Barbie Benton

By: Kelly

Barbie Benton was a young model, actress, and singer who, by 1969, had become a prominent figure in Playboy’s glamorous world and the steady companion of Hugh Hefner. Born Barbara Klein in 1950, she studied to become a veterinarian before being drawn into showbusiness. At just 18, she began appearing on the Playboy variety show Playboy After Dark, where she quickly caught Hefner’s attention and became his girlfriend. Though often portrayed as just another “Playmate,” Barbie was far more than arm candy—she was intelligent, quick-witted, and had genuine career ambitions. She was instrumental in encouraging Hefner to buy the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles and later found success as a country singer and television personality.

In 1969, she was youthful, stylish, and on the rise—equal parts girl-next-door and savvy showbiz insider. She carried herself with charm and confidence, embracing the high-society lifestyle while never quite losing the curiosity and drive that propelled her from student to starlet. Being close to Hefner gave her visibility, but she had ambitions beyond just being someone's girlfriend.