Robby Benson
Robby Benson (born January 21, 1956) is an American actor, director, singer, and educator. He is best known for his roles in films during the 1970s and 1980s, as well as for providing the voice of the Beast in the animated Disney film Beauty and the Beast.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Robby Benson was born Robin David Segal in Dallas, Texas. He is the son of Freda Ann (née Benson), a singer, actress, and business promotions manager, and Jerry Segal, a writer. Benson was raised in a Jewish family and grew up in New York City.
Career[edit | edit source]
Acting[edit | edit source]
Benson began his acting career at a young age, appearing on Broadway in The Rothschilds and The Pirates of Penzance. He gained fame as a teen idol in the 1970s with roles in films such as Jeremy (1973), Ice Castles (1978), and Ode to Billy Joe (1976).
In 1991, Benson provided the voice for the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, a role he reprised in several sequels and related media.
Directing[edit | edit source]
In addition to acting, Benson has directed several television episodes and films. He directed episodes of popular TV series such as Friends, Ellen, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Teaching[edit | edit source]
Benson has also worked as an educator, teaching film and theatre at various institutions. He has been a professor at New York University, the University of Utah, and Indiana University Bloomington.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
Benson married singer and actress Karla DeVito in 1982. The couple has two children. Benson has been open about his health issues, including his struggles with heart problems, which he has undergone multiple surgeries to address.
Filmography[edit | edit source]
Film[edit | edit source]
- Jeremy (1973)
- Ode to Billy Joe (1976)
- Ice Castles (1978)
- Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Television[edit | edit source]
- Friends (Director)
- Ellen (Director)
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch (Director)
Awards and Nominations[edit | edit source]
Benson has received several awards and nominations throughout his career, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in Jeremy.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
