Ben Mehl

Ben Mehl

From Back To One by Peter Rinaldi

February 3, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 378

About this episode

Ben Mehl shares his journey of pursuing acting despite being legally blind and the impact of teaching on his craft.

Ben Mehl is most recognized for his role as Dante on the hit Netflix show "You." Other TV credits include "The Good Wife," "Supernatural Investigator" and films like "My Christmas Guide" and "Viral Beauty." On stage he has performed with The Public Theater and Williamstown Theatre Festival. He's also a passionate acting teacher and volunteer at the 52nd Street Project. On this episode he tells us the story of finding out he had Stargardt disease, coming to the decision to go ahead with his dream of being an actor despite being legally blind, and the piece of advice a teacher gave him that miraculously made this mountain much easier to climb. Plus we talk about why telling the truth in your life fuels your acting, how teaching has informed his craft, the importance of "trusting the work that you're doing," and much more. Back To One is the in-depth, no-nonsense, actors-on-acting podcast from Filmmaker Magazine . In each episode, host Peter Rinaldi invites one working actor to do a deep dive into their unique process, psychology, and approach to the craft. Follow Back To One on Instagram

People in this episode

Host: Peter Rinaldi

Guest: Ben Mehl

Topics covered

  • acting
  • personal challenges
  • teaching
  • blindness
  • truth in acting
  • career journey

Keywords

  • Ben Mehl
  • acting
  • Stargardt disease
  • teaching
  • Netflix
  • blindness
  • career
  • truth
  • performing arts

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Public Theater, Williamstown Theatre Festival, 52nd Street Project

Books & works: You, The Good Wife, Supernatural Investigator, My Christmas Guide, Viral Beauty

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