Hey Ozark fans! One of the burning questions many of us had while watching the show was: just how old are Ruth Langmore and Ben Davis? Age can be a tricky thing in TV shows, especially when the actors look different from what their characters are supposed to be. Let's dive into the details and clear up any confusion about Ruth and Ben's ages in the Ozark series.

Ruth Langmore's Age

Ruth Langmore, played by the incredibly talented Julia Garner, is one of the most compelling characters in Ozark. When the series starts, Ruth is portrayed as a young woman deeply entrenched in the criminal activities of the Ozarks. To pinpoint Ruth's age, we have to consider the timeline within the show.

In the first season, it's generally accepted that Ruth is around 22 years old. This is based on hints dropped throughout the season and the context of her life. She's already heavily involved in petty crime and has a strong grasp of the local dynamics. By the time the fourth and final season rolls around, a few years have passed. Given the timeline, Ruth is likely around 25 or 26 years old by the series' conclusion. Julia Garner, who was born in 1994, was in her early to mid-twenties while filming the show, which aligns well with Ruth's character development throughout the seasons.

Ruth's journey in Ozark is marked by significant growth and evolution. Starting as a hardened, street-smart young woman, she becomes an integral part of the Byrdes' money-laundering operation, showcasing her intelligence and adaptability. Her age plays a crucial role in how she navigates the dangerous world she inhabits. As a young woman in a male-dominated criminal environment, Ruth faces unique challenges that test her resilience and resourcefulness. Her interactions with Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) and other key characters highlight her capacity to learn and evolve, despite the constant threats surrounding her.

The character's age also influences her relationships, particularly with her family. Ruth's loyalty and fierce protectiveness towards her cousins, Wyatt and Three, reveal a maturity beyond her years. She carries the weight of responsibility for their well-being, often making difficult decisions to ensure their safety. This sense of familial duty adds depth to her character, making her a relatable and sympathetic figure, despite her involvement in criminal activities. Throughout the series, Ruth's age serves as a lens through which viewers can understand her motivations, struggles, and ultimate quest for a better life. Her evolution from a young, hardened criminal to a complex, multi-faceted character is a testament to the show's brilliant writing and Julia Garner's exceptional performance.

Ben Davis's Age

Ben Davis, portrayed by Tom Pelphrey, is Wendy Byrde's (Laura Linney) brother. Ben's age is a bit more straightforward compared to Ruth's. Ben is depicted as being in his early forties when he appears in the series. This is explicitly mentioned in the show, giving us a clear understanding of his age.

Ben's character is significant because he brings a level of unpredictability and chaos to the Byrdes' carefully constructed world. As a former teacher with bipolar disorder, Ben struggles to maintain stability and often acts impulsively. His age is relevant because it positions him as an adult with a history of mental health challenges, which have significantly shaped his life. Ben's arrival in the Ozarks disrupts the delicate balance the Byrdes have worked so hard to achieve. His inability to keep secrets and his moral compass often clash with the ruthless pragmatism required to survive in their criminal enterprise. This creates tension and conflict, particularly with Wendy, who is torn between her loyalty to her family and her desire to protect her brother.

The character's age also influences his relationships with other characters in the series. Ben forms a close bond with Ruth, who sees in him a kindred spirit struggling to find his place in the world. Their connection is based on mutual understanding and a shared desire for honesty and authenticity, qualities that are often lacking in the Ozarks. Ben's relationship with Jonah Byrde (Skylar Gaertner) is also notable. He acts as a mentor figure to Jonah, encouraging his intellectual curiosity and providing him with a sense of purpose. These relationships highlight Ben's capacity for empathy and connection, despite his own personal struggles. Ultimately, Ben's age and life experiences contribute to his tragic arc in the series. His inability to cope with the dangerous realities of the Byrdes' world leads to his downfall, making him a cautionary tale about the consequences of naiveté and mental illness in a criminal environment. Tom Pelphrey's portrayal of Ben is both compelling and heartbreaking, capturing the character's vulnerability and the devastating impact of his actions on those around him.

Why Their Ages Matter

Understanding the ages of Ruth and Ben is crucial for grasping their motivations and actions throughout the series. Ruth's youth underscores her vulnerability and the limited options available to her. She's forced to grow up quickly in a harsh environment, making her decisions all the more impactful. Ben's age, on the other hand, highlights his life experiences and the mental health challenges that shape his behavior. His actions are often a result of his condition, adding layers of complexity to his character.

Their respective ages also influence their relationships with the Byrde family. Ruth's dynamic with Marty is one of mentorship and dependence, while her interactions with Wendy are often fraught with tension and mistrust. Ben's relationship with Wendy is deeply personal, marked by familial love and the burden of shared history. These relationships drive much of the plot and contribute to the overall themes of family, loyalty, and survival in Ozark.

Furthermore, the contrast between Ruth's youth and Ben's relative maturity underscores the different paths they have taken in life. Ruth's early exposure to crime has shaped her into a hardened and pragmatic individual, while Ben's background as a teacher reflects a more idealistic worldview. This contrast highlights the impact of environment and circumstance on personal development, adding depth and nuance to their characters. In the end, understanding Ruth and Ben's ages is essential for appreciating the complexities of their characters and the roles they play in the overarching narrative of Ozark. Their stories serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals living on the margins of society and the difficult choices they must make to survive.

In Summary

So, to recap: Ruth starts Ozark around 22 and is approximately 25-26 by the end of the series. Ben is in his early forties when he appears. Knowing their ages helps us better understand their roles and decisions within the show. Hope this clears things up, Ozark fans! Understanding these details adds another layer to the already intricate and gripping narrative. Keep enjoying the show!