Ben Stein

Ben Stein (born November 25, 1944) is an American writer, actor, lawyer, and political commentator. He earned degrees from Columbia University and Yale Law School, then worked in government, including as a speechwriter for U.S. Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Stein became widely known for his deadpan screen persona, notably as the economics teacher in the film *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off* (1986), and later as the host of the game show *Win Ben Stein’s Money*. He has written numerous books, including *How to Ruin Your Life*, and has contributed commentary and essays across print and broadcast media.