Philip CasnoffPhilip Casnoff is an American actor and director, known for his roles in TV series and on Broadway. He is probably best known for his portrayal of the sadistic, egomaniacal antagonist Elkanah Bent in the miniseries North and South.Early life and educationBorn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 3, 1949, Philip Casnoff graduated in the 226th Class from Central High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1967, and later from Wesleyan University, where he first caught the acting bug.Personal lifeCasnoff married actress Roxanne Hart. They have two sons.