Paul Benedict American actor, director Date of Birth: 17.09.1938 Country: USA

1. Biography of Paul Benedict
2. Early Life and Struggles
3. Role as Harry Bentley in "The Jeffersons"
4. Other Notable Roles
5. Stage Career and Directing
6. Legacy and Awards

Biography of Paul Benedict

Paul Benedict was an American actor and director, known for his roles in various television shows and films since the 1960s. He was born in Silver City, New Mexico, to journalist Alma Marie Benedict (Loring) and Dr. Mitchell M. Benedict. He grew up in Massachusetts.

Early Life and Struggles

In his youth, Paul Benedict suffered from acromegaly, a disorder of the pituitary gland that affected his limbs and face. This condition resulted in an enlarged jaw and a large nose. Despite these physical challenges, Benedict pursued a career in acting.

Role as Harry Bentley in "The Jeffersons"

Benedict gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Harry Bentley in the television show "The Jeffersons." He played this role from the beginning of the series in 1975 until 1981, returned in 1983, and remained in the show until its conclusion in 1985. Bentley, an Englishman living next door to the main characters, worked as a translator at the United Nations. Although George Jefferson found him annoying at first, their relationship improved over time. Bentley was known for his long and often tedious stories about his past, including his childhood and English relatives. Benedict's portrayal was so convincing that many viewers believed he was actually from Britain.

Other Notable Roles

In addition to his role in "The Jeffersons," Benedict had other notable roles. He played the character of the Count in the popular children's show "Sesame Street." In the 1977 film "The Goodbye Girl," he portrayed a stereotypical gay director of the play "Richard III." Benedict also appeared in the 1990 film "The Freshman" as a film school professor. He played the role of a slave trader in the film "Mandingo" and portrayed Reverend Lindquist in Sidney Pollack's "Jeremiah Johnson." He also made a guest appearance as a magazine editor in an episode of the sitcom "Seinfeld."

Stage Career and Directing

Benedict's acting career extended beyond film and television. He had successful stints on Broadway, including a duet performance with Al Pacino in Eugene O'Neill's "Hughie." He also directed plays such as "Any Given Day" by Frank Gilroy on Broadway. Off-Broadway, Benedict worked on original productions such as Terrence McNally's "Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune" and "The Kathy and Mo Show" by Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney, which won an Obie Award.

Legacy and Awards

On December 1, 2008, Paul Benedict was found dead in his home in Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts, at the age of seventy. In 2009, he was posthumously awarded the Elliot Norton Award by the Boston Theater Critics Association. This recognition honored his contributions to the theater industry.