'I'm Sensitive in My Spirit and Soul': The Amazing Transformation of Former Teen Idol Robby Benson, 69, in 35+ Photos

From fresh-faced teen idol to devoted grandfather and health advocate, Robby Benson's five-decade journey has unfolded in the spotlight. Each of these photos captures the aging, endurance, and private evolution of a man who once defined an era.

Robby Benson, now 69, exploded onto the Hollywood scene in the 1970s, becoming an instant heartthrob for an entire generation. Whether acting, directing, or lending his voice to iconic roles, he became a household name across America. Over the years, the camera followed him through every chapter of an extraordinary career.

Even now, longtime fans respond warmly to every new image, often pointing out how little he's changed. This timeline offers a closer look at what has changed — and what hasn't — in over 50 years in the public eye.

Teen Stardom and a Golden Glow: The 1970s Launch

In 1973, a young Benson appeared alongside Glynnis O'Connor at the Cannes Film Festival, promoting the tender romance "Jeremy." The image radiated poise and promise — the beginning of a public life.

In 1975, he starred in an ABC TV movie.

Secrets, Struggles, and Stardom: A Heavy Hidden Burden

In 1980, he was photographed in New York holding a guitar — a quiet nod to his deep interest in music.

That same year, a candid shot with Brooke Shields hinted at a man living two lives — public charmer and private warrior.

A 1981 portrait taken in New York captured his serious, searching gaze — a look fans had come to recognize. But beneath the surface, Benson was hiding a congenital heart valve defect. He kept it secret, continuing to work while navigating a condition that could have ended his career.

During the filming of "The Chosen" in 1981, co-star Rod Steiger gave Benson this advice, "He said if anything were to happen to my heart, to never let anyone know. It's career suicide." Benson followed it — and paid for it.

"I was raised old-school in the theater," he explained. "You did eight shows a week. You didn't miss rehearsal, let alone a show." To others, he blamed fatigue or indigestion. Only his wife, Karla DeVito, knew the truth.

Love, Fame, and Family in the 1980s

In 1982, Benson played Olympic athlete Billy Mills in "Running Brave."

By 1985, his career had shifted to more adult roles.

In 1986, he joined the cast of the CBS sitcom "Tough Cookies."

By 1989, a rare at-home photo revealed a different side — Benson surrounded by family, far from the red carpet.

Glamorous Events and Backstage Moves: The '90s Shift

In 1990, he was photographed at an event with DeVito. Over the years, their public appearances drew admiration for their lasting partnership.

By 1995, he was behind the camera, directing scenes on set. That year, he directed a full season of "Ellen," marking a shift toward directing and producing.

In 1997, a family photo with DeVito, daughter Lyric, and son Zephyr captured a quieter chapter in his life — less public, but no less meaningful.

Battles of the Heart – Literally

In the early 2000s, Benson had already undergone multiple heart surgeries. After surviving a second heart failure, he left Los Angeles and moved to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where he became a vocal health advocate.

In 2003, he appeared at a fundraising event for The Actors Fund of America, staying connected to the community that shaped his early life.

In 2010, Benson underwent his fourth and final open-heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. A marathon runner, he pushed himself too hard, too fast. "I'm a very stubborn guy and did some stupid things," he admitted, recalling his return to running and swimming just two weeks after surgery.

"I kept pushing," he said. "One of the things I hope people get [from my book] is to take the time to let yourself recover. Maybe double the time doctors tell you. You've got to keep in mind you just had your chest sawed open."

A Beast, a Book, and a Beloved Comeback

In 2010, Benson joined fans for a special sing-along screening of "Beauty and the Beast," nearly 20 years after voicing the Beast in the 1991 classic.

In 2012, he released a multimedia memoir titled "I'm Not Dead ... Yet!" Part medical journal, part Hollywood diary, it included songs, photos, and unfiltered lessons. "A lot of it is what not to do," he said.

He credited his wife for helping him survive it all. "She helped me find doctors, she made sure I was getting the best treatment, the right medicine," Benson shared. "I'm alive because of her."

In 2016, he marked the 25th anniversary of "Beauty and the Beast" with a special screening.

In 2019, Benson reflected on his roles that often cast him as a sensitive person. He revealed, "I'm sensitive in my spirit and soul, but if you think someone that's been in show business for 53 years doesn't have a thick skin..."

He also shared advice that had guided him over the years, saying, "Don't think of yourself as a victim — you have choices, so try to make the best ones you can."

Grandfatherhood and a New Perspective

That same year, he posted a playful photo with his grandson, Kingsley.

In 2022, he shared a sunlit selfie with DeVito, who leaned in to kiss his cheek — a glimpse into a partnership four decades strong.

On June 23, 2024, he posted a side-by-side image: one of him as a teen in a yellow basketball jersey, the other of him seated courtside at a game. The juxtaposition drew strong reactions from longtime fans.

One wrote, "A very adorable young man then. A very distinguished gentleman now. Same beautiful eyes. They [sic] eyes say so much. Windows of the soul. Thanks for sharing."

Another added, "Absolutely as handsome as ever! It must be his clean living and stellar character! He's wonderful in every way!" One more noted, "Ya still got great hair!"

That same day, Benson also posted a sunlit close-up of himself outdoors, dressed in a denim shirt. One fan commented, "Mercy….. miss Carla is a lucky lady. And you're a lucky man."

Later in 2024, Benson was spotted courtside again, waving and smiling for the camera — relaxed, content, and present.

That same year, DeVito marked their 42nd anniversary with a photo of the couple at a flower-decorated table. Both wore boutonnieres and smiled contentedly.

In 2025, Benson returned to acting, appearing in Season 2 of "Severance" as Dr. Mauer, a character with ties to the show's core mystery. "I got very lucky," he said.

Now 69, Benson lives with DeVito in the Pacific Northwest. They have two grandchildren: Kingsley and Aurora. Reflecting on this stage of life, he shared, "It makes me reevaluate my hours and priorities. This is a very healthy time, filled with even more love — if that's possible! I hope I'm the best I can possibly be as a grandfather, father, and husband."

On September 29, 2025, Benson and DeVito posed for a photo at a fan convention in front of a booth dedicated to his life and career. Behind them: a tribute in pictures to more than five decades in the spotlight.