Ben McKenzie is an American actor, author, and cryptocurrency critic. He holds a degree in Economics and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia, which laid the foundation for his unexpected journey into financial journalism. McKenzie gained fame for his roles in popular television series like "The O.C." and "Gotham," but his interest in economics never waned. In 2021, he began investigating the cryptocurrency industry, driven by concerns about celebrity endorsements and potential fraud. Collaborating with journalist Jacob Silverman, McKenzie co-authored "Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud," a critical examination of the crypto world. His unique perspective as both an insider in the entertainment industry and an economics graduate brings a fresh voice to financial journalism. McKenzie has written articles for publications such as Slate, The New Republic, and The Washington Post, and has appeared as a pundit on major news networks discussing cryptocurrency. He currently resides in New York City and continues to advocate for financial literacy and consumer protection.