Ever wondered about the captivating journey of a small-town girl who rose to prominence as a Playboy icon? Barbi Benton's life is a testament to seizing opportunities and transforming them into a remarkable career. Born Barbara Lynn Klein on January 28, 1950, in New York City, she navigated a path that led her from high school modeling to the pages of Playboy, the silver screen, and even the music charts.
Benton's story is one of transformation and ambition. Her early life in New York City provided the foundation for a career that would span decades and encompass various facets of the entertainment industry. From her initial aspirations of becoming a veterinarian to her eventual embrace of modeling and acting, Barbi Benton's trajectory is a fascinating study in adaptability and determination. At 16, while still attending Rio Americano High School, she began exploring the world of modeling, even taking a class on "tearoom modeling." This early experience laid the groundwork for her later success. The pivotal moment arrived when she met Hugh Hefner in 1968 on the set of "Playboy After Dark." Though initially hesitant due to their age difference (she was 18, he was 42), the two embarked on a relationship that would significantly shape her career. Hefner recognized her potential and encouraged her to change her name to Barbi Benton, a moniker he believed would be more marketable. This marked the beginning of her ascent into the spotlight, gracing the pages of Playboy magazine and becoming a regular fixture on the comedy series "Hee Haw."
| Barbi Benton: Bio, Career, and Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Barbara Lynn Klein |
| Stage Name | Barbi Benton |
| Date of Birth | January 28, 1950 |
| Birth Place | New York City, New York, USA |
| Age (as of 2024) | 74 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 120 lbs (estimated) |
| Eye Color | (Information not specified in provided text) |
| Hair Color | (Information not specified in provided text) |
| Parents | Father: Gynecologist (formerly a military doctor), Mother: Investment Counselor |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | George Gradow (married since 1979) |
| Children | Ariana Gradow, Alexander Gradow |
| Education | Rio Americano High School, UCLA (studies not completed) |
| Occupation | Former Model, Actress, Singer, Television Personality |
| Modeling Career | Began modeling at age 16, Playboy model at age 18 |
| Acting Career | Film debut in "How Did a Nice Girl Like You Get into This Business?" (1970), Regular on "Hee Haw" |
| Singing Career | Recorded several moderately successful albums in the 1970s |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20 Million |
| Relationship with Hugh Hefner | Dated from 1969 to 1976 |
| External Links | |
| Barbi Benton on IMDb |
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