From his debut as a fresh-faced teen idol to his current role as a devoted grandfather and vocal health advocate, Robby Benson’s life has unfolded in the public eye in remarkable ways. Over more than fifty years in the spotlight, the evolution of the man behind the persona has been as compelling as the roles he’s played. These photographs and milestones trace a story of resilience, reinvention, and enduring spirit. The Rise of a Heartthrob: Teen Stardom in the 1970s.
In the early 1970s, Robby Benson became a household name virtually overnight. In 1973, he attended the Cannes Film Festival with co-star Glynnis O’Connor to promote the tender romance Jeremy. He carried a poised, hopeful smile that hinted at the bright future ahead. By 1975, he was starring in ABC television films, cementing his status as a youthful heartthrob.
Secrets Behind the Smile: Battling a Hidden Illness
The glamorous façade often concealed deeper struggles. In 1980, a photograph shows him in New York holding a guitar — a quiet nod to his musical pursuits and the soul behind the public persona. That same year, a candid shot with Brooke Shields suggested there was more to Benson than met the eye.
But behind the images, he was fighting a congenital heart valve defect — a serious condition he kept hidden from nearly everyone. He continued to work, pushing through symptoms he would attribute to fatigue or indigestion. Only his wife, Karla DeVito, knew the full truth, and he followed advice that revealing the illness would be “career suicide.”
“I was raised old-school in the theater — you did eight shows a week. You didn’t miss rehearsal, let alone a show,” he later explained. “To others, I blamed fatigue or indigestion. Only Karla knew the truth.”
Love, Family, and Career Shifts Through the 1980s
In 1982, Benson took on the lead role of Olympic runner Billy Mills in Running Brave. By the mid-1980s his roles matured, reflecting his growth both as an actor and a person. In 1986, he joined the cast of the CBS sitcom Tough Cookies, expanding his repertoire. By 1989, public images gave us glimpses of his off-screen life — warm, domestic, and centered on family.
The 1990s: Behind the Camera and Quiet Life
During the 1990s, Benson and DeVito continued to appear together at public events, drawing admiration for their enduring partnership. By 1995, he had transitioned into directing, heading episodes of the hit show Ellen. A 1997 family photo with DeVito and their children, Lyric and Zephyr, signaled a quieter chapter — one less about the red carpet and more about home, roots, and balance.
Fighting for His Heart: A New Mission in the 2000s
By the early 2000s, Benson’s health had become an urgent battle. He underwent multiple heart surgeries and survived a second heart failure. He relocated to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, stepping away from the Hollywood hustle and leaning into advocacy for heart health.
In 2003, he appeared at a benefit for The Actors Fund of America, remaining tied to the industry that shaped him. Then, in 2010, he faced his fourth open-heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Ill-advisedly, he tried to return to running and swimming almost immediately afterward, admitting later he’d been “stubborn.”
“You’ve got to give yourself more time to recover,” he said. “Maybe double what the doctors tell you.”
Rebirth and Reflection: Books, Voice Work, and Renewed Purpose
In 2010, Benson reconnected with fans during a sing-along screening of Beauty and the Beast, reprising his emotional bond to the film in which he voiced the Beast in 1991. Two years later he released his multimedia memoir, I’m Not Dead … Yet!, blending storytelling, music, and photo essays. He candidly admitted much of the content was focused on what not to do — the mistakes, the regrets, and the lessons learned.
He always credited Karla with helping him survive:
“She helped me find doctors, made sure I was getting the right treatment. I’m alive because of her.”
In 2016, he celebrated the 25th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast. By 2019, in interviews, he reflected on a recurring theme in his roles: emotional sensitivity.
“I’m sensitive in my spirit and soul,” he said, “but if someone’s been in the business for 53 years, they’ve also had to grow a thick skin.” He also stressed personal responsibility: “Don’t think of yourself as a victim — you have choices, so try to make the best ones you can.”
Grandchildren, Renewal, and Staying Centered
That same year, he shared a lighthearted photo with his grandson, Kingsley. In 2022, he and Karla posted a sunlit selfie — a glimpse into a partnership spanning more than four decades. In June 2024, he shared a side-by-side image: a teenage photo in a yellow basketball jersey, and a current shot courtside at a game. Fans were moved by how much had changed — and how much remained the same.
Comments poured in:
“Beautiful young man then. A distinguished gentleman now. The same beautiful eyes.” “Absolutely as handsome as ever. Clean living and stellar character!” “Still great hair, man.”
Later in 2024, Benson was seen courtside again, waving to fans, looking relaxed and present. He and Karla also celebrated their 42nd anniversary with a photo of them at a flower-adorned table, both smiling with quiet contentment.
By 2025, Benson returned to acting, appearing in Season 2 of Severance as Dr. Mauer — a role tied intimately to the show’s central mystery.
“I got very lucky,” he admitted.
Now 69, Robby and Karla live in the Pacific Northwest. They have two grandchildren: Kingsley and Aurora. Reflecting on life in his seventh decade, he said:
“It makes me reassess my hours and priorities. This is a healthy chapter, filled with more love — if that’s even possible. I want to be the best grandfather, father, and husband I can be.”
On September 29, 2025, Benson and DeVito appeared at a fan convention beside a tribute display capturing over five decades of his life and career — a visual testament to persistence, reinvention, and the grace of continued purpose.
