Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Gluck.
Hi Ben, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where my family’s roots ran deep. My grandfather owned and operated the historic Edison Hotel on 18th Street across from St. Louis Union Station. Growing up in a state that produced Mark Twain and Walt Disney, I found myself captivated by storytelling from an early age. Whether it was drawing, watching animated films, or imagining my own characters, I always knew I wanted to create worlds and characters that connected with people—even though it often felt like an impossible dream.
That passion eventually led me to Los Angeles, where I built a career in animation. Over the years, I worked my way from story artist to Head of Story and director on animated films and television specials for studios including Disney, Warner Bros., and Apple TV+. Along the way, I had the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented artists, helping shape stories that entertained audiences around the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t always a smooth road. I entered the industry at a time when there were very few openly gay creative leaders in animation. That meant navigating parts of my career without many people who reflected my own experience. While the industry has made meaningful progress, I believe there’s still room to grow.
Those experiences shaped the kind of leader and storyteller I became. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to shape environments where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and bringing their authentic selves to the creative process. I believe the strongest stories come from empathy, collaboration, and diverse perspectives. If my journey has made the path a little less bumpy for someone coming after me, that’s something I’m deeply proud of.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as Head of Story six times on animated feature films and television specials for studios including Disney, Warner Bros., and Apple TV+, giving me one of the most extensive Head of Story careers in the animation industry.
What sets me apart is the perspective I bring to every story. As an openly gay creative leader, I’ve spent my career looking at stories through a lens that hasn’t always been widely represented in mainstream family entertainment. That experience has given me a unique perspective and reinforced my belief that the stories come from a wide range of life experiences.
Today, after contributing to everything from Peanuts holiday specials to major Disney animated feature films, my focus isn’t simply on telling different kinds of stories—it’s on helping broaden the storytelling landscape so that audiences see a wider range of characters, families, and perspectives as a natural part of mainstream entertainment.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My inspiration comes from everywhere—classic literature, animation, museums, theater, history, psychology, and just watching how people interact. I’ve always been drawn to the oddball stuff. Those interests inevitably find their way into my work, and I’m always surprised that they’re often the things people respond to most.
I seek out authors or watch interviews with people whose life experiences resonate with my own. Whenever I discover that kind of commonality, it’s incredibly validating. It reminds me not to be afraid of following my own oddball creative instincts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bengluck.com
- Instagram: @benjamingluck
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengluck
- Twitter: @benjamingluck
- Youtube: @Ben_Gluck
