Ben McKenzie, best known for his role as Ryan Atwood on the 2000s teen drama “The O.C.,” is taking on the cryptocurrency industry. Under a bright Saturday morning sun, the actor and director who grew up in Austin spoke on the main stage of the inaugural KUT Festival.

“I’ve always loved true crime. My favorite sub-genre of true crime is what I like to call stupid crime, which is where the criminals are sort of obviously committing crimes, sometimes via tweet.” he said while talking with Texas Standard host David Brown.

McKenzie directed the documentary “Everyone is Lying to you for Money,” which premiered at SXSW London in 2025. He also co-wrote the New York Times best selling book “Easy…