Barbi Benton's Net Worth: The Financial Legacy of a Hollywood Star

Barbi Benton, an American multi-talent, dazzled audiences as a model, actress, television personality, and singer. You might have seen her in "Playboy" magazine or on the TV show "Hee Haw."

The 74-year-old star also made some music albums in the 1970s that did okay. But after having her first baby in 1986, Benton stopped working in showbiz.

How Rich is Barbi Benton?

Barbi Benton has an impressive net worth of over $20 million. The beautiful actress became well-known for her regular appearances on the comedy series "Hee Haw" and her features in "Playboy" magazine during the 1960s and 1970s. 

Although Benton appeared nude in the magazine in 1970, 1973, and 1975, she was never named 'Playmate of the Month.' In the 1970s, Barbi found success as a country and pop singer. 

Barbi's first single, "Brass Buckles" (1975), reached number 5 on the Billboard country singles chart. Another single from 1976, "Ain't That Just the Way," was later covered by R&B singer Lutricia McNeal in 1996, becoming a huge hit in the UK and Sweden. 

Barbi Benton Career Highlights

Career Beginnings 

At the age of 16, Barbi Benton embarked on a modeling career. After graduating high school and enrolling at UCLA, Benton secured a position with Playboy to appear on their entertainment show Playboy After Dark at the age of 18. 

Initially an extra on the show, Benton quickly rose to co-host status after catching the eye of host Hugh Hefner. Their relationship blossomed, leading Barbi to become a central figure in the Playboy empire. 

Hefner convinced her to change her name from Barbara Klein to the more marketable Barbi Benton and played a role in her acquiring the Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills in 1974.

Playboy Cover Girl and Television Work 

Barbi Benton appeared on the front of Playboy magazine four times: in July 1969, March 1970, May 1972, and December 1985. She also had more nude photos in the December 1973 and January 1975 issues, but she wasn't chosen as Playmate of the Month. 

Besides her Playboy work, Benton made appearances on television's "Hee Haw," showcasing her talent in short comedy sketches. She also appeared as a dancer on the final series of Rowan and Martin's "Laugh-In" and ventured into acting, starring in the West German comedy film "The Naughty Cheerleader" (1970). 

Barbi's television career expanded with recurring roles on popular shows such as "The Bobby Vinton Show" in 1976, "The Love Boat," and "Fantasy Island." She left "Hee Haw" after four seasons to focus on Hollywood and starred in the short-lived 1977 ABC-TV comedy series "Sugar Time!," playing a member of an aspiring female rock group. 

Benton also ventured into film, appearing in the slasher film "Hospital Massacre" (1982). 

Music Career 

As a recording artist, Barbi Benton found success with her record "Brass Buckles" (1975), which reached the top five on Billboard's country singles chart. She recorded eight albums, the last of which she produced in 1979. 

Benton composed, sang, and played piano on her albums. One of her most famous songs, "Ain't That Just the Way" (1976), topped the charts in Sweden for five weeks and was later covered by Lutricia McNeal in 1996.

Barbi Benton Wiki/Bio 

On January 28, 1950, Barbi Benton, originally named Barbara Lynn Klein, was born into a Jewish family in New York City. Her father, a gynecologist, and her mother, an investment counselor, provided a supportive environment for her upbringing. 

Growing up in Sacramento, Benton attended Rio Americano High School, where she explored various interests, such as scuba diving and playing the piano. During her school years, she also engaged in tearoom modeling, showcasing department store clothes. 

After high school, Barbi's academic journey led her to UCLA, where she initially pursued a degree in veterinary medicine. However, she ultimately decided against this career path due to her aversion to the sight of blood, leading her to explore other opportunities.

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