The Untold Story Of Young Barbi Benton: 7 Shocking Facts About Hugh Hefner's 'One That Got Away'

Decades after she first captivated the world as a quintessential 1970s icon, the story of Barbi Benton's young life and meteoric rise remains one of Hollywood’s most fascinating transformations. Born Barbara Lynn Klein, her journey from a college student to a multi-talented model, country music star, and actress—all before the age of 30—is a testament to her ambition and versatility. As of this current date in late 2025, retrospectives and new documentaries continue to highlight the pivotal role she played during the height of the Playboy era, particularly as the long-term partner and intellectual equal of Hugh Hefner.

The phrase "Barbi Benton young" evokes images of a glamorous, witty personality who was much more than just a Playmate. She was a savvy businesswoman and artist who successfully leveraged her platform into a lasting career in country music and television, cementing her legacy far beyond the famous Holmby Hills mansion where she once reigned. Her early years are a blueprint for how a young star can navigate the complexities of fame and emerge as a true entertainment polymath.

Barbi Benton: A Complete Biography and Profile

Before she became the famous Barbi Benton, the star was known by her birth name, Barbara Lynn Klein. Her biography is a remarkable timeline of a rapid ascent in the entertainment industry.

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• Full Name: Barbara Lynn Klein (Legally changed to Barbi Benton)
• Date of Birth: January 28, 1950
• Birthplace: New York City, New York
• Parents: Her father was a wealthy doctor, and her mother worked in finance. The family was Jewish.
• Education: Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the late 1960s.
• Early Career Start: Began modeling at the age of 16 to supplement her income while in high school and college.
• Playboy Connection: Met Hugh Hefner in 1968 at the age of 18 while working as an extra on his television show, Playboy After Dark.
• Key Relationship: Dated Hugh Hefner from 1969 to 1976.
• Spouse: George Gradow (Married in 1979).
• Children: Two children, Alexander Gradow and Ariana Gradow.
• Notable Roles: Regular on the television comedy series Hee Haw (for four seasons) and a successful country music recording artist.
• Current Residence: The "Copper Palace," a massive, custom-built home in Aspen, Colorado.

The Shocking Transformation from Barbara Klein to Barbi Benton

The moment Barbara Lynn Klein walked into the world of Hugh Hefner, her life and identity were fundamentally altered. The transition from a UCLA student to a national celebrity required a name change, a common practice in Hollywood, but one that came directly from the Playboy mogul himself. This transformation is central to the "young Barbi Benton" story.

The Origin of the Stage Name

When the then-18-year-old Barbara Klein met Hugh Hefner, she was quickly cast as a regular on his show, Playboy After Dark. Hefner, known for his brand-building acumen, felt her birth name was not "marketable" enough for the Playboy image. According to accounts, Hefner suggested she adopt a new, more glamorous stage name. She chose "Barbi" as a nod to her childhood nickname and "Benton" from a list of "suitable" last names provided by an agent, or at Hefner's urging. The name stuck, and the new persona, Barbi Benton, was born, launching her into the national spotlight as the unofficial "First Lady" of the Playboy Mansion.

Life Inside the Playboy Mansion

Barbi Benton’s time with Hugh Hefner defined the early 1970s pop culture landscape. Their relationship lasted for nine years, a significant commitment for both. It was Benton who reportedly convinced Hefner to purchase the now-iconic Playboy Mansion West in Holmby Hills in 1971, a 5.7-acre estate that became synonymous with the Playboy brand. She was instrumental in shaping the early, more glamorous and intellectual atmosphere of the mansion, often hosting celebrities and engaging in witty conversation on Playboy After Dark. Her influence during this period is a key element of her young career, showcasing her as a sharp, intelligent partner rather than just a model.

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The Multifaceted Young Career: Country Music, Comedy, and Film

Unlike many of her contemporaries, Barbi Benton refused to be pigeonholed as solely a model or television personality. Her drive in her twenties led her to become a successful recording artist and a beloved comedy actress, demonstrating a remarkable range of talent.

A Surprising Pivot to Country Music

One of the most surprising and successful pivots in her young career was her move into country music. In the mid-1970s, Benton signed with Playboy Records and released her debut album, Barbi Doll, in 1974. The album was a moderate success, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Her biggest hit came in 1975 with the single "Brass Buckles," a song that climbed into the top five on the country singles chart, solidifying her credibility in the genre. She went on to record a total of eight albums, including Something New, later exploring pop and disco music, and touring extensively, including a notable performance in Las Vegas.

The Hee Haw Phenomenon

While her music career was taking off, Benton also became a fixture on one of the most popular television shows of the era: the country-themed variety show Hee Haw. She joined the cast as a regular for four seasons, showcasing her comedic timing and ability to fit seamlessly into the show's ensemble cast. Her appearances helped bridge the gap between Hollywood glamour and down-home country appeal, making her a versatile and recognizable face across America.

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Film and Television Roles

Benton’s acting career in her young adulthood spanned both film and episodic television. She appeared in the 1970 German film How Did a Nice Girl Like You Get Into This Business? (also known as Mir hat es immer Spaß gemacht). As her fame grew, she landed roles in several made-for-TV movies and popular series, including:

• The Great American Beauty Contest (TV Movie)
• The Love Boat (Appeared as multiple characters over time)
• Hospital Massacre (1982)
• Deathstalker (1983)
• Murder, She Wrote (Guest role)

These roles, particularly her memorable appearances on The Love Boat, kept her in the public eye throughout the late 70s and early 80s, long after her relationship with Hugh Hefner had ended. Her ability to transition from a Playboy icon to a respected performer in multiple genres highlights the enduring appeal and business acumen of the young Barbi Benton.

Barbi Benton Today: Life in the Copper Palace

Following her separation from Hugh Hefner, Barbi Benton found lasting love and stability. In 1979, she married real estate developer George Gradow. The couple has two children and has made a home in Aspen, Colorado, in an extravagant, 27,000-square-foot English Tudor-style mansion they call the "Copper Palace." Benton reportedly scaled back her demanding career after the birth of her children to focus on family life and design, though she and Gradow remained close friends with Hefner until his passing. Her current life in Aspen is a quiet, luxurious chapter, far removed from the dazzling, high-profile world she dominated as a young woman.