'Manifest': Josh Dallas' Ben Stone is the modern day Prince Charming among Jeff Rake's plethora of talented faces

'Manifest': Josh Dallas' Ben Stone is the modern day Prince Charming among Jeff Rake's plethora of talented faces

We have been smitten by Ben Stone's character in 'Manifest', and the character probably found a charming edge in actor Josh Dallas. Coming from creator Jeff Rake, Ben was one of the missing passengers of Montego Air Flight 828, who did not age a day even though he and other passengers had disappeared for five-and-a-half years. Ben was a father who went on that plane with his son, Cal (Jack Messina), and his sister, Michaela (Melissa Roxburgh). Ever since they returned, Ben has been one of the rational minds trying to find a scientific explanation behind the plane's disappearance. While Ben has truly emerged as one of the saviors on the show, this is certainly not the first time that Dallas has played a character like this one. 



 

 

Known for his good looks and sensitive acting, Dallas is best known for his roles as Prince Charming/David Nolan in ABC's 'Once Upon a Time' and Fandral the Dashing in Marvel Comics' film adaptation 'Thor'. Acting was always his feat, and Dallas' career has very cleanly paved the way for him to take a quick turn towards his destination. Born in 1978, he graduated from Mount View, soon after which he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company. While working there, Dallas took part in several plays that were hosted with the Royal National Theatre, English National Opera, the New Shakespeare Company and The Young Vic. 

Dallas played Fandral the Dashing in 2011's 'Thor'. (IMDb)
Dallas played Fandral the Dashing in 2011's 'Thor'. (IMDb)

In spite of a sufficiently prestigious background in theatre, Dallas, when he returned to the United States and began looking for a job in Hollywood, was ignored by many. As he was not yet a well-known name in the industry, finding a role was difficult, but luckily he was cast in 2011 as Fandral in 'Thor' after Irish actor Stuart Townsend withdrew from the role days before filming was to begin. However, it is rumored that Dallas landed the role solely because there wasn't enough time to cast a big name, but then again, who cares? We all know how well he executed Fandral the Dashing. Not only was his performance praised by critics and audience alike, but Dallas himself also enjoyed playing Fandral. 

Dallas faced his own share of hardships was trying to get into the industry. (IMDb)
Dallas faced his own share of hardships was trying to get into the industry. (IMDb)

In an interview with Comic Book Resources, the actor had stated, "Fandral is a fun-loving guy. He's a ladies man. It's always debatable how successful he is at that. He thinks he's pretty successful. He thinks that all the ladies love him and, if they don't, then they will soon come around to the idea of loving him." While his charm as Fandral did attract fans, Dallas continued to play with his charming persona in 2011's popular ABC series, 'Once Upon a Time'. Coming from writers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, the series saw Dallas star as Prince Charming or David Nolan, who falls in love with Snow White or Mary Margaret Blanchard, played by Dallas' now wife, Jennifer Goodwin.

Dallas finally found his ground as Prince Charming in 2011. (IMDb)
Dallas finally found his ground as Prince Charming in 2011. (IMDb)

There was no turning back after that. Dallas managed to sweep everyone off their feet when he enacted the role which, let's just say, seems to have been written for him. What was more intriguing about Dallas' Prince Charming was that here the Prince wasn't a concept or a ficitonal idea, but a man who was living among other fairy-creatures. Dallas had explained, "Prince Charming just happens to be a name. He's still a man with the same emotions as any other man. He's a Prince, but he's a Prince of the people. He gets his hands dirty. He's got a kingdom to run. He has a family to protect. He has an epic, epic love for Snow White. He's like everybody else. He's human." To be honest, he has carried on with that pleasant humility even as he portrays Ben Stone.

Dallas plays the Stone family head in 'Manifest'. (IMDb)
Dallas plays the Stone family head in 'Manifest'. (IMDb)

'Once Upon a time' also gave Dallas the love of his life. Although he was initially married to actress Lara Pulver, the couple divorced each other shortly in 2011, around the time when he was cast on the ABC show. After dating his co-star, Goodwin, for two years, they formally announced their engagement in 2013 and married in 2014. Dallas is now the proud father of two sons, but as we know, he cares for his 'Manifest' son just as much. Hopefully, 'Manifest' will be renewed by NBC soon and we will get to see more of the Stone family head, Ben.



 

 

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