A Star is Born
Robby Benson, now 69, exploded onto the Hollywood scene in the 1970s. The fresh-faced teen idol quickly became a household name, captivating audiences with acting, directing, and voice work. Fans still respond warmly to his images, noting how little he’s changed over five decades.
The 1970s: Teen Stardom and Public Promise
In 1973, Benson appeared at the Cannes Film Festival promoting Jeremy, radiating poise and promise. He posed for Tiger Beat magazine in 1974 and starred in the ABC TV movie Death Be Not Proud in 1975. By 1977, he was opening on Broadway with The Act and attending major Hollywood events, cementing his status as a teen idol.
Hidden Struggles Behind the Spotlight
The 1980s revealed a different side. Despite his public charm, Benson battled a congenital heart valve defect. During filming of The Chosen in 1981, he kept his condition secret, sharing it only with his wife, Karla DeVito. “I was raised old-school in theater. You didn’t miss a rehearsal or a show,” he recalled.
Career Growth and Family Life
Benson starred in Running Brave in 1982 and took on adult roles by the mid-1980s, including California Girls and CBS’s Tough Cookies. By 1989, he embraced private life, captured in rare home photos with DeVito and their daughter, Lyric. The 1990s saw him attend award shows and transition to directing, including a full season of Ellen in 1995.
Robby Benson and Karla DeVito with their children Lyric and Zephyr Benson on November 6, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
Health Battles and Advocacy
In the 2000s, Benson faced multiple heart surgeries. After surviving a second heart failure, he moved to Cape Cod and became a vocal health advocate. In 2010, he underwent his fourth open-heart surgery and shared lessons from recovery: pacing oneself and respecting the body’s limits.
A Beloved Comeback
Benson revisited his iconic role as the Beast in 2010 during a special Beauty and the Beast sing-along. He released a multimedia memoir in 2012, crediting DeVito for guiding him through medical challenges. Together, they celebrated milestones like the 25th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast in 2016.
Grandfatherhood and Reflection
In recent years, Benson shared joyful moments with his grandchildren, Kingsley and Aurora, and posted nostalgic comparisons of his teen and present self. In 2024, the couple celebrated their 42nd anniversary, displaying a strong, enduring partnership.
Returning to Acting
In 2025, Benson returned to acting in Season 2 of Severance as Dr. Mauer. Now living in the Pacific Northwest with DeVito, he reflects on life with gratitude. “This is a very healthy time, filled with even more love,” he shared. “I hope I’m the best I can be as a grandfather, father, and husband.”
A Lifetime in the Spotlight
On September 29, 2025, Benson and DeVito posed at a fan convention in front of a tribute to his more than five decades in entertainment—a celebration of resilience, growth, and enduring legacy.
