Remember crushing on Robby Benson back in the '70s when he melted hearts in tearjerkers like Ice Castles and Ode to Billy Joe? Well, here’s a fun update: Robby is now 63, a grandfather, and still as romantic as ever—but this time, it’s all about his real-life love story with his wife of 37 years, singer Karla DeVito. At 65, Karla remains the heart and soul of Robby’s world, and their bond is stronger than ever.

In an exclusive chat with Closer Weekly, Robby opens up about his life today. “I am so grateful that I found her,” he shares with heartfelt sincerity. “We both love to laugh—especially at ourselves. Karla has become such an integral part of who I am and how I think. She’s made my soul better, and I hope I’ve done the same for her.”

Robby Benson-karla-devito — Getty Images

Together, Robby and Karla have raised two talented children: Zephyr, a 27-year-old filmmaker, and Lyric, a 34-year-old singer who’s added even more joy to their lives by becoming a mother herself. “Being a grandparent is one of the greatest feelings you could ever wish for,” Robby beams with pride. “It’s a whole new level of love.”

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Of course, life hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Robby. Over the years, he’s faced significant health challenges, including four open-heart surgeries to correct a heart murmur and valve issues. But today, he’s healthier than ever, thanks in part to his incredible surgeon, Dr. Gosta Pettersson from the Cleveland Clinic. After taking an eight-year hiatus from acting, Robby is back on screen, starring in the Hallmark Channel movie A Feeling of Home. In the film, he plays a dad whose daughter returns to help save the family farm—a role that resonates deeply with his own experiences as a father.

“Nothing made me want to jump back into acting like this script did,” Robby explains. “It’s beautifully written, and it felt like the perfect fit for where I am in my life right now.” Closer sat down with Robby to talk about his journey from teen idol to seasoned actor, director, and family man. Keep reading for our exclusive Q&A!

On A Feeling of Home: A Heartwarming Story of Family Bonds

When Robby read the script for A Feeling of Home, he knew it was something special. “The relationship between the father I play and his daughter is so authentic,” he says. “As a parent, you always want to ensure there’s an open and honest line of communication with your kids—no matter how old they are. Even now, I still wake up in the middle of the night worrying about them. That’s just part of being a dad.”

For Robby, the film isn’t just about reconnecting with family; it’s also about celebrating the people who matter most. “At the end of the day, my love for my wife and family is the most important thing in my life,” he reflects. “Everything else pales in comparison.”

Voicing the Beast: Finding Himself in Disney’s Iconic Character

One of Robby’s most iconic roles came when he voiced the Beast in Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast. “That character really resonated with me,” he admits. “He’s funny, passionate, and sometimes frustrated when things don’t go his way. Sound familiar? Honestly, he reminds me of myself in many ways.”

Robby adds, “The Beast learns so much from Belle, this incredible, intelligent woman. And that’s exactly what my life has been like with Karla. She’s my partner, my muse, and the love of my life.”