Barbi Benton is a former model, actress, and singer, best known for her appearances in Playboy and her roles in popular television shows during the 1970s and 1980s. She became a prominent figure in Hollywood after her relationship with Hugh Hefner and her regular appearances on The Playboy After Dark. Her beauty, charm, and versatility helped her build a successful career in entertainment. As of 2024, Barbi Benton’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million, earned through her modeling, acting, music, and business ventures.
Barbi Benton Bio

Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Barbara Lynn Klein |
Date of Birth | January 28, 1950 |
Age | 74 (as of 2024) |
Profession | Model, Actress, Singer |
Nationality | American |
Net Worth | $20 million (2024) |
Barbi Benton was born in New York City, and she initially rose to fame as a Playboy model in the late 1960s. Her relationship with Hugh Hefner helped launch her into the public eye, but she went on to establish herself in television, film, and music. She is also known for her real estate investments, which have contributed to her financial success.
Barbi Benton Net Worth in 2024

Barbi Benton’s net worth has gradually increased over the years, thanks to her work in entertainment and her business ventures. Below is a table showing her estimated net worth progression from 2019 to 2024:
Year | Net Worth |
---|---|
2019 | $18 million |
2020 | $18.5 million |
2021 | $19 million |
2022 | $19.2 million |
2023 | $19.5 million |
2024 | $20 million |
Benton’s wealth is largely derived from her career in entertainment, as well as her ventures in real estate.
Barbi Benton Profession
Barbi Benton is a model, actress, and singer. She first gained attention as a Playboy model and quickly became a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. Benton appeared in several films and television shows, including her long-running stint on Hee Haw, a popular country music variety show.
As a singer, she released several albums and had a few hit singles, especially in the country music genre. Additionally, Benton became involved in real estate and property investments, further adding to her wealth.
Barbi Benton Salary and Income
Barbi Benton’s income during her career came from various sources, including modeling, acting, and music royalties. In the 1970s and 1980s, she was among the top-earning models and actresses of her time.
At the height of her career, she likely earned between $200,000 to $500,000 annually from her entertainment work, including acting roles, album sales, and live performances. In more recent years, her income primarily comes from royalties on her past work and her real estate investments. Benton’s estimated monthly income in 2024 is around $30,000 to $50,000, thanks to her diversified income streams.
Barbi Benton Career

Early Career and Playboy Success
Barbi Benton began her career in the late 1960s as a model for Playboy. She appeared on the cover of the magazine multiple times and quickly gained fame for her beauty and charm. Her relationship with Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy, helped her rise to prominence, and she became a regular on Hefner’s television show, Playboy After Dark.
Benton’s appearances in Playboy not only boosted her career in modeling but also opened doors for her in the entertainment industry, leading to acting roles and television appearances.
Television and Acting Career
In addition to modeling, Barbi Benton had a successful acting career. She appeared in several films and television shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Benton was most famous for her role on the popular television show Hee Haw, where she was a regular cast member from 1972 to 1983. Her role on the show solidified her status as a beloved entertainer.
Benton also made guest appearances on television shows such as The Love Boat and Fantasy Island, further increasing her visibility as an actress.
Music Career
In addition to acting and modeling, Barbi Benton pursued a career in music. She released multiple albums, with several country music hits. Her albums include “Barbi Doll”, “Ain’t That Just the Way”, and “Something New”. Benton’s music resonated with country music fans, and she enjoyed a moderate level of success in this field.
Her song “Brass Buckles” reached the top five on the country music charts, highlighting her versatility as an entertainer. While her music career was not as long-lasting as her modeling and acting endeavors, it contributed significantly to her overall success and public image.
Real Estate Investments
Over the years, Barbi Benton has made substantial real estate investments, which have contributed significantly to her wealth. She has been involved in buying and selling luxury properties in California and other high-end markets. Benton and her husband, George Gradow, own several properties, including a mansion in Aspen, Colorado.
Her real estate ventures have proven to be a lucrative part of her financial portfolio, adding to her long-term financial stability and boosting her overall net worth.
Life After Fame
In recent years, Barbi Benton has stepped away from the spotlight, choosing to focus on her family and personal life. While she is no longer as active in the entertainment industry, she continues to manage her business interests and investments. Her legacy in modeling, television, and music remains, and she is remembered as one of the most prominent figures of the 1970s and 1980s.
Conclusion
Barbi Benton’s career is a testament to her versatility and ability to succeed in multiple areas of entertainment. From her early days as a Playboy model to her successful stints in acting and music, Benton has managed to build a diverse career that has stood the test of time. Today, with an estimated net worth of $20 million, Benton continues to enjoy the fruits of her long and varied career.