BARBI BENTON
Many millennials may not recognize the name Barbi Benton, as she has stepped away from the limelight for some time. However, her significant contributions to the legendary Playboy mansion cannot be overlooked. Benton began her modeling career at just 16 and by 18, she was featuring on “Playboy After Dark.” Although she was enrolled at UCLA, Benton left her studies behind, deterred by a fear of blood, and instead seized the numerous acting opportunities that came her way.
Benton’s relationship with Hugh Hefner from 1969 to 1976 significantly boosted her public profile. It was through her influence that Hefner was persuaded to purchase what became known as The Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills in 1974. Benton made her mark in the entertainment industry, appearing in various television shows and even pursuing a music career. Despite the potential for continued fame, Benton’s life took a different turn after marrying real estate developer George Gradow in 1979. Opting for a more secluded lifestyle, she shifted her focus towards her family. Today, the former model and actress enjoys a luxurious life, splitting her time between her homes in Aspen and Los Angeles with her loved ones.
