Barbi Benton Now: Where Is The Former Playboy Star Today?

01 May, 2025

Is it possible to remain a celebrated icon while gracefully exiting the relentless glare of the spotlight? For Barbi Benton, the answer appears to be a resounding yes, as she's crafted a life of enduring appeal and quiet dignity.

Born Barbara Lynn Klein on January 28, 1950, in New York City, Benton's journey began as a captivating presence in the world of modeling, acting, and entertainment. Her impact, from gracing the pages of Playboy magazine to her regular appearances on the comedy series Hee Haw, cemented her place in pop culture. But what is her story now?

Category	Details
Full Name	Barbara Lynn Klein (Professionally known as Barbi Benton)
Date of Birth	January 28, 1950
Place of Birth	New York City, New York, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Jewish
Occupations	Former Model, Actress, Television Personality, Singer
Known For	Appearances in Playboy magazine, Hee Haw, and her relationship with Hugh Hefner
Marital Status	Married to George Gradow since October 14, 1979
Children	Alexander (son) and Ariana (daughter)
Residences	Homes in Los Angeles, California and Aspen, Colorado.
Education	Rio Americano High School, UCLA
Net Worth (Estimated)	Husband's Net Worth: $50 million (Real Estate Developer)
Years Active	1968-1986 (Primary)
Reference	Wikipedia

Bentons career in the entertainment industry began in 1968 and flourished through the mid-1980s. Her early life, however, was marked by a cross-country move. Her family relocated to California when she was just two years old, spending her formative years in Sacramento before the eventual move to Los Angeles. She embraced American citizenship while maintaining her Jewish heritage, a significant part of her identity.

Her path to stardom was paved with both determination and opportunity. After graduating from Rio Americano High School, she pursued higher education at UCLA, and her career swiftly took off after turning eighteen. The covers of Playboy magazine became her signature, and in July 1969, Barbi Klein, as she was then known, made her debut, setting the stage for a series of iconic appearances. She would go on to grace the cover three more times, in March 1970 and May 1972, adding to her fame.

While Benton never held the title of "Playmate of the Month," her association with Playboy was significant. She also contributed to the magazine through nude photo layouts in 1973, 1975, and 1985. Beyond the magazine's pages, her work in television, as a regular on Hee Haw, expanded her reach.

The landscape of her personal life played as much a role in her legacy as her professional achievements. It was her relationship with Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, that truly captured the publics imagination. The couple dated for nine years, and even after their relationship concluded, they remained close until Hefner's death. Her influence extended to his business decisions; it was Benton who suggested Hefner purchase the iconic Playboy Mansion.

Following her split from Hefner, Benton found love and stability with George Gradow, a successful real estate developer. They married in 1979, and their union has produced two children, Alexander and Ariana. While the details of her personal life are often a subject of speculation, Benton has always maintained a certain degree of privacy. Despite rumors that have circulated about her, Barbi Benton continues to navigate her life with grace and elegance.

Benton has embraced a life centered on family, philanthropy, and the beautiful landscapes of her Colorado ranch. She is known to split her time between Los Angeles and Aspen, Colorado. Her passion for animals and her commitment to family life reflect her grounded, authentic approach to living.

Her father, a military doctor and later a physician, and her mother, an investment counselor, shaped her early life. These influences undoubtedly contributed to her strong sense of self and her ability to adapt to the demands of the entertainment industry. Her career in entertainment looked promising, but she made the correct decisions, which led her to invest in another profession, her family. While the spotlight may have faded, her impact continues to resonate.

She has made rare public appearances over the years, including a notable interview in 2014, where she discussed allegations made against Bill Cosby. In 2012, she used social media to further clarify her image.

Benton's enduring appeal lies in her ability to reinvent herself while remaining true to her values. Her career trajectory, from the pages of Playboy to her role on Hee Haw, displays her versatility. Her journey is a testament to talent, and resilience.

The story of Barbi Benton is one of evolution and personal choice. She transitioned away from the constant demand of the entertainment industry. She traded the high-profile life for a more peaceful existence. Her legacy is not only what she did in the spotlight, but also in the choices she made after.

Barbi Benton then and now see recent photos of the model Legit.ng

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