Introduction
Barbi Benton is an iconic American actress, model, and singer who rose to fame in the 1970s. She became a household name as the exclusive “girlfriend” of the legendary Playboy founder and businessman Hugh Hefner. As an actress, Benton featured in several popular television shows and movies, and as a singer, she released four studio albums. But what most people may not know about Benton is her net worth. In this article, we take a closer look at the surprising Barbi Benton net worth.
Uncovering the Surprising Barbi Benton Net Worth
1. Early Life and Career
Barbi Benton was born Barbara Lynn Klein on January 28, 1950, in New York City. She grew up in California and began her career as a model at the age of 16. Benton rose to fame in the 1970s as a Playboy model, where she established a close relationship with Hugh Hefner that lasted for over eight years. Benton appeared on the cover of Playboy magazine four times.
2. Acting Career
Benton started her acting career in the early 1970s. She featured in several television series and movies, including “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” and “X-Ray.” Benton also appeared in a series of comedies, such as “The Third Girl From the Left” and “Hospital Massacre.” She retired from acting in the early 1990s.
3. Music Career
In addition to acting and modeling, Benton was also a singer. She released four studio albums: “Barbi Doll,” “Something New,” “Ain’t That Just the Way,” and “Kinetic Voyage.” Benton’s most successful song was “Ain’t That Just the Way,” which peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart in 1977.
4. Real Estate Investments
Apart from her career in the entertainment industry, Benton also made significant investments in real estate. She spent much of her life buying and selling luxurious properties throughout California. She and her husband, the real estate developer George Gradow, owned several multimillion-dollar homes, including a massive estate in Aspen, Colorado.
5. Net Worth
Despite retiring from acting and music, Benton’s real estate investments helped her accumulate an impressive net worth. As of 2021, the estimated Barbi Benton net worth is $20 million. It is no doubt that her investments in California real estate have been a significant contributor towards her current net worth.
6. Personal Life
Benton married George Gradow, a real estate developer, in 1979. The couple has two children together and owned several luxurious homes throughout California and Colorado. Although Benton and Gradow were married for over 40 years, they faced a severe legal problem in 2019 due to tax evasion.
7. Philanthropy
Despite her tax evasion scandal, Benton has been involved in various charitable causes. She and her husband have donated to the City of Hope National Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Benton has also lent her support to organizations such as the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
8. Legacy
Barbi Benton’s legacy extends beyond her successful career in entertainment and real estate. She was a feminist role model in the 1970s, advocating for women’s rights and denouncing sex exploitation. Benton was also one of the first celebrities to publicly address her battle with breast cancer, raising awareness for early screenings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Barbi Benton’s impressive net worth is a product of her successful career in the entertainment industry and her investment in California real estate. Despite facing legal issues related to tax evasion, Benton’s philanthropic efforts and advocacy for women’s rights have cemented her legacy beyond her wealth.
FAQs
1. What is the estimated net worth of Barbi Benton as of 2021?
Barbi Benton’s estimated net worth as of 2021 is $20 million.
2. What was Benton’s most successful song as a singer?
Benton’s most successful song as a singer was “Ain’t That Just the Way,” which reached number five on the UK Singles Chart in 1977.
3. What did Benton advocate for in the 1970s?
Benton was a feminist role model in the 1970s who advocated for women’s rights and denounced sex exploitation.
4. What legal issue did Benton face in 2019?
In 2019, Benton faced legal issues related to tax evasion with her husband, George Gradow.
5. What philanthropic causes has Benton supported?
Benton has supported charitable organizations such as the City of Hope National Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
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