If you grew up in the 1970s, there’s a good chance Robby Benson was one of the faces on your bedroom wall. After starring in films like Ice Castles and One on One, he quickly became a teen heartthrob—and later reached a whole new generation by voicing the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991). But his career didn’t stop there—far from it.
Over the years, Benson expanded well beyond acting. In addition to voice work for animated series and video games, he moved behind the camera, writing and directing projects like Modern Love and helming episodes of popular shows such as Ellen and Friends. His passion for storytelling also led him into academia, where he became a respected film professor, teaching at institutions like UCLA, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and Indiana University before retiring in 2016.
Although he stepped back from acting for a time, Benson returned to the screen in 2019 after an eight-year break, appearing in the film Apple Seed and the Hallmark movie A Feeling of Home. He was drawn to the latter’s heartfelt story, especially its focus on family relationships—something that closely mirrors his own priorities in life.
Family has always been central to him. Benson has been married to actress Karla DeVito since 1982, and together they have two children. Now also a grandfather, he often speaks about how this stage of life has reshaped his perspective, deepening his appreciation for love, time, and connection.
Another defining part of Benson’s journey has been his health. Diagnosed with a heart condition as a teenager, he has undergone multiple open-heart surgeries over the years. He later shared his experiences in his memoir I’m Not Dead… Yet!, offering a candid look at facing mortality with resilience and gratitude.
Interestingly, despite his fame in the ’70s, Robby Benson never fully saw himself as a teen idol. It was only through fans’ reactions that he began to grasp the impact he had. Today, his legacy stretches far beyond those early roles—encompassing acting, directing, teaching, and inspiring others with his story.
