What can you tell me about Ben Bass from “Rookie Blue”?
—Catherine Edejer-McCormick, Beaufort, S.C.
Bass, 45, was born in Baltimore, Md., but moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, when he was 7 years old. Here in the U.S., he is best known for his role as Det. Sam Swarek on “Rookie Blue,” but in Canada and for sci-fi fans, he is also known for his role as the 800-year-old vampire Javier Vachon in the supernatural drama “Forever Knight.”
Bass launched his acting career with the popular teen TV drama “21 Jump Street,” which filmed in Vancouver. His other television credits include “Law & Order,” “Flashpoint,” “Monk,” “Da Vinci’s Inquest,” “Queer as Folk,” “Dead Like Me,” “The Love Crimes of Gillian Guess,” “Beggars and Choosers” and “The Chris Isaak Show.”
He was nominated for a Gemini Award for both the lead role in the Canadian series “Bury the Lead” and the miniseries “Would Be Kings.” His film credits include “A Cool Dry Place,” “Bride of Chucky” and “The 6th Day.”
Bass has also spent time on stage in numerous theaters across North America, including the Stratford Festival. At the Charlottetown Festival in Prince Edward Island, he debuted the stage role of Elvis Presley in “Are You Lonesome Tonight.”
He received his training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in London, England, and at École Jacques Lecoq in Paris, France, and has studied with acclaimed director and teacher Larry Moss.
Bass, who speaks English and French, is married to actress Laura Carswell.
Of his role as Sam Swarek, he says, “We’re actually two very different people, but I do feel very familiar with the character.”
