From teen heartthrob to devoted grandfather, Robby Benson’s career spans five decades of fame, reinvention, and resilience.
Rising Star of the 1970s
Benson burst onto Hollywood’s scene in the 1970s, starring in Jeremy (1973) and Death Be Not Proud (1975). With red-carpet appearances, magazine covers, and leading roles, he quickly became a household name. Fans admired both his talent and enduring boyish charm.
Private Struggles
Behind the fame, Benson battled a congenital heart valve defect. He kept it secret, fearing it would derail his career, confiding only in his wife, singer Karla DeVito. Despite grueling work schedules, he continued acting in films like The Chosen (1981) and Running Brave (1982).
Family and Career Shifts
By the mid-1980s, Benson transitioned into adult roles and television work while raising two children with DeVito. In 1989, rare photos captured his quieter family life. By 1995, he moved behind the camera, directing shows like Ellen.
Health Battles and Advocacy
The 2000s brought multiple heart surgeries. After relocating to Cape Cod, he embraced health advocacy and later chronicled his journey in his 2012 memoir I’m Not Dead … Yet!. Benson credited DeVito for saving his life through unwavering support.
A Beloved Comeback
He revisited his famed role as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast events and, in 2024, returned to acting in Severance Season 2. Now living in the Pacific Northwest, Benson cherishes time with his grandson Kingsley while celebrating 42 years of marriage.
At 69, Benson reflects with gratitude: “I hope I’m the best I can be as a grandfather, father, and husband.”