{{short description|Australian singer-songwriter, writer, and actor}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Infobox person | name = Benjamin Grant Mitchell | birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1969}} | birth_place = Sale, Greater Manchester, England | other_names = Ben Mitchell | education = Victoria College, Melbourne | occupation = {{flatlist| *Actor *musician *writer }} | years_active = | known_for = ''Skirts''<br>''Neighbours'' | spouse = | children = }} '''Benjamin Grant Mitchell''' (born 1969), generally known as Ben Mitchell, is an Australian singer-songwriter, actor, and writer, perhaps known for his roles as Bevan Quinn in the police drama ''Skirts'' and Cameron Hudson in the soap opera ''Neighbours''. Mitchell has released four albums and written two novels.
==Early life== Mitchell was born in 1969 in Sale, Greater Manchester to Australians Robert and Lynette Mitchell.<ref name="James">{{cite magazine|last=James|first=Caron|date=18 August 1990|title=Cop this!|magazine=TV Week|pages=74–75}}</ref><ref name="Robinson">{{cite news|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0000641/19931124/210/0019|title=There's nothing up his sleeve|last=Robinson|first=Alistair|date=24 November 1993|work=Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette|access-date=18 January 2025|via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription}}</ref> His parents came to Britain to work on the Blue Streak project, until its cancellation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0005011/19940711/012/0012|title=Soap star set to face critics|last=Key|first=Philip|date=11 July 1994|work=Liverpool Daily Post|access-date=13 January 2025|via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The family moved to Australia when Mitchell was 11 months old.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001548/19941215/047/0047|title=Review – Cinderella at Preston Guild Hall|last=Rouse|first=Beverley|date=15 December 1994|work=Ormskirk Advertiser|access-date=5 January 2025|via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The family moved from Sydney, to Melbourne, Perth and Los Angeles as Mitchell's father was a minister of religion until he decided to quit. The family stayed with friends in Sydney until Mitchell's parents found new occupations.<ref name="James"/> Mitchell studied drama and dance at Victoria College.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0005106/19931124/213/0022|title=From Ramsey Street direct to King Street|date=24 November 1993|work=Shields Daily Gazette|access-date=13 January 2025|via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
==Career== ===Acting=== Mitchell appeared in several bit parts, until he secured his "big break" in 1990, when he was cast as Bevan Quinn in the Seven Network police drama ''Skirts''.<ref name="James"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-backflips-on-t/162301110/|title=Backflips on the tough ones|last=Sutton|first=Candace|date=22 April 1990|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=5 January 2025|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-introducing-skirts-the-long/162301384/|title=Introducing 'Skirts'... the long hem of the law|last=Hooks|first=Barbara|date=18 April 1990|work=The Age|access-date=5 January 2025|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}</ref> He signed a three year contract, however, ''Skirts'' was cancelled that same year.<ref name="James"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age/50559410/|title=Two views of a cut skirt|last=Schembri|first=Jim|date=8 November 1990|work=The Age|access-date=18 January 2025|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}</ref> Mitchell appeared in miniseries ''Bony'',<ref name="Fulton"/> and the 1990 feature film ''Father''.<ref name="Monroe">{{cite book|last=Monroe|first=Josephine|title=The Neighbours Programme Guide|year=1994|publisher=Virgin Books|page=266}}</ref> In 1992, after appearing in a production of ''The Wizard of Oz'' at the Victoria State Opera, he joined the main cast of soap opera ''Neighbours'' as lawyer Cameron Hudson.<ref name="Fulton">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/50246804/benjamin-changes-tune-for-soap/|title=Benjamin changes tune for soap|last=Fulton|first=Adam|date=23 March 1992|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=5 January 2025|via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}</ref> He previously had minor roles in the show as a Coffee Shop customer, and the original Brad Willis for three episodes in 1989.<ref name="TLamb">{{cite magazine|last=Lamb|first=Tiffany|date=28 June – 4 July 2008|title=Fourth time lucky?|magazine=TV Week|issue=26|page=33}}</ref>
After his character was written out of ''Neighbours'', Mitchell went to the UK and took over the role of Wishee Washee in ''Aladdin'' from his former co-star Jeremy Angerson.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0002240/19931023/275/0033|title=Ben shows he's a good neighbour|last=Whetstone|first=David|date=23 October 1993|work=Newcastle Journal|access-date=18 January 2025|url-access=subscription|via=British Newspaper Archive}}</ref> He also guested in an episode of ''Celebrity Squares''.<ref name="Robinson"/> After appearing in a play in Melbourne, Mitchell returned to the UK in 1994 to star as the Beast in a production of ''Beauty and Beast'' in Chesterfield.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0005103/19940317/369/0044|title=Ben takes on the Beast|last=Patrick|first=Lynne|date=17 March 1994|work=Derbyshire Times|access-date=18 January 2025|via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription}}</ref> He also co-hosted an episode of ''Ryantown'',<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001730/19940212/114/0017|title=The acting, singing, dancing hunk from OZ|last=Black|first=Sharon|date=12 February 1994|work=Evening Herald|access-date=18 January 2025|via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription}}</ref> and appeared with his former ''Neighbours'' co-stars Simone Robertson and Felice Arena on children's variety show ''Hangar 17''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0003912/19940208/004/0004|title=Tuesday TV|date=8 February 1994|work=Heartland Evening News|access-date=21 January 2025|via=British Newspaper Archive|url-access=subscription}}</ref>
He guested as Troy Keogh in a 1996 episode of ''Blue Heelers'', where he was credited with his full name instead of the shortened Ben Mitchell.<ref>Australian Television Net [http://www.australiantelevision.net/bh/series3.html] Retrieved 6 October 2019</ref> In 2008, Mitchell re-joined ''Neighbours'' in the recurring role of Matt Freedman, the father of Donna Freedman (played by Margot Robbie).<ref name="TLamb"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/neighbours/margot-robbie-neighbours-character-donna-explained/|title=Who did Margot Robbie play in Neighbours? Character explained|last=Knight|first=Lewis|date=26 July 2022|work=Radio Times|access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> He appeared in the independent film ''Chocolate Strawberry Vanilla'' in 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nerdly.co.uk/2014/10/24/celluloid-screams-2014-chocolate-strawberry-vanilla-review/|title=Celluloid Screams 2014: 'Chocolate Strawberry Vanilla'|last=Wheat|first=Phil|date=24 October 2014|publisher=Nerdly|access-date=18 January 2025}}</ref> followed by a role in the ''M is for Mutant'' segment of anthology film ''ABC's of Death 2½'' in 2016. Both films were directed by Stuart Simpson.<ref>[https://www.showcast.com.au/showcast/View/ViewActorProfile?actorId=87792&d=NKNKxSTwgjYM9k9xjLvnrA Showcast.] Retrieved 31 August 2019.</ref><ref>[http://26th.abcsofdeathpart2.com/entry/m-is-for-mutant/ ABCs of Death.] Retrieved 31 August 2019.</ref>
===Music=== {{BLP primary sources|section|date=August 2021}} Mitchell was a member of the Melbourne rock band Tin Canal until they disbanded in 1993.<ref name="Robinson"/> While living in London in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Mitchell founded and performed at an open-mike session called Acoustic Trip at The Lock Tavern, Camden, at the beginning of London's "New Acoustic Movement".<ref name="Phillips">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/may/10/artsfeatures|title=Quiet riot|last=Phillips|first=Dom|date=10 May 2001|work=The Guardian|access-date=18 January 2025}}</ref><ref>Everything2. [https://everything2.com/title/The+New+Acoustic+Movement]. Retrieved 23 September 2019)</ref> Acts to have appeared at Acoustic Trip included Kate Havnevik, James Blunt, Cookie, Smoke Fairies, Louis Eliot (Rialto) and Martha Tilston.<ref name="Phillips"/>
Mitchell has independently released three albums: '''The Stars Can See'' (2006), ''Chance To Love'' (2015) and ''Summer Lover'' (2016). Mitchell's fourth album, ''Slow Is The New Fast'' was produced by Matt Walker (Australian musician) and was released on 10 October 2019.<ref>{{cite web | publisher=AMRAP AirIt | url=https://airit.org.au/Ben-Mitchell-You-Can-t-Fight-That.html | title=Ben Mitchell - You Can't Fight That | access-date=23 November 2019}}</ref> An independent artist, Mitchell's music is licensed through Open Sea Music.<ref>[https://www.openseamusic.co/artist/ben-mitchell/ Open Sea Music]. Retrieved 24 August 2019.</ref>
In 2016, Mitchell had a Number 1 song on the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project<ref>McGeoch, Rowena (28 June 2016). [https://themusicnetwork.com/amrap-chart-wrap-thigh-master-and-ben-mitchell-top-community-radio-charts/ Chart Analysis], The Music Network. Retrieved 24 August 2019)</ref> Every track from ''Chance To Love'' and ''Summer Lover'' albums have received radio play at, or soon after, release on Australian Community Radio stations.<ref>[https://cbf.org.au/learn/about/major-projects/amrap/ Community Broadcasting Foundation]. Retrieved 24 August 2019.</ref> In 2015, Mitchell was chosen as the featured Artist for 'Play Vic Week 2015' by the Community Broadcasters Association of Victoria.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gai|first= Sarah|date=12 July 2016| url=https://sarahgai.wixsite.com/indielove-magazine/single-post/2016/07/12/Introducing-SingerSongwriter-Ben-Mitchell|title=Introducing Singer/Songwriter Ben Mitchell|work= IndieLove Magazine|access-date= 29 August 2019}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|date=August 2021}}
Mitchell has performed in Australia, England, Scotland, Germany, France and The Netherlands, with appearances at Marysville Jazz & Blues Weekend, Queenscliff Music Festival, Spydafest UK, End of The Line, Maroondah Festival (Croydon), Moonee Ponds Festival and Healesville Music Festival.<ref>[https://edinburghcastle.net.au/gig-guide/2016/9/8/ben-mitchell Edinburgh Castle], 8 September 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2019</ref><ref>[https://newcastlelive.com.au/events/ben-mitchell/ Newcastle Live], 18 November 2016. Retrieved 27 August 2019</ref><ref>[https://www.liveguide.com.au/Tours/835906/Ben_Mitchell_at_Retreat_Hotel_Brunswick?event_id=1199280 Live Guide] Retrieved 29 August 2019</ref><ref>[https://www.thebluestrain.com.au/artist/ben-mitchell/ The Blues Train]. Retrieved 24 August 2019.</ref><ref>[http://www.thenewsagencyvenue.com/shows/ddlx89mc2yyrpt3z4y6z3mnccah3y4 The Newsagency]. Retrieved 24 August 2019.</ref>
====''The Stars Can See''==== Mitchell lived and worked in London from 1998 to 2004 where he wrote and recorded the songs for his debut album, ''The Stars Can See''. ''The Stars Can See'' was released by MGM Distribution MGM Distribution and picked up by independent radio stations in Australia including 3JJJ, 3RRR and most notably PBS 106.7FM. It features Claire Worrall from Robbie Williams band on keyboards, Pete Cuthbert (Rialto) on drums, Ben Sargeant (from The Script) on bass guitar and was co-produced by Mitchell and Ken Brake at Regal Lane Studios, Primrose Hill.<ref>[https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/ben-mitchell Triple J Unearthed]. Retrieved 24 August 2019.</ref>
====''Chance To Love''==== Recorded in Healesville, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia, every song on ''Chance To Love'' (2015) received radio play across Australia, mostly from community and independent radio stations. Mitchell played all the instruments and produced the album which was released on 17 April 2015.
Mitchell's 2015 independent release, ''Chance To Love'', featured 17 songs, each of which was played on radio stations Australia wide,<ref>[https://cbf.org.au/learn/about/major-projects/amrap/ Community Broadcasting Foundation ORG] Retrieved 21 September 2019</ref> and in Ireland and UK. Stephen Walker from 3RRR's 'Skullcave' called ''Chance To Love'' his "favourite local release at the moment.";<ref>[https://airit.org.au/Ben-Mitchell-Chance-To-Love.html AMRAP AIRIT, 10 June 2015] Retrieved 21 September 2019</ref> The Music's Jeff Jenkins called it "a late night gem."<ref>[https://airit.org.au/Ben-Mitchell-Chance-To-Love.html AMRAP AIRIT]. Retrieved 24 August 2019.</ref>
====''Summer Lover''==== ''Summer Lover'' was released on 21 June 2016. It was recorded in Healesville and mixed by mixed by Simon Russell<ref>[https://www.discogs.com/label/1150062-Deepswitch-Studio DISCOGS] Retrieved 21 September 2019</ref> (whose credits include Hiatus Kaiyote, Human Face, The Melodics and Husky). It features Andy Taite on bass, Glenn Maynard (Pollyanna) on drums and Shane Reilly (Tex Perkins, Lost Ragas) on pedal steel and baritone guitar.<ref>[https://airit.org.au/Ben-Mitchell-Summer-Lover.html AMRAP AIRIT]. Retrieved 24 August 2019.</ref>
===Writing=== Starting out as a songwriter, Mitchell moved into longer form writing including blogging and novel writing.<ref>Sara Bowers, 12 September 2012 [https://sabrabowers.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/interview-with-australian-author-benjamin-grant-mitchell/] Retrieved 8 October 2019</ref>
He wrote ''The Last Great Day'' ({{ISBN|978-0-646-55032-9}}), an autobiographical novel released in April 2011.
A long-time fan of Elvis Presley, Mitchell wrote ''Zippin Pippin'' ({{ISBN| 978-0-987-38031-9}}), a comedy-romance-road-trip about Elvis Presley's unknown, illegitimate Australian son.
==Acting credits== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- |+ Film and Television performances ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes |- ! scope="row"| 1989 | ''Neighbours'' | Coffee shop customer | Guest |- ! scope="row"| 1989 | ''Neighbours'' | Brad Willis | Guest |- ! scope="row"| 1990 | ''Father'' | | |- ! scope="row"| 1990 | ''Skirts'' | Constable Bevan Quinn | Main cast |- ! scope="row"| 1992 | ''Bony'' | | Miniseries |- ! scope="row"| 1992–1993 | ''Neighbours'' | Cameron Hudson | Main cast |- ! scope="row"| 1994 | ''Ryantown'' | Co-host | 1 episode |- ! scope="row"| 1994 | ''Hangar 17'' | Himself | 1 episode |- ! scope="row"| 1996 | ''Blue Heelers'' | Troy Keogh | Episode: "Sex and Death" |- ! scope="row"| 2008 | ''Neighbours'' | Matt Freedman | Recurring |- ! scope="row"| 2014 | ''Chocolate Strawberry Vanilla'' | Tommo | |- ! scope="row"| 2015 || ''Baby Did a Bat Bat Thing'' | Evangelist | Short film |- ! scope="row"| 2016 | ''ABC's of Death 2½'' | | Anthology film, segment: "M is for Mutant" |}
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |- |+ Theatre performances ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes |- ! scope="row"| 1990 | ''Pippin'' | | Noarlunga College Theatre, Adelaide with South Australian Youth Theatre Company |- ! scope="row"| 1992 | ''The Wizard of Oz'' | | Victoria State Opera |- ! scope="row"| 1993–1994 | ''Aladdin'' | Wishee Washee | Sunderland Empire Theatre, UK |- ! scope="row"| 1994 | ''Beauty and Beast'' | The Beast | Chesterfield, UK |- ! scope="row"| 1994–1995 | ''Cinderella'' | Prince Charming | Charter Theatre, Preston, UK |- ! scope="row"| 2008 | ''This is Good Advice'' (''This is a Chair'' by Caryl Churchill and ''Advice to Iraqi Women'' by Martin Crimp) | | Trades Hall New Ballroom, Melbourne with Welcome Stranger |}
===As crew=== {|class=wikitable ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Notes |- | 1989 || ''Jazzland'' || Sound Operator / Engineer || Clare Town Hall, Wirreanda High School, Adelaide, Space Theatre, Adelaide with Jumbuck Youth Music Theatre |- | 2006 || ''Little Shop of Horrors'' || Producer || Woodbin Theatre, Geelong with Geelong Repertory Theatre Company |}
*Source:<ref>{{cite web|url= https://ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/434102|title=Ben Mitchell theatre credits|publisher=AusStage|access-date=14 September 2025}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.ben-mitchell.com}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mitchell, Benjamin Grant}} Category:Australian male singer-songwriters Category:Australian singer-songwriters Category:Living people Category:Male actors from Melbourne Category:Actors from Sale, Greater Manchester Category:20th-century Australian actors Category:21st-century Australian actors Category:Australian soap opera actors Category:Australian film actors Category:Australian television actors Category:1969 births