Raised in Maryland

Following graduation from Yale Law School, worked as a poverty lawyer in New Haven, Connecticut

Worked as an attorney for the Federal Trade Commission investigating claims of fraud in advertising

Worked as a lawyer and speechwriter for US Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford

Wrote syndicated column for King Features Syndicate

Appeared in the film "The Wild Life" as a salesman

Had a memorable cameo as the monotone economics teacher in John Hughes' "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", making his face and voice recognizable to many moviegoers

Contributed to the PBS documentary "Hollywood's Favorite Heavy: Businessmen on Primetime TV"

Reteamed with Hughes, acting in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles"

Played recurring role on the syndicated sitcom "Charles in Charge"

"The Boost", a drug-themed drama based on his novel "Ludes", was released

Wrote a bi-weekly diary for AMERICAN SPECTATOR

Had a recurring role on "The Wonder Years" (ABC) as science teacher Mr. Cantwell

Appeared in the features "Ghostbusters II" and "Easy Wheels"

Had a cameo in the comedy feature "Soapdish"

Guest starred on ABC's adventure drama "MacGyver"

Covered the Democratic and Republican National Conventions for Comedy Central's "Indecision '92"

Appeared in "Honeymoon in Vegas"

Appeared on episodes of "Melrose Place" (Fox) and "Full House" (ABC)

Played himself in a cameo in the White House-set comedy "Dave"

Acted in the children's feature "Dennis the Menace"

Played a school principal in a two-episode recurring role on the comedy series "Hearts Afire" (CBS)

Appeared in "My Girl 2" and "North"

Guest starred on episodes of "Love & War" (CBS)

Appeared on the series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman" (ABC) and "Live Shot" (UPN)

Was featured in "Miami Rhapsody" (as a rabbi) and "Casper"

One of his stories was adapted into an episode of the ABC series "The Marshal"

Acted in the comedy "House Arrest"

Provided voice of recurring character Dr. Ben on the anminated series "Duckman"

Had a cameo in the sequel "Casper: A Spirited Beginning" and did voiceovers for the feature "A Smile Like Yours"

Wrote column on Hollywood for E! Online

Hosted the Comedy Central game show "Win Ben Stein's Money"

Had a guest stint on "The Hughleys" playing a therapist

Appeared on UPN's "Shasta McNasty" as himself in an episode taking place on "Win Ben Stein's Money"

Hosted the interview series "Turn Ben Stein On"