What is Barbi Benton's Net Worth?
Barbi Benton is a versatile American model, songwriter, actress, singer, and television personality with a net worth of $20 million. Benton gained prominence in the comedy series 'Hee Haw' and was a regular feature in 'Playboy' magazine throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing nude in 1970, 1973, and 1975. Although frequently featured in the magazine, Benton was never a 'Playmate of the Month.'
Benton was in a relationship with Playboy founder Hugh Hefner from 1969 to 1976. She first appeared on Hefner's show, 'Playboy After Dark,' which led to a significant relationship and a financial settlement upon their breakup.
Benton also enjoyed success as a country and pop singer. Her single 'Brass Buckles' (1975) peaked at number 5 on the Billboard country singles chart. Her 1976 single 'Ain't That Just the Way' was notably covered by R&B singer Lutricia McNeal in 1996, becoming a hit in the UK and Sweden. Benton produced and recorded eight albums between 1975 and 1979.
Early Life
Barbi Benton was born on January 28, 1950, in New York City into a Jewish family. Her mother was an investment counselor, and her father was a gynecologist. The family moved to Sacramento when Benton was young, where she took various lessons including piano and scuba diving. Benton attended Rio Americano High School and later enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles with intentions of becoming a veterinarian but later changed her career path due to her aversion to blood.
Career
While at UCLA, Benton joined a commercial agency and began booking commercials nationwide. Her big break came in 1968 with an extra role on 'Playboy After Dark.' Hugh Hefner took a liking to her, leading to more significant roles and eventually a co-hosting position.
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With Hefner's support, Benton changed her name to Barbara Klein for marketability and influenced the purchase of the iconic Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills in 1974. Her modeling career in Playboy included four cover appearances: July 1969, March 1970, May 1972, and December 1985.
(Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)
Benton starred in the comedy show 'Hee Haw' for four seasons before seeking more serious Hollywood roles. Her film credits include 'The Naughty Cheerleader,' 'The Great American Beauty Contest,' 'The Third Girl from the Left,' 'Hospital Massacre,' and 'Deathstalker.' Television appearances include 'McCloud,' 'Sugar Time!,' 'Fantasy Island,' 'The Love Boat,' 'Murder, She Wrote,' and 'The Girls Next Door,' among others.
Benton's music career thrived with her first single, 'Brass Buckles,' reaching the top five on the Billboard country singles chart in 1975. She recorded eight albums, producing her final one herself. Her hit 'Ain't That Just the Way' was a number-one single in Sweden for five weeks in 1976 and was successfully covered by Lutricia McNeal in 1996.
Benton was also a popular guest on late-night and game shows, frequently appearing on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' and 'The Hollywood Squares' throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
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Personal Life
During her time on 'Playboy After Dark,' Benton began a romantic relationship with Hugh Hefner, living with him from 1969 to 1976. Despite their significant age difference, the couple had a deep connection, though they never married. Benton and Hefner remained friends post-breakup, and their bond was highlighted in an episode of 'The Girls Next Door.'
In October 1979, Benton married real estate developer George Gradow. They have two children, Alexander (1986) and Ariana (1988), and maintain homes in Aspen, Colorado, and Los Angeles, California. Benton showcased her Colorado home on HGTV's 'Million Dollar Room' in 2012.
