Robby Benson: From Teen Idol to Devoted Grandfather
From a fresh-faced teen heartthrob to a devoted grandfather and health advocate, Robby Benson has spent five decades in the spotlight. Each photo captures his evolution—both public and private—showing endurance, growth, and resilience.
Rising Star of the 1970s
Benson exploded onto Hollywood’s scene in the 1970s, becoming an instant sensation. Acting, directing, and voicing iconic roles, he became a household name. Fans still respond warmly to every new image, marveling at how little he’s changed.
In 1973, Benson appeared with Glynnis O’Connor at Cannes to promote Jeremy, signaling the start of his public life. By 1975, he starred in the ABC TV movie Death Be Not Proud. Throughout the decade, he graced red carpets, award shows, and magazine covers, building a devoted fanbase.
Hidden Struggles
Behind the fame, Benson faced private challenges. In 1980, he was photographed with a guitar—a quiet nod to his love of music—and with Brooke Shields, hinting at a man balancing public charm and private battles.
Benson secretly lived with a congenital heart valve defect. During the filming of The Chosen in 1981, co-star Rod Steiger warned him that revealing his condition could end his career. He heeded the advice, sharing the truth only with his wife, Karla DeVito, while enduring grueling schedules.
Career Shifts and Family Life
The 1980s brought career growth and personal milestones. In 1982, he portrayed Olympic athlete Billy Mills in Running Brave. By the mid-1980s, he moved into adult roles, appearing in TV movies and sitcoms like Tough Cookies.
In 1989, a rare at-home photo showed Benson with DeVito and their daughter, Lyric, highlighting a quieter, family-focused chapter. Public appearances with DeVito continued to draw admiration for their enduring partnership.
Robby Benson and Karla DeVito during “Descending Angel” Los Angeles premiere on September 7, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Behind the Camera and New Challenges
By 1995, Benson shifted toward directing, helming a full season of Ellen. He balanced family life and professional reinvention, raising Lyric and son Zephyr.
The 2000s tested him further. After multiple heart surgeries, he left Los Angeles for Cape Cod, Massachusetts, embracing health advocacy. In 2010, he underwent a fourth open-heart surgery, returning to running and swimming prematurely—a testament to his stubborn perseverance.
A Beloved Comeback
Benson revisited his iconic role as the Beast in Beauty and the Beast, joining sing-along screenings and celebrating the 25th anniversary in 2016. In 2012, he published a multimedia memoir, I’m Not Dead … Yet!, blending Hollywood stories, health lessons, and personal reflections.
He credited his wife for saving his life: “She helped me find doctors, made sure I got the best treatment. I’m alive because of her.”
Grandfatherhood and Reflection
Benson now enjoys grandfatherhood, sharing playful moments with grandson Kingsley. In 2022, he posted a sunlit selfie with DeVito, celebrating four decades together. In 2024, the couple marked their 42nd anniversary, highlighting a partnership that has stood the test of time.
That year, Benson returned to acting in Severance Season 2 as Dr. Mauer, calling the experience a stroke of luck. Living in the Pacific Northwest, he reflects on life with gratitude:
“This is a very healthy time, filled with even more love. I hope I’m the best I can be as a grandfather, father, and husband.”
A Legacy in Pictures
On September 29, 2025, Benson and DeVito posed at a fan convention in front of a booth celebrating his life and career. The tribute showcased more than five decades of triumphs, struggles, and unforgettable moments in the spotlight.
