Barbi Benton, born Barbara Lynn Klein on January 28, 1950, is a name many of
our viewers will likely recognize from various corners of the entertainment world. Originally
stepping into the spotlight as a model for Playboy magazine, Barbi was more than just
another pretty face. She also became well-known as a regular on the comedy series "Hee Haw" for
four seasons. Beyond that, she had a decent run in the country music scene during the
1970s, recording several albums that enjoyed modest success. However, her public life took
a backseat after the birth of her first child in 1986, as she chose to focus on raising her family.
So where is Barbi Benton now, especially as she hits her early 70s? You might be
wondering how someone with such a varied career is doing these days.
Is she still as stunning as she was during her days in front of
the camera? What has she been focusing on since her retirement from the limelight?
In this video, we'll take a deep dive into the life and times of Barbi Benton. We'll
explore her early years in Playboy, her stint on "Hee Haw," and her foray into the world of
country music. Then, we'll shift gears to learn about her life after show business,
including how she transitioned into a dedicated mother and what she's been up to recently.
You won't want to miss this comprehensive "then and now" look at Barbi Benton. So grab a snack,
lean back in your coziest chair, and get ready to be amazed by the many sides of
this fascinating woman, as we catch up with her today. Trust us, you're in for some surprises!
Facts Verse Presents: Barbi Benton is 73 Years Old, Try Not to Gasp When You See Her Now
Barbi’s Auspicious Beginnings In The Big Apple
Before becoming the multi-talented Barbi Benton we know today, she was
born Barbara Lynn Klein in the bustling city of New York. With a Jewish heritage,
her upbringing had the flavor of tradition, but it was anything but conventional. Her
father worked as a gynecologist, navigating the complexities of human health, while her
mother delved into the intricacies of finance as an investment counselor. These were early
indicators that Barbi came from a family where smarts and skills weren't in short supply.
Barbi's story took a turn when her family moved across the country to Sacramento,
California. There, she became a student at Rio Americano High School and wasted no time in
exploring a variety of interests that showcased her zest for life. From playing the piano,
hinting at her future endeavors in the music world, to scuba diving,
Barbi was clearly not one to be boxed into a single category.
But what really set the stage for her future were her early stints in "tearoom modeling"
during her high school years. These gigs offered her a taste of what it felt like
to be in the spotlight, a feeling she would become well-acquainted with in her later life.
Even as she prepared for a future in a completely different field,
something interesting happened. Barbi enrolled in veterinary school at UCLA, setting her sights
on a career in animal care. Yet, a twist of fate—or perhaps her inner voice—made her realize
that a life spent dealing with blood wasn't her cup of tea. Little did she know that her real
calling would have the flash of camera lights rather than the gleam of a surgical scalpel.
As you can see, the early life of Barbi Benton was filled with signs pointing toward her future
stardom. Though she started on a path that seemed unrelated to entertainment,
the turns and choices she made brought her to a world where she would shine even
brighter. And as we'll discover later in this video, Barbi's story was just getting started.
Stay tuned, as we continue to unravel the fascinating life journey of Barbi Benton.
Barbi’s Head-Turning Career
Just at the age of 16, Barbi Benton, then still known as Barbara Klein,
stepped onto the runway and into the world of modeling. But her big break came when she was 18,
joining the ranks of Playboy's entertainment show, "Playboy After Dark," while still a UCLA
student. Initially just an extra on the set, her destiny took a dramatic turn when Playboy founder
Hugh Hefner set his sights on her. With love in the air, her role quickly transformed from
background filler to co-host. When Hefner asked her out, she famously hesitated, stating that she
had never dated anyone over 24. To this, the then-42-year-old Hefner cleverly responded,
"That's all right, neither have I," and thus began their iconic relationship.
Changing her name from Barbara Klein to Barbi Benton, at the insistence of
Hefner for better marketability, she became an integral part of the Playboy empire. In fact,
it was Barbi who nudged Hefner into buying the famous Playboy Mansion
in Holmby Hills in 1974, a residence that became synonymous with the Playboy brand.
Gracing the cover of Playboy four times under different periods,
Barbi solidified her status as a Playboy icon. However, she never was Playmate of the Month,
instead carving a unique path for herself. She didn't stop at modeling; Barbi became a
key player on television's "Hee Haw," providing laughs through her short comedy sketches. She
danced on Rowan and Martin's "Laugh-In" shows and enjoyed acting gigs, appearing in series
like "The Love Boat" and "Fantasy Island," as well as movies like "The Naughty Cheerleader."
Taking a pivot from "Hee Haw," Barbi directed her energy towards Hollywood. She even landed
a starring role in the short-lived ABC-TV comedy series "Sugar Time!" centered around an aspiring
female rock group. Beyond acting, her endeavors included a rather successful stint in the world of
country music. Her single "Brass Buckles" became a top-five hit, and she released eight albums,
the last of which she produced herself in 1979. She even made waves overseas with her
song "Ain't That Just the Way," hitting number one in Sweden and inspiring covers by other artists.
Now, with such a varied and interesting career, spanning from the pages of Playboy
to the television screen and even to the music charts, you might be wondering, what's Barbi
Benton up to these days? The story doesn't end here, so don't go anywhere. Coming up next,
we'll catch up with Barbi Benton to see how she's been filling her days in recent years.
Barbi Traded Bunny Ears For Motherdom
The dazzling lights and applause of show business can be irresistible, but for Barbi Benton,
the call of motherhood and a loving home rang louder. As the 1970s neared its end, Barbi
chose a different kind of partnership and married George Gradow, a successful California real estate
developer. Exchanging her high heels and bunny ears for the role of a doting mom, Barbi gave
birth to their first child, Alexander, in 1986. Just two years later, their family expanded with
the arrival of a daughter, Ariana. This marked a significant shift in Barbi's life priorities—she
opted for a semi-retirement to focus on raising her children and nurturing her family life.
Juggling two homes—one in the glitzy world of Los Angeles and another nestled in the scenic
beauty of Aspen—Barbi and George have built a life that many would envy. Their palatial
Aspen residence even featured in HGTV's "Million Dollar Room," showcasing a lifestyle far removed
from the bright lights and late nights of Barbi's former career. Although she stepped
away from the limelight, it wasn't a step down by any means. Rather, it was a step towards a
different kind of fulfillment—one that came from the joys of family and enduring love.
But what about the unforgettable Hugh Hefner, the man who had such an enormous role in her early
life? Well, their friendship remained strong over the years, even after their romantic relationship
had ended. Hefner himself once expressed regret over not marrying Barbi, but both moved on—Hefner
with a series of relationships and Barbi with her marriage to George. Despite this, she maintained
a close relationship with her former love until he passed away in 2017. In her own words, Hefner
took a "big piece" of her with him, leaving an imprint on her life that she'll always treasure.
Life may have taken Barbi Benton from the Playboy Mansion to the sanctuary of domestic bliss,
but one thing is clear: she's lived a life full of rich experiences and meaningful connections.
Outro
What a journey we've taken today, exploring the vibrant life of Barbi Benton! From
her early years in New York City, brimming with dreams and potential,
to her head-turning appearances in Playboy and her on-screen charm in shows like "Hee
Haw," Barbi's life has been nothing short of extraordinary. We've seen her juggle multiple
careers—from modeling to acting to singing—each time making her mark with unmistakable flair.
But even the brightest stars seek out different skies, and for Barbi,
the call of family life proved too compelling to ignore. Trading in her bunny ears and the glitz
of showbiz, she chose a different, albeit equally fulfilling, path as a loving mother and wife. Yet,
through all these changes, her friendship with the one and only Hugh Hefner stood the test of time,
adding another fascinating layer to her already captivating story.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on Barbi Benton's remarkable journey. What do you
think about her time as a Playboy icon? What about
her relationship with Hugh Hefner? Or her leap from the
entertainment world into the realm of motherhood? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Thank you so much for watching, and if you enjoyed this dive into the life of Barbi Benton,
don't forget to hit that like button and subscribe for more incredible stories like this one!