Benjamin McKenzie's Southland role helped him dodge ticket
Benjamin Mckenzie has his TV drama Southland to thank for helping him escape a speeding ticket, after a cop recognised him from his role as a police officer on the show.
The actor was stopped by officers in Los Angeles and feared the patrolman who pulled his vehicle over would use the opportunity to punish him for his breakthrough part on teen drama, The O.C.
But McKenzie breathed a sigh of relief when he was let off with
just a warning - thanks to his role as an LAPD patrol officer in
Southland.
The star tells talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, "We're driving back on
the 10 Freeway and I'm having a little bit of a fight with my
girlfriend, and I'm not really paying attention to the road. Sure
enough, a cop pulls up behind me.
"Then I hear, 'Are you who I think you are?' Immediately two
thoughts occur to me: This could be either really good, or really
bad. Really good if it's Southland, right? If he recognises me from
Southland because (it's about) law enforcement, he'll probably love
this. If it's The O.C., he's gonna give me a ticket, he might put
me in jail - who knows?
"So again (he asks), 'Are you who I think you are?' I say, 'Yes
sir. Southland?' He goes, 'Alright... Watch your speed,' and gives
me back my licence!"