Ruby Glassa Suit by Sebastian Cruz Couture
Shirt by Brooks Brothers
Ascot Tie + Pocket Square by Stylist Own
Shoes by Bruno Marc

Known as a charismatic actor, host, and performer, Jonathan Bennett is continuing to make his mark on the industry. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Aaron Samuels in the iconic film "Mean Girls," a role that has cemented him in pop culture history. With a background in film, television, and theater, his career has spanned various genres, with his most recent venture being his Hallmark Channel affiliation and role as Sir Robin in “Spamalot” on Broadway.

Suit by Christopher Korey
Shirt by Brooks Brothers
Ascot Tie + Pocket Square by Stylist Own
Shoes by Bruno Marc

Congratulations on your first official Broadway role as Sir Robin in” Spamalot.” How did this part come to be and what drew you to the character?
It was literally that dream moment of “Broadway called” and they want you to be in the show! The character of ‘Sir Robin’ is so amazing because you get to be a complete doofus on stage, and there are no rules to him.

The revival of “Spamalot” received a lot of excitement and attention when it was announced last year. What has the experience of working on such hyped production been like?
The best part is the cast and crew. The people involved are the best of the best. They are Broadway Royalty and I get to share the stage with them eight nights a week.

With extensive experience in film and live theatre, I’m curious about what sparked your initial interest in acting?
I don’t know when I wasn’t going to be an actor. From the time I could talk and walk, I was already acting. It’s the only thing I’ve known my entire life, and I’ve never thought about doing anything else.

**Left:**
Oyster Herringbone Suit by Sebastian Cruz Couture
Shirt by Brooks Brothers
Ascot Tie + Pocket Square by Stylist Own
Bianco with Rose Gold Leather Loafer by Sebastian Cruz Couture
**Right:**
Modern-Fit Flex Tuxedo Jacket by Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy.com
Modern-Fit Flex Tuxedo Pant by Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy.com
Shirt by Brooks Brothers
Ascot Tie by Stylist Own
Shoes by Bruno Marc

As someone with a background in film and television, how does performing on Broadway differ from the camera? Are there any particular challenges or rewards that come with live theatre?
What I love about Broadway is you get to test your material with a live audience every night. And believe me, they will let you know if it’s funny or not. When you’re on camera doing a movie, you think your jokes might be funny, but there’s really no one there to validate if your choices make people laugh. That’s why I love Broadway, it’s a place to test material.

Aaron Samuels is a cool and confident heartthrob, Sir Robin is, in some ways, the opposite. How does this role in “Spamalot” compare to your past ones?
Well, I’ve done many other roles besides Aaron Samuels, and what I’ve learned is that I need to show up and be me, and then paint a layer or two of whatever character I’m playing over who I am. So, really anytime you see me, it’s just Jonathan being whoever.

Speaking of Aaron Samuels, how has the release of the new “Mean Girls” musical movie impacted you? Does it bring up memories from the original film?
I actually haven’t seen it.

**Left:**
Modern-Fit Flex Tuxedo Jacket by Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy.com
Modern-Fit Flex Tuxedo Pant by Tommy Hilfiger, Tommy.com
Shirt by Brooks Brothers
Ascot Tie by Stylist Own
Shoes by Bruno Marc
**Right:**
Navy Brillo suit by Sebastian Cruz Couture
Shirt 07 by BLK DNM
Damascus Series Black Tassel Loafer
by Sebastian Cruz Couture

Beyond current and past roles, do you have any dream roles you would love to play in the future, either on stage or the screen?
I would love to do “Little Shop of Horrors“ one day, or do a production of “Noises Off,” which is comedy gold.

For those unfamiliar with the iconic show, what do you hope audiences take away from your performance in “Spamalot?”
We aren’t here to teach you anything, or have you leave the theater a changed person. We are just here to make you laugh for 2.5 hours so hard that your face hurts, so you can feel good and energized, and leave in a good mood. And I think we do that quite well. I’m proud of this show.

Your collaborations with Hallmark Channel have paved the way to numerous GLAAD Media Award nominations. In hindsight, did you ever see yourself becoming the King of Christmas, and have you enjoyed the creative freedom to tell such stories when producing as well?
Getting to executive produce and lead Hallmark Channels first truly gay Christmas rom-com was a dream come true. The response, inclusive of GLAAD recognition, has helped pave the way to a string of LBGTQ+-themed storylines both within and outside of the Holidays which, let’s face it, tends to be the gayest time of the year. What I love so much about Hallmark Channel is that we base our stories in love. If you root your story in love from the start, you have the liberty to add as much comedy and wacky moments as you want, because at the end of the day the characters have heart.

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz
Talent: Jonathan Bennett
Videographer: Justin Rodriguez
Editor: Matyas Kelemen
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Groomer: Mariana Jimenez using Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Hair Glue +
Bumble & Bumble Mousse
Set Design: Jasin Cadic
Editorial Assistant: Skylar Elizabeth
Fashion Stylist Interns: Hanna Flores, Cole Sudduth, Yisha Li , Ana Mergil, Ethan Engh
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Ethan Engh, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine