Mark Gessner

Best-known for playing Dicky in ice hockey sitcom "Benders" (IFC, 2015-), actor and comedian Mark Gessner also appeared in web series "The Residuals" (2014), acclaimed drama "Youth" (2015) and romantic comedy "It Had To Be You" (2015). Born in Sheffield, VT in 1980, Gessner studied acting at Marymount Manhattan College and improv at New York's Upright Citizens Brigade before making his on-screen debut in short film "Imagine Reality" (2007). Minor roles in time travel comedy drama "Freezer Burn" (2007), children's animation "Piper Penguin and His Fantastic Flying Machines" (2008) and Oscar-winning short "God of Love" (2010) then followed before Gessner racked up guest appearances on hit TV shows "The Big C" (Showtime, 2010-13), "Veep" (HBO, 2012-) and "Orange is the New Black" (Netflix, 2013-). After taking the lead role of down-on-his-luck Lance Wesley in short film "Guest House" (2013), Gessner enjoyed a two-episode stint on the 50 Cent-produced drama "Power" (Starz, 2014-) and played the 'casting agent from hell,' Mark Lyell, in web series "The Residuals" (2014). Gessner's profile grew considerably when he landed the role of heavy-drinking hedge fund manager Dicky in bawdy sports comedy "Benders" (IFC, 2015-) and appeared as a shy screenwriter in Paolo Sorrentino's second English-language feature "Youth" (2015). Following cameos in "Person of Interest" (CBS, 2011-) and "The Blacklist" (NBC, 2013-), Gessner returned to the big screen with supporting parts in edgy romantic comedy "It Had To Be You" (2015) and indie drama "Nowhere Ever After" (2016).