BenDavid Thomas Grabinski, widely known as BenDavid Grabinski, is a talented American filmmaker, screenwriter, director, producer, and television showrunner whose imaginative storytelling blends comedy, science fiction, thriller, and genre entertainment.
He earned particular recognition for Happily, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and the 2026 action comedy Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice.
| BenDavid Grabinski | |
|---|---|
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | BenDavid Thomas Grabinski |
| Stage Name: | BenDavid Grabinski |
| Born: | February 12, 1983 (age 43 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Lincoln, Nebraska, USA |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | American |
| Height: | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Grabinski |
| Siblings: | Joshua Ferris |
| Spouse: | Amanda Zubillaga (2012) |
| Occupation: | Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Television Showrunner |
| Net Worth: | $3 million |
Early life and education
BenDavid Grabinski was born on February 12, 1983, in Lincoln, Nebraska to Mr. and Mrs. Grabinski. He spent his formative years in Grinnell, Iowa, where he attended Grinnell High School. From childhood, filmmaking was his primary ambition, and he eventually pursued journalism at Iowa State University.
After graduating, Grabinski moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to pursue professional screenwriting and directing. His screenplay The How-To Guide for Saving the World later appeared on the 2008 Black List, bringing early attention to his writing abilities and helping establish his position in Hollywood.
Career
BenDavid Grabinski began his professional career as a screenwriter before expanding into directing, producing, and television showrunning. His screenplay The How-To Guide for Saving the World attracted industry interest and was sold to MGM, while his script Bravado was acquired by Paramount Pictures.
He wrote and directed the short film Cost of Living before making his feature directorial debut with Happily.
Grabinski later developed and wrote Are You Afraid of the Dark? and served as a writer and executive producer on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. In 2026, he wrote and directed Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, starring Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, and Eiza González. The film premiered at SXSW in March 2026 and was released on Hulu later that month.
Awards and nominations
- Black List — 2008: The How-To Guide for Saving the World — Selected screenplay
Social media
- Letterboxd: @bdgrabinski
Personal life
At 43 years old, BenDavid Grabinski is currently single. He was previously married to Amanda Zubillaga, with their marriage beginning in 2012 before ending in divorce.
Grabinski has continued to concentrate professionally on filmmaking, screenwriting, directing, and television development. His height is 180 cm (5 ft 11 in).
Net worth
BenDavid Grabinski‘s net worth is $3 million USD. He accumulated his wealth through screenwriting, directing, producing, television development, showrunning, film projects, and studio writing assignments.
His earnings have been built through productions including Happily, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice, alongside his earlier screenplay and production work.
Filmography
- Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice
- Happily
- Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
- Are You Afraid of the Dark?
- Cost of Living