Ben Marshall

Ben Marshall is an American comedian, writer, and actor best known as one-third of the viral comedy trio Please Don't Destroy. He transitioned from a behind-the-scenes staff writer to a featured player on Saturday Night Live for the 2024–2025 season. His work has shifted from digital shorts to leading roles in major streaming projects like the 2026 Netflix film 72 Hours. Fans often describe him as an accidental "thirst trap" due to his physical presence in sketches.

The group initially gained prominence through absurd YouTube sketches before joining the show's writing staff in 2021. Marshall's unique blend of deadpan delivery and high-energy performance has made him a staple of the show's digital content. By 2026, he has successfully pivoted to become a leading man in film and television while maintaining his roots in sketch comedy. [edit]

Marshall grew up in Savannah, Georgia, where his interest in comedy sparked at age 12. He began creating YouTube videos during his early teens, developing a style defined by absurd scenarios and deadpan humor. During his freshman year of college at the University of Georgia, he was active in improv circles and dated his high school girlfriend. That relationship lasted only until the end of his first year of higher education.

After college, Marshall moved to New York City to pursue comedy professionally. He trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), honing the skills that would later define his work with Please Don't Destroy. Before his professional breakthrough, he spent years refining his craft in small venues and online spaces. The trio formed around 2018, producing viral content that built a cult following long before they stepped foot on the SNL set. [edit]

In 2021, Marshall joined Saturday Night Live as a staff writer alongside Jonathan Berent and John Higgins. The trio immediately began writing digital shorts for the show, including hits like The Chosen One and Heated Wizardry. Their work became a staple of the broadcast, showcasing their ability to write and perform absurd, high-energy comedy.

By 2023, the group starred in Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, a feature-length film released on Peacock and Netflix. This project solidified their status as a major comedy force. In 2024, Marshall was promoted from staff writer to featured player, marking his transition to full-time on-screen performance. He continued to headline sketches while expanding his acting portfolio.

His career trajectory accelerated in 2026 when he starred in the Netflix comedy 72 Hours alongside Kevin Hart, Marcello Hernández, Mason Gooding, and Kam Patterson. The film received widespread discussion upon its July release. He also appeared in major commercial campaigns and made a notable appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in July 2026. Media outlets noted his shift toward leading-man roles and shirtless scenes, cementing his status as a rising star. [edit]

Marshall's public image has evolved from a niche internet creator to a mainstream leading man. He is often described as an accidental "thirst trap" due to his unexpected physical appeal and shirtless sketch performances. His style blends sharp writing with physical acting, embracing a "leading man" aesthetic in 2026. Media outlets like Pajiba and Cosmopolitan have highlighted his shift toward rom-com potential and his ability to command screen presence in both comedic and dramatic moments. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While no formal ranking exists in the current global charts, his popularity has surged significantly since joining Saturday Night Live. His fanbase is highly organized and vocal, particularly on Reddit (r/LiveFromNewYork) and TikTok. Fans frequently campaign for his casting in romantic comedies and create memes around his "shirtless" moments. The "Please Don't Destroy" fanbase is tight-knit, often referred to simply as PDD fans, who champion the trio's transition from internet creators to mainstream stars. They actively engage with his content, driving views and discussions around his latest sketches and film roles. [edit]

Marshall revealed in interviews that he met director Steven Spielberg, highlighting his rapid ascent in the entertainment industry. A July 2026 interview discussed his experience kissing pop icon Harry Styles on SNL, a moment that garnered significant media attention. He described himself as never imagining taking his shirt off in anything until it just kind of happened. His social media handle on TikTok is @benmarshallstyle, where he has amassed over 446,000 followers. The trio's sketch Heated Wizardry became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing his ability to write and perform absurd comedy. [edit]

Marshall was raised in Savannah, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia where he was active in improv circles. During his freshman year, he dated his high school girlfriend, a relationship that ended after his first year of college. He maintains a low profile regarding his family life, rarely sharing details about his parents or siblings publicly. His focus remains on his career and creative partnerships with his fellow PDD members. [edit]

Jonathan Berent, John Higgins, Kevin Hart, Harry Styles, Steven Spielberg, Chloe Troast[edit]

As of late 2026, Ben Marshall is publicly reported to be single. While he is often described as a "thirst trap" among fans due to his rising popularity and physical appeal, he maintains a low profile regarding his romantic life. His most documented relationship occurred during his freshman year of college at the University of Georgia. He dated his high school girlfriend throughout that year, but the relationship ended after his first year of higher education.

Following his college relationship, there are no confirmed public relationships or engagements documented in credible sources up to mid-2026. In a July 2026 interview on Just Jared, he discussed his most romantic gestures and embarrassing dates but did not name a current partner. In October 2025, a Betches article noted that while fans were infatuated with him, he had suggested he was single during a Chicken Shop Date interview in July 2025. Despite rumors of rom-com dreams and his "leading-man era," no official engagement or marriage has been announced. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Ben Marshall's net worth at approximately $2.5 million. His earnings stem primarily from his role as a featured player on Saturday Night Live, where cast members typically earn between $5,000 and $25,000 per episode. As a lead actor in the 2026 Netflix hit 72 Hours, he likely secured a significant payday ranging from $100,000 to several million dollars depending on backend deals.

Additional income sources include lucrative brand partnerships and commercials featuring Marshall which have aired over 9,000 times in the last 30 days. His strong social media presence on TikTok and Instagram further boosts his earnings through sponsored content. With his rise from a college improv student to a Netflix star, his financial trajectory shows steady growth driven by high-profile projects and commercial success. [edit]