
Ken Baumann is a name that resonates with fans of The Secret Life of the American Teenager, but his career extends far beyond acting. A writer, publisher, book designer, and former actor, Baumann has carved a unique niche in both entertainment and literature. Born in Urbana, Illinois, and raised in Abilene, Texas, his journey from child actor to multifaceted creative professional is nothing short of inspiring.
This article delves deep into Ken Baumann’s life, exploring his:
- Early beginnings in acting
- Breakthrough role in The Secret Life of the American Teenager
- Marriage to actress Aviva Baumann
- Ventures into writing and publishing
- Personal struggles, including his battle with Crohn’s disease
With insights from IMDb, Wikipedia, People Magazine, and other authoritative sources, we present a comprehensive, well-researched, and engaging profile of Ken Baumann.
Who is Ken Baumann?
Ken Baumann, born Kenneth Robert Baumann on August 8, 1989, in Urbana, Illinois, is an American actor, writer, and publisher. Raised in Abilene, Texas, his family owned a miniature horse ranch and wildlife rescue, which instilled in him a love for nature and creativity.
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Key Highlights of His Career:
- Began acting at age 10 after participating in a modeling competition in Dallas.
- Moved to Los Angeles at 14 to pursue acting full-time.
- Rose to fame as Ben Boykewich in The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008–2013).
- Transitioned from acting to writing, publishing novels and designing books.
- Co-founded Sator Press, an independent publishing house.
Baumann is also known for his intellectual pursuits, having enrolled at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to study philosophy and literature .

Ken Baumann Movies and TV Shows
Ken Baumann’s acting career spans film and television, with notable roles in both indie projects and mainstream productions.
Filmography Highlights :
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2003 | Riding the 9 | Scott | Short film |
2005 | Don’t Ask | Calvin Collins | TV movie |
2008–2013 | The Secret Life of the American Teenager | Ben Boykewich | Main role (121 episodes) |
2009 | Spring Break ’83 | Jimmy | Comedy film |
2012 | The Cottage | Justin | Thriller |
TV Appearances:
- Eli Stone (2008) – Peter Johnson
- Castle (2010–2011) – Ashley
- Call Me Crazy: A Five Film (2013) – Luke
Baumann’s most iconic role remains Ben Boykewich, the lovable, wealthy teen who stands by Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) despite her pregnancy. The show earned him two Teen Choice Award nominations .
Ken Baumann’s Wife: Aviva Baumann
Ken Baumann married actress Aviva Farber on June 16, 2012, in a private Malibu ceremony .
About Aviva Baumann:
- Born July 10, 1984, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- Known for her role as Nicola in Superbad (2007).
- Appeared in NCIS as young Shannon Gibbs.
- Retired from acting post-2012.
The couple shared wedding photos featuring Aviva in a bohemian lace dress, and Ken in a gray suit . Their marriage remains strong, with both focusing on creative and philanthropic endeavors.

Ken Baumann’s Books and Literary Work
After stepping back from acting, Baumann embraced writing and publishing.
Published Works :
- Novels: Solip (2013), Say, Cut, Map (2015)
- Nonfiction: EarthBound (2014), Eat the Flowers (2018)
- Essays & Poetry: Contributed to literary journals
He also designed book covers for Boss Fight Books and co-founded Sweetspot, an iOS app for writers .
Ken Baumann’s Net Worth
While exact figures are undisclosed, estimates suggest:
- Acting earnings from The Secret Life of the American Teenager and films.
- Book sales & publishing ventures contributing to his wealth.
- Likely net worth between $1M–$3M (speculative).
Ken Baumann’s Height, Age, and Weight
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Age | 35 (as of 2025) |
Height | 5’10” (approx.) |
Weight | 165 lbs (estimated) |
Real Name of Ken Baumann
- Full Name: Kenneth Robert Baumann
Popularity and Its Reason
Ken Baumann gained fame due to:
✔ Breakout role in The Secret Life of the American Teenager
✔ Relatable, kind-hearted on-screen persona
✔ Diverse talents in writing and publishing

Nationality and Religion of Ken Baumann
- Nationality: American
- Religion: Not publicly confirmed (Aviva Baumann is Jewish) .
FAQs about Ken Baumann
Q: Is Ken Baumann still acting?
A: No, he retired from acting in 2013 to focus on writing.
Q: Does Ken Baumann have children?
A: No public records indicate children.
Conclusion
Ken Baumann’s journey—from teen actor to literary figure—is a testament to his versatility and intellect. Whether through acting, writing, or publishing, he continues to inspire.
For more updates, follow his publishing work at Sator Press or revisit his iconic performances on streaming platforms.
What’s your favorite Ken Baumann role? Share in the comments!