Robby Benson

Robin David Segal (born January 21, 1956), better known by the stage name Robby Benson, is an American actor, director, singer and teacher. He is known as the voice of The Beast in the Disney animated film, Beauty and the Beast. 2Early life Benson was born in Dallas, Texas, the son of Freda Ann (née Benson), a singer, actor, and business promotions manager, and Jerry Segal, a writer. His family is Jewish. Benson was raised in New York City and took his mother's maiden name as his stage name when he was 10. 2Career Benson made his film debut with an uncredited role in Wait Until Dark (1967) as the Boy Tossing Ball and his Broadway debut in The Rothschilds (1970). Benson had an early role on the daytime soap Search for Tomorrow (1971–72). As a film actor, Benson was well known for teenage roles in coming-of-age films, such as 1972's Jory, 1973's Jeremy, and as Billy Joe McAllister in 1976's Ode to Billy Joe. In 1975, Benson appeared in Death Be Not Proud and Lucky Lady. In 1977, he starred in One on One (which he co-wrote with his father) and the TV movie The Death of Richi