Barbi Benton was a quintessential showbiz star. In the 70’s / 80’s she experienced a successful career as an actress and model and made several appearances in Playboy Magazine. Benton also famously dated the founder of the Playboy Empire – Hugh Hefner. She was reportedly the one who convinced him to buy the iconic Playboy Mansion. Find out more about Benton here including her biography, career, family life and body measurements.
organic
Barbi Benton full name Barbara Lynn Klein was born on the 28th of January 1950 in New York City. She comes from a Jewish family; her father was a military doctor-turned-civilian gynecologist while her mother worked as an investment advisor. Benton grew up in Sacramento, California and received her education at Rio Americano High School. She also studied veterinary medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles. However, she was eliminated because she could not stand the sight of blood.
career
Barbi Benton’s journey into showbiz began when she left college. She had a start at a local advertising agency that helped her appear in several television commercials. However, her career breakthrough came at the age of 18 when she starred in the TV series Playboy After Dark. She started out as a mere supplement but eventually rose to the position of co-host. Benton’s mutually beneficial relationship with Playboy didn’t end with the TV show. She also appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine (four times) and did the inside distributions twice.
As a model, Barbi Benton has also had a respectable career transition career from model to actor. She acted in several films such as The Cheerful Cheerleader (1970), The Great American Beauty Pageant (1973) and The Third Girl From Left (1973), Hospital Massacre (1982), Deathstalker (1983) and For the Love of It (1980). A native of New York, he has also appeared in many television series and variety shows including Hee Haw, The Bobby Vinton Show, The Sonny & Cher Show, Sugar Time, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, The Girls Next Door and Marcus Welby MD
Family life (husband and children)
Barbi Benton enjoys marital bliss withhusband – George Gradow, an entrepreneur and a self-made millionaire. Benton and her husband met through a mutual contact in 1977. Prior to this date, Gradow had developed a crush on Benton for seeing her on the TV series Sugar Time. An employee of his, who knew Benton’s mother, decided to make an appointment. They eventually began a relationship and Gradow proposed just four months later. Benton was shocked by the speed of the proposal and initially said no. However, she changed her mind and agreed to the proposal. The couple tied the knot in October 1979.
Benton has two children with her husband. Their names are Alexander Gradow (born August 1986) and Ariana Gradow (born July 1988). The couple commuted between Aspen, Colorado and Los Angeles, where they owned palatial homes. Barbi Benton is also known as Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. Their relationship lasted seven years, ending in 1976. Despite their breakup, they remained good friends and only have nice things to say. Benton and her husband even invited Hefner over for dinner at their home.
Wealth (income and earnings)
Barbi Benton has an estimated net worth of US$20million. Her wealth is said to have stemmed from her modeling and acting careers. She also had a successful career as a country musician, not only singing but also writing and producing her own songs. She has released at least five studio albums. They are Barbi Doll, Barbi Benton, Something New, Ain that just the way and Kinetic Voyage. The albums had decent commercial and chart success. Their 1975 single Brass Buckles peaked at #5 on the Billboard Country Music Chart.
body measurements
Benton was a stunning beauty in her prime. She still looks good despite being in her 60s now. Regarding her physiques, Benton is 1.60 m tall and her weight is reported as 58 kg. Her hair color is brown while her eye color is blue. She also has a well-proportioned shape consisting of bust – 37 inches, waist – 25 inches and hips – 37 inches.