Media > Articles > Ben McKenzie McKenzie Stars in New Fox Series 'The OC' The Miami Herald Aug. 05, 2003 There are a couple things that attracted Benjamin McKenzie to the new Fox show, "The OC," which presents a fictionalized version of the upscale, seaside suburbs of Orange County, Calif. On the show, which debuts Tuesday night, McKenzie plays Ryan Atwood, a troubled young man with a rough past. "We're not doing Checkov or Ibsen, this is a drama on Fox," McKenzie told reporters in a recent interview. "But what's interesting to me is the conflict between (his character's) past life and his future life." There's another reason he took the part, though. "...I believed it would pay my rent, which I hadn't been able to do." McKenzie said he's flattered when people say his brooding good looks compare with those of James Dean or Cameron Crowe. "It's very complimentary if I'm being compared to great actors like Mr. Dean and Mr. Crowe, I'm just a kid who's on a TV show... At some point maybe I'll deserve that comparison." 2003 Virtual Rain. This is an unofficial fansite with no relation to FOX, Warner Brothers, or any of their associates. This is just a fansite opened for the purpose of exposing the show "The O.C" to new fans across the internet. Original copyright of all photos remain to FOX/WB and are used purely for the purpose of enjoying the show and furthering its fanbase.