Who’s Still Alive From ‘Benson’?
Benson, a spin-off of the comedy soap opera Soap premiered on ABC on September 13, 1979. It followed the witty and sharp-tongued Benson DuBois (played by Robert Guillaume) over the course of seven seasons and 158 episodes, as he rose from household butler to state budget director and eventually ran for governor. The series was recognized for its balance of comedy and conscience, as well as its outstanding cast — Guillaume won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1985, and though he is no longer with us, a number of other cast members are.
Missy Gold (55)
Katie Gatling
ABC/Everett Collection
Missy Gold, who portrayed Governor Gatling’s young daughter Katie for the show’s entire run, left acting after Benson ended in 1986 and pursued a very different career path. She attended college and later graduate school, earning a PhD in clinical psychology. Today, she works in private practice in California under her married name, Dr. Melissa Gold Wiedmann, focusing on issues such as eating disorders, anxiety and postpartum challenges.
Gold has said that her early experiences as a child star gave her empathy for people going through life transitions. Now in her mid-50s, she leads a more quiet, low-profile life; in a 2022 interview with the New York Post, she described herself as an “introvert” who never expected to spend her entire life acting, and said of her experiences acting, “I was fortunate. I was very fortunate. I have heard stories of people having really, really difficult experiences. And I credit my parents to some degree that it was positive, but we were just lucky. It’s a risky endeavor. I mean, I wouldn’t send my children into the industry, for sure. And my folks know that. But we were in a different place and in different circumstances. And it worked for me. It really did.”
You may also know her famous sister, Tracey Gold, best known for Growing Pains.
Didi Conn (74)
Denise Stevens Downey
ABC/Everett Collection; Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images
Didi Conn joined Benson in Season 3 as Denise, the cheerful secretary who later married Pete Downey. Conn is best known to audiences as Frenchy from the movie Grease, a role she has embraced throughout her career. In recent years, she has continued to delight fans by participating in Grease reunions and tributes, including hosting sing-alongs at the Hollywood Bowl and appearing in the 2016 TV production Grease: Live! as well as the 2023 streaming series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies. She still makes occasional public appearances.
Ethan Phillips (70)
Pete Downey
ABC/Everett Collection; Jemal Countess/Getty Images for IFP
Ethan Phillips played the governor’s press secretary Pete Downey, a role that showcased his comic timing. After Benson, Phillips went on to a thriving career, most notably as Neelix on Star Trek: Voyager. He has appeared in films like The Matrix Resurrections and continues to take on roles in television, film and theater. Phillips is also active in the fan convention circuit, especially among Star Trek fans. In addition to acting, he has written plays and remains active in the stage world.
Lewis J. Stadlen (78)
John Taylor
ABC/Everett Collection; Thomas J. Gibbons/Getty Images
Lewis J. Stadlen played the governor’s original press secretary, John Taylor, in Benson‘s first season, before the character was reimagined and replaced by Clayton Endicott III. After leaving the series, Stadlen built a distinguished career in theater, earning multiple Tony Award nominations and starring in Broadway shows such as Minnie’s Boys, The Producers and Hello, Dolly! in recent years. Fans of The Sopranos may also remember his appearances as Ira Fried.
In Memoriam
Columbia Pictures Television/Everett Collection
Robert Guillaume (Benson DuBois) died on October 24, 2017, at age 89, from complications of prostate cancer.
James Noble (Governor Eugene Gatling) died on March 28, 2016, at age 94, after suffering a stroke.
Inga Swenson (Gretchen Kraus) died on July 23, 2023, at age 90, of natural causes.
René Auberjonois (Clayton Endicott III) died on December 8, 2019, at age 79, from metastatic lung cancer.
Caroline McWilliams (Marcy Hill) died on February 11, 2010, at age 64, from complications of multiple myeloma.
Billie Bird (Rose Cassidy) died on November 27, 2002, at age 94.
Remind 
’80s Where Are They Now
March 2023
Who can forget all the great TV shows, movies and music of the ‘80s? See what your favs are up to now!
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