Alex Ben Block

Alex Ben Block is an award-winning author, best known for his compelling and deeply researched books and articles which offer rare insights into the inner workings of the entertainment industry. His writing explores the lives of iconic stars, the rise and fall of entertainment empires, and the business mechanics behind the film and television industry. He has also delved into writing about the rich history, philosophy, and cultural influence of martial arts at times in his career, beginning with his first best-selling book. Whether profiling moguls, legendary martial artists, or deconstructing media and cultural myths, Block’s storytelling brings an insider’s understanding and vivid narrative style that has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal readership.

Among his published works are the international bestseller The Legend of Bruce Lee, the critically praised OUTFOXED: The Inside Story of America’s Fourth Television Network, and George Lucas’s Blockbusting: A Decade-by-Decade Survey of Timeless Movies Including Untold Secrets of Their Financial and Cultural Success. 

Block’s deep knowledge of the entertainment industry stems from a long career in journalism, where he served as Editor of The Hollywood Reporter, Associate Editor at Forbes, and Editor of Television Week, as well as an editor and columnist on major newspapers. His editorial work has shaped industry discourse, and his books and articles have delivered lasting and illuminating contributions to media and entertainment history.

His work as an author and journalist has been recognized with numerous honors, including the prestigious Journalism Award from The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors, Entertainment Journalist of the Year from the Los Angeles Press Club, The Will Rogers Foundation Award, and multiple National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards.

In addition to his writing, Block has contributed to the cultural conversation as a public speaker, panel moderator, and media commentator on NBC, NPR, CNN, and more. He has been widely quoted in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and The Times of London. Block also has been interviewed in many documentaries about martial arts, most notably Bruce Lee: The Curse of the Dragon (1993).

Block holds degrees from Ithaca College and The New York Institute of Photography Film School, and has taught classes at USC, UCLA, and Loyola Marymount. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, actress Jodi Taylor. Their daughter, Hayley Taylor Block, is a singer-songwriter, documentary filmmaker, and the mother of his two grandchildren.