Who played the character Ben Linus on Lost?

Michael Emerson played the character Ben Linus on Lost.

Emerson first appeared as Benjamin “Ben” Linus during the second season, initially posing as a survivor named Henry Gale. Ben is eventually revealed as the leader of the Others, the secretive group living on the island. His shifting motives and talent for manipulation make him one of the series’ most important and morally complicated characters.

The producers originally hired Emerson for only three episodes, but his performance was so well received that the role expanded. He became part of the regular cast from the third season onward and remained central through the sixth and final season. Emerson’s portrayal earned four consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations for supporting actor, and he won in 2009.

Viewers sometimes confuse Ben with other major island figures, especially John Locke, played by Terry O’Quinn, or Jack Shephard, played by Matthew Fox. Those characters have different relationships to the Others, but Michael Emerson is the canonical actor who portrayed Ben Linus.