Ben Ahlers

Ben Ahlers (born August 17, 1996) is an American actor. He is known for playing Liam Kelly in the NBC drama series The Village, Jack Trotter in the HBO historical drama series The Gilded Age (2022–present), and Burton in the HBO post-apocalyptic drama series The Last of Us (2025).

Early life and career Ahlers was born on August 17, 1996,

In 2017, Ahlers starred in the short film Anna Garcia Does a One Woman Play. He then landed a small role on the NBC drama The Village, his first appearance on network television. He also briefly appeared in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina playing Lucas Hunt, a love interest of the main character.

In 2022, Ahlers was cast on the HBO series The Gilded Age, playing the role of footman and clockmaker John "Jack" Trotter. Beginning as a recurring role, he was promoted to a series regular in the second season. In preparation of the show's second season, Ahlers took watch-making classes with the Horological Society of New York.

In 2025, Ahlers was cast in the second season of HBO series The Last of Us as Burton, a loyal soldier of the Seattle rebel militia group Washington Liberation Front (WLF). Introduced during a flashback as a naïve rookie serving the government, he is recruited to the WLF by Jeffrey Wright's Isaac.

In May 2025, Ahlers played the titular role in John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only!, a stage show from Mad Men screenwriter Matthew Weiner that premiered at Baltimore's Center Stage.

In a July 2025 announcement, he was cast in Little Brother, an upcoming comedy film on Netflix. That December, it was announced that he would appear in Death of a Salesman in the Broadway revival being led by Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf.

Personal life Ahlers grew up Catholic, but is no longer a practicing Christian.

Due to his The Gilded Age character's clock-making arc, Ahlers has been widely nicknamed "Clock Twink" by fans online, which he has embraced. Following the show, he retained an interest in clock-making, and began collecting vintage watches. He has remained involved with the Horological Society, attending their 2024 gala, and serving as co-chair of the Society's 2026 gala, alongside watchmakers Danièla Dufour (daughter of Philippe Dufour) and Roger W. Smith. he worked as a personal trainer before his acting career became sustainable. and says his favorite author is David Foster Wallace. 2025 12 Hours in the Life of Jason Bruckner Jason Bruckner

2026 Little Brother Kieran Francis

The Village Liam Kelly 7 episodes Instinct Boyd Carter Episode: "Big Splash"

When the Streetlights Go On Brad Kirchoff Main role

2019 Good Boys Brandon Hardy Pasadena Playhouse

2024 Tender Napalm Man Theaterlab, Off-Broadway

2025 John Wilkes Booth: One Night Only! John Wilkes Booth Baltimore Center Stage

2026 Death of a Salesman Happy Loman Winter Garden Theater

Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryNominee(s)WorkResultScreen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama SeriesVarious The Gilded Age Theatre World AwardAhlers Death of a Salesman