“I Feel It Deeply in My Spirit and Soul”: Robby Benson, 69, Reflects on His Journey from Teen Idol to Beloved Grandfather
From Heartthrob to Family Man
For more than five decades, Robby Benson has lived in the spotlight. From his days as a teen idol to his role as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and health advocate, Benson’s life has been one of resilience, growth, and transformation. Each chapter of his story, captured in photos and memories, reveals not just a career but a legacy.
A Hollywood Rising Star
The 1970s catapulted Benson to fame. His breakout role in Jeremy (1973) alongside Glynnis O’Connor marked the beginning of his public journey. By 1975, he was captivating audiences in the TV movie Death Be Not Proud. Red carpets, magazine covers, and award shows followed, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars.
Behind the Fame
Yet, away from the cameras, Benson carried a hidden struggle: a congenital heart valve defect. While filming The Chosen in 1981, co-star Rod Steiger cautioned him against disclosing the condition for fear it would end his career. He took the advice to heart, confiding only in his wife, Karla DeVito, while continuing to push himself through long hours and demanding schedules.