Bob Barry’s Unearthed Interviews Podcast: Barbi Benton
Barbi Benton is probably best known as being the girlfriend of Hugh Hefner from 1969 to 1976. Hefner was the founder and publisher of Playboy Magazine. She was going to become a veterinarian but gave that up when she couldn’t stand the sight of blood. At age 18 she took a job at Playboy and became cohost of “Playboy After Dark.” When they started dating Hefner she said “I have never dated anyone over 24 before.” And Hef said, “That’s all right, neither have I.” Benton appeared on the Playboy cover four times and a number of photo essays. She was featured on several TV shows including “Hee Haw.” Her biggest record was “Brass Buckles,” top five on the country charts. She is married to real estate developer George Gradow and they have two children.