Anyone who turned on a TV in the 1990s is likely to be familiar with the name Ben Savage, the child actor who ruled the airwaves in his role as teenager Cory Matthews on the hit TV sitcom Boy Meets World from 1993 until 2000. 19 years after the show ended, Savage is still pulling in the gigs, having transitioned from child star to adult actor with none of the usual tragedies and tribulations we’re used to seeing. To find out more about the talented actor, keep reading.
1. His brother starred in The Wonder Years
Ben, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, isn’t the only child of Joanne and Lewis Savage to make a name for himself in showbiz. His brother is the actor/ director Fred Savage, a name you may be familiar with if you remember the late 80s/ early 90s coming-of-age comedy-drama, The Wonder Years. Fred’s portrayal of the character of Kevin Arnold won him two Golden Globes nominations and two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (the youngest ever actor to be nominated). After The Wonder Years wrapped in 1993, Fred returned to high school and studied at Stanford. After completing his education, he returned to acting in the NBC sitcom, Working, and has since built a successful career as an actor, TV host, director, and producer.
2. His sister wrote the soundtrack to Daddy Day Camp
Credit : @bensavage on Instagram
While Ben and Fred may be the two best-known names in the Savage clan, Ben’s older sister Kala has also worked extensively in the entertainment industry. In addition to appearing in films such as Little Monsters (1989), Dead Write (2007), La Cucina (2007) and TV shows such as Undressed (1999), Santa Barbara (1989), and 8 Simple Rules (2003-2004), Kala can claim songwriting credits for the song “Hey Juanita” from the 2007 feature film Daddy Day Camp.
3. He made his film debut at 9
While it’s coincidence enough that each of the Savage children pursued a career in entertainment, it’s even more of a coincidence that all three appeared in the same film together as children. Both Kala and Ben got their first taste of big-screen success starring alongside their brother, Fred (who at that point was already an established actor) in the 1989 film Little Monsters, a black comedy starring Fred as the lead character of 11-year-old Brian Stevenson, and Howie Mandel as Maurice, a monster who Brian makes friends with.
4. He’s best known for Boy Meets World
Credit : @bensavage on Instagram
Ben’s first significant speaking role on TV was as the character of Matthew on the comedy series Dear John (1988). While the part bought a lot of critical acclaim to Ben’s door, it was the character of Cory Matthews on the hit TV sitcom Boy Meets World that made his name. Ben played the role from 1993 until 2000, winning numerous awards nods in the process (including nominations for Best Youth Actor Leading Role in a Television Series and Best Performance in a TV Comedy: Leading Young Actor at the Young Artists Awards, and an award for Favorite Television Friends at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in 2000).
5. He made a guest appearance on The Wonder Years
Given that both Savage brothers were involved in 2 of the biggest TV shows of the 1990s, it couldn’t have been too surprising when TV bosses decided to capitalize on the crossover appeal of the two series by having each brother make a brief appearance on the other’s show. Ben earned his appearance on The Wonder Years in the season three episode The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, while Fred debuted on Boy Meets World in the 1998 episode “Everybody Loves Stuart“.
6. He Wants to run for Congress
Credit : @bensavage on Instagram
Like his brother Fred, Ben studied at Stanford University, although unlike his brother (who chose to major in English), Ben decided to major in Political Science. He spent part of his studies in 2003 interning for US Senator Arlen Specter before graduating the following year. In 2023, the actor filed paperwork indicating that he plans on running for Adam Schiff’s California House seat. Carlifonia’s 30th District includes Burbank, West Hollywood, and Pasadena.
7. He returned to the character of Cory Matthews in 2012
In 2012, Ben surprised fans by announcing he would be reprising the role of Cory Matthews 14 years after Boy Meets World aired for the last time. Two years later, Girl Meets World premiered on the Disney Channel, featuring Ben and his Boy Meets World love interest Topanga (Danielle Fishel) as a married couple with two young children. As well as his on-screen duties, Ben took an active role behind the camera, directing several episodes of the hit show before it finally drew to a close in 2017.
8. He volunteers for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
Over the years, Ben has used his celebrity status for good, using it as a platform to draw attention to some of the causes closest to his heart. Included in that number is the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on preventing and eliminating HIV and Aids through research, prevention, and treatment programs. Ben is a regular volunteer at the organization and donated items to the talent agent Rocky Stone as part of his Toy Mountain Campaign.
9. Ben Savage is engaged
Credit : @bensavage on Instagram
The Boy Meets World actor is now engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Tessa Angermeier. The couple started dating in 2018 but haven’t been updating the public about the progress. But we’re glad they didn’t because it makes this news even more exciting. We’ve always known that Ben savage would follow his heart. And it led him to the love of his life.
10. His Net Worth is $12 Million
Wondering what the reward for starting work at the age of 5 is? If Celebrity Net Worth is to be believed, it’s several million dollars. Thanks to a four-decade career, Ben is now sitting on a net worth of $12 million.
