Ellen couldn’t resist poking fun at Benjamin’s character, saying, “I’m no Riverdance, but I heard you were doing the opposite. You were just doing the shoulders!” Benjamin laughed and explained that he was actually doing the “creek stroll,” a reference to his character’s iconic dance moves on the show.
It had been a while since Benjamin appeared on The Ellen Degeneres Show, and he joked about the changes that had taken place in the studio. “We made it a fireplace for a while with a burning u log, and now we have a pet.” Ellen clarified that the pet was actually a framed picture of a dog, but Benjamin wasn’t expecting it to be stationary. “I thought it would be moving around like it was a pet, but it’s not moving around.”
As Ellen continued to chat with Benjamin, she acknowledged his rise to stardom after his success in “The OC.” Benjamin modestly thanked her and admitted that he had no idea the show was such a hit overseas. “I knew people watched it in this country because my parents watch it and tell me what they thought. Good or bad,” he joked. “But overseas, it’s huge.”
The attention and adoration from fans of all ages have been overwhelming for Benjamin. He recounted a recent experience at an event in New York, where he found himself among a crowd of women of various ages. “We thought we were going to a lunch, but it turned out to be a fashion show-like event,” he said. “These women were cat calling us, cheering, and objectifying us. I loved it. It was awesome.”
Amidst the lively conversation, Ellen couldn’t contain her excitement about a surprise she had planned for Benjamin. She revealed that they had done some investigative reporting and discovered Benjamin’s love for dunk tanks. Growing up in Texas, he had enjoyed attending state fairs and participating in fun activities like bobbing for apples and, yes, the dunking booth.
With a mischievous grin, Ellen announced that they would be setting up a dunk tank for Benjamin later in the show. Benjamin admitted he was a little apprehensive but was determined to give it his best shot. “I’m not that good, but I’m going to work hard at it,” he said with determination.
As the segment came to a close, Ellen reminded the audience to tune in to “The OC” airing on Fox Thursday nights at 8 o’clock. She also shared that River Dan, a band, would be performing next, followed by Benjamin McKenzie taking the plunge in the dunk tank.
In true Ellen fashion, the show promised to be full of laughter, surprises, and memorable moments. Benjamin McKenzie‘s dunk tank challenge was just one of the many highlights that kept fans eagerly tuning in to The Ellen Degeneres Show.
Originally aired on February 23, 2005
