Early Years and Career Beginnings
Robby Benson was born on January 21, 1956, in Dallas, Texas. He grew up in New York City and began his acting career at the age of 12 by appearing in a Broadway production of โThe Rothschilds.โ In 1972, he landed his first film role in โJory,โ and went on to star in several other movies throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Benson is best known for his roles in โIce Castles,โ โOde to Billy Joe,โ and โOne on One.โ He also provided the voice for the Beast in Disneyโs โBeauty and the Beast.โ In addition to his acting career, Benson is also a writer, director, and producer.
Net Worth and Career Highlights
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Robby Bensonโs net worth is estimated to be $5 million. While he has not been as active in the entertainment industry in recent years, Bensonโs career highlights include his roles in โIce Castlesโ and โBeauty and the Beast.โ He has also directed several television shows and movies, including episodes of โFriendsโ and โEllen.โ
In addition to his work in entertainment, Benson is also a professor at New York Universityโs Tisch School of the Arts. He teaches courses in film directing and screenwriting.
Personal Life and Family
Robby Benson has been married to his wife, Karla DeVito, since 1982. They have two children together, a son named Zephyr and a daughter named Lyric. DeVito is also an actress and singer, and has appeared in several Broadway productions.
Benson has been open about his struggles with heart disease, and underwent four open-heart surgeries between 1984 and 2012. He has also been an advocate for heart health, and has worked with organizations such as the American Heart Association to raise awareness about the condition.
Recent Projects and Future Plans
While Robby Benson has not appeared in many movies or television shows in recent years, he has continued to work on various projects. In 2019, he directed the film โThe Chaperone,โ which starred Elizabeth McGovern and Haley Lu Richardson.
Benson has also been working on a memoir, which is set to be released in 2021. The book, titled โIโm Not DeadโฆYet!,โ will focus on his experiences with heart disease and his career in entertainment.
Legacy and Impact on the Industry
Robby Bensonโs contributions to the entertainment industry have been significant, both as an actor and as a director. His performances in movies such as โIce Castlesโ and โBeauty and the Beastโ have become iconic, and his work as a director has helped shape the television landscape.
Bensonโs advocacy for heart health has also had a significant impact, as he has helped raise awareness about the condition and the importance of early detection and treatment.