Ben Mezrich Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Ben Mezrich, born on February 7, 1969, in Princeton, New Jersey, is an acclaimed American author renowned for his compelling narratives that bridge the realms of true events and storytelling. Raised in a family deeply rooted in academia—his mother, Molli Newman, practiced law, while his father, Reuben Mezrich, chaired the radiology department at the University of Maryland School of Medicine—Ben's intellectual pursuits were nurtured from an early age. He attended Princeton Day School before earning his magna cum laude degree in Social Studies from Harvard University in 1991. Embarking on his writing career, Mezrich initially explored fiction, publishing titles such as Threshold (1996) and Reaper (1998). However, it was his foray into nonfiction that catapulted him into the literary spotlight. His 2002 work, Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, chronicles the audacious exploits of MIT students who mastered card counting to win millions in Las Vegas. The book resonated with readers, spending sixty-three weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List and selling over 2 million copies in fifteen languages. Its success led to the 2008 film adaptation, 21. In 2009, Mezrich authored The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal, delving into the origins of Facebook and the complex relationships among its founders. This insightful narrative served as the foundation for the 2010 film The Social Network, which garnered critical acclaim and won multiple Academy Awards. Throughout his career, Mezrich has demonstrated a unique ability to uncover and narrate stories of ambition, innovation, and moral ambiguity. His bibliography includes over twenty books, with a combined printing of well over 11 million copies. Notable titles such as Ugly Americans (2004), Busting Vega$ (2005), and Rigged (2007) further exemplify his talent for immersing readers in high-stakes worlds where intellect and audacity collide. Beyond his writing, Mezrich is a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on creativity, storytelling, and the intersection of technology and culture. He resides in Boston with his wife, Tonya M. Chen, with whom he co-authors the Charlie Numbers series, and their two children.