Benson (TV series)
Benson is an American television sitcom that aired on ABC from September 13, 1979 to April 19, 1986. The series stars Robert Guillaume as Benson DuBois, and the story revolves around the character, who is the head of the household of Governor Eugene X. Gatlin, played by James Noble.
The show delves into the dynamics, conflicts, and relationships within the Governor’s Mansion, where Benson serves as a witty and wise voice of reason.
The show was originally a spin-off of the soap opera Soap, where Benson originally played the Tate family’s witty but hard-headed African-American housekeeper, a departure from the soap’s plot.
The show follows a more traditional sitcom format, with Benson transitioning from his role as a family servant to the role of Lieutenant Governor. Starring long-time cast members including Inga Swenson, Missy Gold, Dee Dee Conn, Ethan Phillips and Rene Auberjonois, Benson explores humor and social dimensions.
The series was created by Susan Harris and produced by Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, and Robert Guillaume won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1985. Benson is a classic sitcom that deftly combines humor with insightful narratives about governance and personal relationships.
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Where are the Benson cast now?
The Benson crew burst onto television in the late 1970s, creating a unique comedy legacy. Conceived by Susan Harris as a spin-off of Soap, the show quickly gained a loyal fan base.
The play centers on Robert Guillaume’s Benson DuBois, the witty butler to Governor Eugene Gatlin (James Noble), and the drama’s brilliance unfolds in the governor’s mansion. Benson’s wit and strategic moves take center stage.
Praised for its sharp writing, clever humor and deft social commentary, Benson ran for seven seasons and 158 episodes from 1979 to 1986. Susan Harris’s satire and character-focused storylines have kept Benson relevant, ensuring its enduring appeal.
Robert Guillaume as Benson DuBois:
Robert Guillaume, who played Benson DuBois, was born Robert Williams in St. Louis, Missouri in 1927. Guillaume changed his name to the French version of William to highlight his personality.
He initially played Benson on the sitcom Soaps and got his own show, Benson, in 1979. Despite being criticized for playing a black worker in a white family, Guillaume worked to promote black pride.
In 1985, he won an Emmy Award. After “Benson,” he starred in “The Robert Guillaume Show” and played Isaac Jaffe on “Sports Night.” Guillaume died in 2017 at the age of 89.
James Noble as Governor Eugene Gatlin:
James Noble was born in Dallas, Texas in 1922. He played Governor Eugene Gatlin. Noble rose to prominence on Broadway in such shows as One Life to Live and Another World.
After “Benson,” he went on to star in “Perfect Strangers” and “Law & Order.” Noble died in 2016 at the age of 94.
Inga Swenson as Gretchen Kraus:
Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1932, Inga Swenson plays Gretchen Kraus, a German cook at the governor’s mansion. Swenson has been nominated for a Golden Globe and three Emmy Awards.
Before Benson, she was in The Gold Rush and Soap. After Benson, she was in Newhart and The Golden Girls. Swenson died in 2023 at the age of 90.
Missy Gold as Katie Gatlin:
Missy Gold, born in Great Falls, Montana, plays the governor’s daughter, Katie Gatlin. Gold began her acting career in 1977 with roles in The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries and Friends.
After filming Benson, she left show business and became a practicing psychologist. Gold is Tracy Gold’s sister.
Ethan Phillips as Pete Downey:
Ethan Phillips was born in 1955 and played press secretary Pete Downey in Garden City. He rose to fame with Benson. Phillips played Neelix in Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001) and appeared in TV series such as Boston Legal.
He played Spike Martin in Avenue 5 (2020-2022) and reprised his role as the voice of Neelix in 2023’s Star Trek: Very Short Treks.
Rene Auberjonois as Clayton Endicott III:
Born in New York City in 1940, René Auberjonois played the role of Clayton Endicott III, the aristocratic administrator. Auberjonois appeared in various television shows in the 1970s, including The Bob Newhart Show and Charlie’s Angels. He won a Tony Award for Coco (1969) and brought his comedic flair to playing Clayton in Benson.
After filming “Benson”, he appeared in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Boston Legal”. Oberyono died in 2019 at the age of 79.
benson actor
Features |
actor |
|---|---|
| Benson DuBois | Robert Guillaume |
| Eugene X. Gatling | James Noble |
| Gretchen Krauss | Inga Svensson |
| Katie Gatlin | Missy Gold |
| Marcy Hill | Carolyn McWilliams |
| Dennis Stevens | Didi Kangen |
| Pete Downey | Ethan Phillips |
| Clayton Endicott III | Rene Auberjonois |
| Ross Cassidy | Billy Bird |
Benson Lot
“Benson” follows the life journey of Benson DuBois, played by Robert Guillaume, as he becomes the head of household affairs for widowed Governor Eugene X. Gatling and his daughter Katie.
The series is a spinoff of the soap opera, following Benson as he faces household challenges alongside characters such as Gretchen, a German cook, and John Taylor, the chief of staff, who was replaced by Clayton Endicott III after the first season.
As the series progresses, Benson climbs the career ladder, from home affairs director to state budget director and finally lieutenant governor. The plot takes an unexpected turn when Benson decides to run for governor against Gatlin.
In the series finale, Gatlin ran for reelection as an independent candidate, while Benson received his party’s nomination, setting up a tense general election.
The final episode ended on a cliffhanger, chronicling Benson and Gatlin’s unresolved relationship as they awaited the election results. Interestingly, the series’ cancellation left fans in suspense, as there were three possible scenarios for the election results.
Executive producer Bob Frazier revealed that if the show had continued, Gatlin would have won and Benson would have become a U.S. Senator. Although Benson’s ending was ambiguous, it remains an important piece of television history, mirroring the unresolved cliffhangers of its soap predecessor.
Benson Episodes
season |
Episodes |
Originally aired |
Last broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | twenty four | September 13, 1979 | May 8, 1980 |
| 2 | twenty two | October 31, 1980 | May 22, 1981 |
| 3 | twenty two | November 6, 1981 | May 14, 1982 |
| 4 | twenty two | October 22, 1982 | March 31, 1983 |
| 5 | twenty two | September 16, 1983 | May 4, 1984 |
| 6 | twenty four | September 21, 1984 | April 5, 1985 |
| 7 | twenty two | October 4, 1985 | April 19, 1986 |
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