Behind the Fame: Robby Benson’s Private Battles and Enduring Love Story
Shifts in Career and Life
The 1980s saw Benson mature into adult roles, including his portrayal of Olympic runner Billy Mills in Running Brave (1982). Family life soon took center stage. In a rare 1989 photo, Benson was pictured at home with DeVito and their young daughter, Lyric, marking the beginning of a quieter, more private chapter.
Public appearances with DeVito—such as at the 1990 premiere of Descending Angel—showed a couple whose partnership remained unshakable. By the mid-1990s, Benson had shifted behind the camera, directing a full season of Ellen, while also raising Lyric and their son, Zephyr.
Health Battles and New Purpose
The 2000s tested Benson in profound ways. Multiple heart surgeries forced him to step back from Hollywood, and he eventually relocated to Cape Cod to focus on health and family. In 2010, he endured his fourth open-heart surgery. Though recovery was grueling, his determination to return to running and swimming proved his resilience.
He later turned his experiences into advocacy, sharing his story in the 2012 multimedia memoir I’m Not Dead … Yet!—a blend of Hollywood memories and life lessons. Benson credits DeVito with saving his life: “She found the right doctors, fought for me, and made sure I survived. I owe it all to her.”
Return to the Spotlight
Even after years away, Benson never lost his connection with fans. He revisited his iconic role as the Beast from Beauty and the Beast during special anniversary events, and in 2024, he returned to acting in Severance Season 2, calling it a “stroke of luck.”
Family, Gratitude, and Legacy
Today, Benson embraces his role as a grandfather, sharing joyful moments with his grandson, Kingsley. In 2024, he and DeVito celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary, a milestone that reflects a bond as enduring as his career.
Living now in the Pacific Northwest, Benson says he is at peace:
“This is the healthiest time of my life, filled with more love than ever. My greatest hope is to be the best grandfather, father, and husband I can be.”
A Life in Pictures
On September 29, 2025, Benson and DeVito appeared together at a fan convention where a booth showcased his life and career—five decades of triumphs, struggles, and unforgettable memories. It was a tribute not just to a Hollywood star, but to a man who has continually evolved, endured, and inspired.