The cast of “Benson” pursued various career paths after the show ended, sadly Robert Guillaume passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of influential performances.
Benson (TV Series)
Benson is an American television comedy that aired on ABC from September 13, 1979, to April 19, 1986. Starring Robert Guillaume as Benson DuBois, the series revolved around the character’s role as the family patriarch of Governor Eugene X. Gatling, played by James Noble.
The show delves into the motivations, conflicts, and relationships within the Governor’s mansion, with Benson serving as the witty and insightful voice of reason.
Originating as a spin-off of the long-running television series “Soap,” in which Benson originally appeared as the Tate family’s quick-witted but calm African-American housekeeper, the series broke away from the soap opera genre.
The film adopts a more traditional comedy format, with Benson moving from being a servant to becoming the lieutenant governor. Supported by a cast that includes Inga Swenson, Missy Gold, Didi Conn, Ethan Phillips and René Auberjonois in long-running roles, “Benson” explores both comedic and social aspects.
Created by Susan Harris and produced by Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, the series earned Robert Guillaume the 1985 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. “Benson” is a classic comedy that skillfully blends humor with thoughtful stories about management and personal relationships.
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Where are actor Benson now?
The Benson cast emerged on television in the late 1970s, creating a unique comedy legacy. Created by Susan Harris, the series emerged as a spin-off of Soap, quickly gaining a loyal following.
Focusing on Benson DuBois, played by Robert Guillaume, the witty butler of Governor Eugene Gatling (James Noble), the show’s brilliance is on display in the governor’s mansion. Benson’s clever wit and strategic moves are the focus.
Praised for its sharp writing, clever humor and clever social commentary, Benson aired from 1979 to 1986, spanning seven seasons and 158 episodes. Susan Harris’s satire and character-driven storytelling kept Benson in the spotlight, ensuring its enduring appeal.
Robert Guillaume as Benson DuBois:
Robert Guillaume, born Robert Williams in 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri, plays Benson DuBois. Guillaume changed his name to the French version of William to stand out.
He started his career as Benson on the comedy “Soap” and had his own show called “Benson” in 1979. Despite criticism for playing a black worker in a white family, Guillaume still aimed for black pride.
He won an Emmy in 1985. 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 Gatling:
James Noble, born in 1922 in Dallas, Texas, plays Governor Eugene Gatling. Noble, who began his career on Broadway, has appeared on screen in shows such as “One Life to Live” and “Another World.”
After “Benson,” he appeared in “Perfect Strangers” and “Law and Order.” Noble died in 2016 at the age of 94.
Inga Swenson as Gretchen Kraus:
Inga Swenson, born in 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska, plays Gretchen Kraus, the German cook at the governor’s mansion. Swenson has been nominated for a Golden Globe and three Emmys.
She had roles in “Bonanza” and “Soap” before “Benson.” After “Benson,” she appeared in “Newhart” and “The Golden Girls.” Swenson died in 2023 at the age of 90.
Missy Gold as Katie Gatling:
Missy Gold, born in Great Falls, Montana, plays Katie Gatling, the governor’s daughter. Gold’s acting career began in 1977, with appearances in “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries” and “Eight Is Enough”.
After “Benson,” she left acting to become a licensed psychologist. Gold is the younger sister of Tracy Gold.
Ethan Phillips as Pete Downey:
Ethan Phillips, born in 1955 in Garden City, played Pete Downey, the press secretary. His big break came on “Benson.” Phillips played Neelix on “Star Trek: Voyager” (1995-2001) and appeared on shows like “Boston Legal.”
He plays Spike Martin in “Avenue 5” (2020–2022) and reprises his role as Neelix in “Star Trek: Very Short Trek” in 2023.
René Auberjonois as Clayton Endicott III:
René Auberjonois, born in 1940 in New York City, plays Clayton Endicott III, the head of the aristocratic government. Auberjonois appeared in several television shows in the 1970s, including “The Bob Newhart Show” and “Charlie’s Angels.” He won a Tony Award for “Coco” (1969) and played Clayton with comedic flair in “Benson.”
After “Benson,” he appeared in “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and “Boston Legal.” Auberjonois died in 2019 at the age of 79.
Actor Benson
Character | Performer |
|---|---|
| Benson DuBois | Robert Guillaume |
| Eugene X. Gatling | James Noble |
| Gretchen Kraus | Inga Swenson |
| Katie Gatling | Missy Yellow |
| Marcy Hill | Caroline McWilliams |
| Denise Stevens | Didi Conn |
| Pete Downey | Ethan Phillips |
| Clayton Endicott III | Rene Auberjonois |
| Cassidy Rose | Billie Chim |
Benson Storyline
“Benson” follows the journey of Benson DuBois, played by Robert Guillaume, who becomes the household manager for widowed Governor Eugene X. Gatling and his daughter Katie.
The show, a spin-off of “Soap,” featured Benson as he faced the challenges of homemaking alongside characters like German chef Gretchen and John Taylor, his chief of staff. After Season 1, Clayton Endicott III took over as chief of staff.
As the film progresses, Benson climbs the career ladder from family patriarch to state budget director and finally Lieutenant Governor. The film takes a surprising turn when Benson decides to run for governor against Gatling.
In the series finale, Gatling runs as an independent candidate, while Benson wins the party’s nomination, leading to a tense general election.
The finale ended on a cliffhanger, chronicling the unresolved relationship between Benson and Gatling as they waited for the election results. Interestingly, the show’s cancellation left fans waiting, with three outcomes filmed for the election results.
Executive producer Bob Fraser revealed that if the show had continued, Gatling would have won, and Benson would have become a U.S. senator. Despite its inconclusive ending, “Benson” remains an important piece of television history, recalling the unresolved suspense of its predecessor, “Soap.”
Benson Episode
Season | Episode | Original broadcast | Last broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 | September 13, 1979 | May 8, 1980 |
| 2 | 22 | October 31, 1980 | May 22, 1981 |
| 3 | 22 | November 6, 1981 | May 14, 1982 |
| 4 | 22 | October 22, 1982 | March 31, 1983 |
| 5 | 22 | September 16, 1983 | May 4, 1984 |
| 6 | 24 | September 21, 1984 | April 5, 1985 |
| 7 | 22 | October 4, 1985 | April 19, 1986 |
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