Barbi Benton, born Barbara Lynn Klein on January 28, 1950, is a name synonymous with glamour, talent, and versatility. From being a model and actress to a country singer and television personality, Benton left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry before stepping away to focus on her personal life. Best known for her appearances in Playboy, her role on Hee Haw, and her country music career, Benton captivated audiences throughout the 1970s. This article explores her fascinating journey, from her early aspirations to her retirement from the limelight.

Early Life: From Barbara Klein to Barbi Benton

Born in New York City to a Jewish family, Barbara Lynn Klein was raised in Sacramento, California. Her father worked as a gynecologist, while her mother was an investment counselor. Benton displayed early artistic talents, including playing the piano and engaging in tearoom modeling during her teenage years. She attended Rio Americano High School, where she was friends with future journalist Joan Lunden.

Initially, Benton aspired to become a veterinarian and enrolled at UCLA. However, her dream was cut short when she realized she had a strong aversion to blood. Instead, fate led her to the entertainment world, where she would transform into Barbi Benton—a name suggested by Playboy founder Hugh Hefner to enhance her marketability.

Career Beginnings: A Breakthrough in Playboy

Benton’s career took off at the age of 18 when she joined Playboy After Dark, a television series produced by Playboy. Originally hired as an extra, her life changed when Hugh Hefner took an interest in her, quickly promoting her to co-host. Their romantic relationship, which lasted from 1969 to 1976, solidified her place in the Playboy empire.

Although she graced the cover of Playboy multiple times—July 1969, March 1970, May 1972, and December 1985—she was never officially a Playmate of the Month. Nevertheless, she became one of the magazine’s most recognized faces. Benton is also credited with persuading Hefner to purchase the famous Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills in 1974.

Hollywood Success: Television and Film Career

While Playboy gave her a platform, Benton’s career extended beyond modeling. She became a beloved television personality, best known for her role on Hee Haw from 1971 to 1976. The show, a mix of comedy and country music, showcased her charm and comedic timing. However, Benton eventually left Hee Haw to pursue opportunities in Hollywood.

She made appearances on several hit TV shows of the 1970s, including:

• The Love Boat
• Fantasy Island
• McCloud
• The Bobby Vinton Show
• Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In

In 1977, she starred in the short-lived ABC sitcom Sugar Time!, which followed an aspiring female rock band. Benton also explored acting in films, appearing in The Naughty Cheerleader (1970) and the cult horror film Hospital Massacre (1982).

A Surprising Country Music Career

Benton wasn’t just a model and actress—she was also a talented singer-songwriter. She recorded several country music albums in the 1970s, achieving moderate success. Her biggest hit, Brass Buckles (1975), reached the top five on Billboard’s country charts.

Her discography includes:

• Barbi Doll (1975)
• Barbi Benton (1975)
• Something New (1976)
• Ain’t That Just the Way (1978)

The title track from Ain’t That Just the Way became a No. 1 hit in Sweden. While her singing career never reached superstar levels, Benton gained a loyal following, proving she had talent beyond her glamorous image.

Personal Life: Love, Marriage, and Family

Benton’s highly publicized relationship with Hugh Hefner was a significant part of her early career. Although Hefner proposed to her multiple times, she ultimately chose a different path. In 1979, she married real estate developer George Gradow, with whom she shares two children, Alexander and Ariana.

Choosing family over fame, Benton stepped away from the entertainment industry after the birth of her first child in 1986. The couple divided their time between homes in Aspen, Colorado, and Los Angeles. Their Aspen residence, known as The Copper Palace, was featured on MTV’s Extreme Cribs for its unique architecture.

Legacy and Life After Fame

Though she left Hollywood behind, Benton’s impact remains. She is remembered as a cultural icon of the 1970s—a woman who successfully balanced multiple careers while capturing the hearts of many. Today, she enjoys a private life, occasionally making public appearances. When visited by The Girls Next Door TV series in the 2000s, she fondly reminisced about her past but expressed gratitude for her current life away from the spotlight.

Conclusion: A Star Who Chose a Different Path

Barbi Benton’s journey is one of transformation, talent, and independence. She rose to fame through Playboy, conquered television and music, and then made the bold choice to leave it all behind for family life. While she may not have had the longevity of some Hollywood stars, her legacy as a multi-talented entertainer endures. Whether as a model, actress, singer, or TV personality, Benton remains an unforgettable figure in pop culture.