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Robby Benson (born January 21, 1956) is an American film and television actor, television director, educator and singer. Benson was born Robin David Segal in Dallas, Texas, the son of Freda Ann (née Benson), a singer, actress, and business promotions manager, and Jerry Segal, a writer. His family is Jewish and his sister, Shelli Segal, is a designer for the clothing line known as Laundry by Shelli Segal. Benson was raised in New York City and took his mother's maiden name as his stage name when he was 10. Benson made his film debut with an uncredited role in Wait Until Dark (1967) as the... MORE

Robby Benson (born January 21, 1956) is an American film and television actor, television director, educator and singer. Benson was born Robin David Segal in Dallas, Texas, the son of Freda Ann (née Benson), a singer, actress, and business promotions manager, and Jerry Segal, a writer. His family is Jewish and his sister, Shelli Segal, is a designer for the clothing line known as Laundry by Shelli Segal. Benson was raised in New York City and took his mother's maiden name as his stage name when he was 10. Benson made his film debut with an uncredited role in Wait Until Dark (1967) as the "Boy Tossing Ball". He made Broadway debut in The Rothschilds (1970). Benson had an early role on the daytime soap Search for Tomorrow (1971-72). As a film actor, Benson was popular for roles of teens in coming-of-age films, such as in 1972's Jory (his screen debut), in Jeremy (1973), and as Billy Joe McAllister in Ode to Billy Joe (1976). He was listed as one of twelve "Promising New Actors of 1976" in John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 28. (1976), and auditioned for the role of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars (1977), but lost the role to Mark Hamill. He received critical acclaim for his role as the LESS