.”

With his undeniable talent, infectious enthusiasm, and a work ethic beyond his years, Benjamin Mackey is undoubtedly one to watch. Catch him in Happy Face on Paramount+—this rising star is just getting started!