Icon of the 70s, unrecognizable today: a brilliant youth… but marked by hardship
He set hearts ablaze and left his mark on an entire generation in the 1970s… But today, no one recognizes him anymore. Who could guess that this elderly man you might pass on the street was once the idol of millions of fans?
Icon of the 70s, unrecognizable today — discover Robby Benson
A brilliant youth… but marked by hardship
Born in 1956, Robby Benson was quickly thrust into the spotlight. At just 17, he sold his first screenplay—an extraordinary achievement that paved the way for a promising career. Cult films like Ice Castles and One on One made him a major figure in cinema and a beloved face for the young audiences of the time. But at 20, a life-changing diagnosis altered everything: a congenital heart defect. From then on, the fight for his health became just as important as his career.
Four heart surgeries… and a new philosophy of life
Between 1984 and the years that followed, Robby underwent four open-heart surgeries. It was a difficult journey, which he chose to share openly in his book I’m Not Dead… Yet! Instead of withdrawing from the world, he embraced a strict lifestyle: balanced nutrition, exercise, writing, and reflection. A true personal reconstruction, guided by self-awareness and a desire to live fully.
An unforgettable voice, then a passion for teaching
The public rediscovered him in the 1990s in another form: he lent his voice to the Beast in Disney’s classic Beauty and the Beast. A memorable role that touched a new generation. Robby then continued his path in education, teaching film at several universities across the United States. He considers this one of the most rewarding activities of his life.
A lasting love story and a peaceful life in the countryside
For over 40 years, he has shared his life with Karla DeVito, whom he met on stage at Broadway. Together, they built a close-knit family with children and grandchildren. In 2007, they decided to leave the bustle of Hollywood behind and settle on a farm in North Carolina. There, Robby enjoys a peaceful daily life filled with writing, music, and nature.
A discreet but remarkable comeback
Recently, he surprised fans by appearing in the Apple TV+ series Severance. His subtle and touching performance proved that he has lost none of his acting precision. At 69, he impresses with his serene and well-preserved appearance—the result of an exemplary lifestyle. His intense blue gaze, however, remains unchanged.
An inspiring journey of strength and humility
Robby Benson is more than just an actor with a remarkable career. He is a man who has overcome adversity, found inner peace, and chosen a life full of meaning. Through passion, love, and balance, he proves that it’s possible to reinvent oneself without denying one’s past.
True charm, they say, doesn’t fade with time… it simply grows deeper.