Robert Benton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Benton
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| Born |
Robert Douglas Benton
September 29, 1932 Dallas, Texas, U.S.
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| Died | May 11, 2025 (aged 92) New York City, U.S.
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| Years active | 1967–2007 |
| Spouse(s) |
Sallie Rendig
(m. 1964; died 2023) |
| Children | 1 |
Robert Douglas Benton (born September 29, 1932 – died May 11, 2025) was an American film director and screenwriter. He was known for creating many popular movies. He won several Academy Awards, also known as Oscars, for his work. These awards included Best Director and Best Screenplay.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Benton was born in Dallas, Texas. His parents were Dorothy and Ellery Douglass Benton. He grew up in a town called Waxahachie, Texas. After high school, he went to the University of Texas. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in fine arts.
After college, Benton served two years in the army. Then, he moved to New York City. He planned to study art history at Columbia University. However, he left after one semester. He then started working at Esquire magazine.
A Career in Film
Robert Benton began his career in the early 1960s. He was an art director at Esquire magazine. In 1959, he also co-wrote a book called The IN and OUT Book.
Benton became famous for his work in movies. He often wrote and directed his own films.
Major Film Achievements
One of his first big successes was the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. He co-wrote the screenplay for this movie. It earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
In 1979, Benton wrote and directed Kramer vs. Kramer. This film was a huge success. He won two Academy Awards for it: Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
He won another Oscar in 1984 for Places in the Heart. This time, it was for Best Original Screenplay. He also directed this film.
Other Notable Works
Robert Benton received more Oscar nominations during his career. These included nominations for The Late Show (1977) and Nobody's Fool (1994).
He also directed other films like Twilight (1998) and Feast of Love (2007). He helped write the screenplays for movies such as Superman (1978) and The Ice Harvest (2005). In 2006, he appeared in a documentary film called Wanderlust.
Personal Life
Robert Benton was married to artist Sallie Rendig. They were married from 1964 until her death in 2023. They had one son together. Robert Benton passed away at his home in Manhattan on May 11, 2025, at the age of 92.
Films Directed and Written
Robert Benton was involved in many films as a director, writer, or producer. Here are some of his key works:
- 1967 – Bonnie and Clyde (Writer)
- 1972 – Bad Company (Director, Writer)
- 1977 – The Late Show (Director, Writer)
- 1978 – Superman (Writer)
- 1979 – Kramer vs. Kramer (Director, Writer)
- 1984 – Places in the Heart (Director, Writer)
- 1994 – Nobody's Fool (Director, Writer)
- 1998 – Twilight (Director, Writer)
- 2005 – The Ice Harvest (Writer, Executive Producer)
- 2007 – Feast of Love (Director)
Awards and Recognition
Robert Benton received many awards and nominations for his work in film.
Academy Awards (Oscars)
He won three Academy Awards:
- 1980: Best Director for Kramer vs. Kramer
- 1980: Best Adapted Screenplay for Kramer vs. Kramer
- 1985: Best Original Screenplay for Places in the Heart
He was also nominated for Oscars for:
- 1968: Best Original Screenplay for Bonnie and Clyde
- 1978: Best Original Screenplay for The Late Show
- 1985: Best Director for Places in the Heart
- 1995: Best Adapted Screenplay for Nobody's Fool
Other Major Awards
- Golden Globe Awards: He won Best Screenplay for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980.
- Directors Guild of America: He won for Outstanding Directing for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980.
- Berlin International Film Festival: He won the Silver Bear for Best Director for Places in the Heart in 1985.
- Edgar Awards: He won Best Motion Picture Screenplay for The Late Show in 1978.
- Toronto International Film Festival: He won the People's Choice Award for Places in the Heart in 1984.
- Writers Guild of America: He received the Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement in 2007.
Actors' Oscar Wins Under Benton's Direction
Several actors won Academy Awards for their roles in films directed by Robert Benton:
- Dustin Hoffman won Best Actor for Kramer vs. Kramer (1980).
- Sally Field won Best Actress for Places in the Heart (1985).
- Meryl Streep won Best Supporting Actress for Kramer vs. Kramer (1980).
See also
In Spanish: Robert Benton para niños
