For millions of teenagers in the 1970s, Robby Benson was a familiar heartthrob. With dark hair, blue eyes and a sensitive screen presence, he became famous through movies such as *Ode to Billy Joe*, *One on One* and *Ice Castles*. But behind his successful image, Benson was hiding a serious heart condition that he feared could destroy his career if Hollywood found out.

Benson began acting as a child after moving from Dallas to New York City with his family. He appeared in commercials, television and stage productions, eventually touring Japan in *Oliver!*. By the 1970s, his career was growing quickly, and audiences connected with his emotional and vulnerable style. Looking back, he said, “It was a wonderful time. I had a blast, I really didn’t know what I was doing, and I loved it.”

His health, however, became increasingly difficult to hide. Benson had been diagnosed with a heart murmur when he was young, but later suffered dizziness and even lost consciousness. “I remember passing out and was thinking, ‘Wow, this is serious. But I better not tell anyone,’” he recalled. He worried that admitting he was sick would make producers see him as unreliable and prevent him from getting adult roles.

While filming *The Chosen*, Benson told co-star Rod Steiger about his condition. Steiger warned him, “It’s career suicide.” Benson continued working until his symptoms became impossible to ignore. In 1984, he underwent open-heart surgery to repair a defective valve. The procedure went well, but his heart problems continued for decades.

Benson eventually required several more major procedures, including another operation around 2000. He has spoken about undergoing four open-heart surgeries in total. The experience changed his perspective on life as he continued working while facing serious health challenges. Through those difficult years, his wife, Karla DeVito, remained an important part of his life.