From Teenage Model to Timeless Star

In the late 1960s, a fresh-faced blonde named Barbi Benton emerged as a magnetic presence on Playboy After Dark. Starting as an extra at just eighteen, her natural charm quickly elevated her to co-host status—especially after Hugh Hefner noticed her and convinced her to change her name from Barbara Klein to the more alluring “Barbi Benton.”

The Rise of a 70s Sensation
Over the next several years, Benton crisscrossed modeling, television, and music. She graced the Playboy cover four times—beginning in July 1969 and spanning into the mid-’70s—becoming one of the era’s most beloved figures.

A Career That Transcended Glamour

Beyond her modelling success, Benton’s presence extended to acting and musical ventures—she also had a hand in important decisions behind the scenes, reportedly influencing Hefner’s decision to purchase the iconic Playboy Mansion in 1974.

Looking Back at 73

Now 73 years old, Barbi Benton continues to capture attention—not through headlines, but with the kind of nostalgic charm that reminds fans why she was adored in the first place. Her post-Playboy life has been quieter, more personal—a testament to a woman who shaped an era but remains grounded.