With The Rescuers being Disney’s most successful recent film by 1984, Walt Disney Studios decided to award the film the rare honor of a sequel back when the company didn’t do these. Yet, when writing began in 1986, it was determined that the movie would be set in Australia due to the success of Crocodile Dundee at the time. Because of the rising popularity of Australian-themed action films and with Americans becoming more environmentally conscious, the studio decided to abandon its musical format, market it as its first action-adventure film, and have it be the first Disney film since Bambi to with an environmental and animal rights message. By 1988, Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor have confirmed to reprise their roles. But since Orville’s actor Jim Jordan died from a fall at his home, Roy E. Disney suggested that Orville be replaced by his brother Wilbur as a tribute. Storyboard artist Joe E. Ranft was brought on to serve as the story supervisor. As for the animation, animators studied the mannerisms of Newhart and Gabor during their voice recording sessions and used George C. Scott’s performance in Doctor Strangelove as a reference for Percival McLeach whom the actor portrayed. To create believable realism with Australian animals, animators traveled to the San Diego Zoo to observe kangaroos, kookaburras, and snakes. While an iguana from Walt Disney World’s Discovery Island was brought into the studio as a reference for Joanna. The Rescuers Down Under is also notable as Disney’s first traditionally animated film using only the new computerized CAPS process (Computer Animation Production System) developed by Pixar, which was a computer-based production system used for digital ink and paint compositing, allowing for more efficient and sophistication post-production of the Disney animated films and making the traditional practice of hand-painting cels obsolete. With animators’ drawings and backgrounds scanned into computer systems instead and where the animation drawings were inked and painted by digital artists. The drawings were later composited with the scanned backgrounds in software to allow for digital compositing like camera positioning, camera movements, multiplane effects, and other camera techniques. Those digital files would be recorded onto film stock. While The Rescuers Down Under received positive reviews from critics, it only grossed $47.4 million at the box office, making it a box office bomb. Yet, it receives an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and its animation methods would be used in later films. In this post, we’ll meet the voice behind Ariel’s Sisters (and the Feather Duster), voice actor Jack Angel and Russi Taylor, as well as the voices behind, Jake, Red, Frank, Krebbs (and the Sultan), and Baitmouse along with 2 characters from Beauty and the Beast which I’ll cover in the next post.

151. Kimmy Robertson

Dates:1954-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Los Angeles, California. Began her career as a ballet dancer but her distinctive sense of humor and quirky style brought her to the attention of an agent who happened to work in the same office as her ballet company. Although initially unsure about being an actress, Robertson was hired for the first role she auditioned for in the 1982 teen comedy The Last American Virgin.

Movies and Cartoons: The Little Mermaid (1989) and Beauty and the Beast (1991) as well as several direct-to-video instalments and series.

Characters: Ariel’s Sisters and Featherduster

Also Known For: Actress best known as Lucy Moran in Twin Peaks as well as the voice of Ollie in Ollie & Scoops. Speaks in a high-pitched voice. Film appearances include The Last American Virgin, Bad Manners, The Couch Trip, Trust Me, My Mom’s a Werewolf, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, Leprechaun 2, Speed 2: Cruise Control, Stuart Little, and Anderson’s Cross. TV appearances include Perfect Secrets, Second Chance, Webster, Married…with Children, ABC Weekend Special, Tales from the Crypt, The Simpsons, Batman: The Animated Series, 2 Stupid Dogs, The Louie Show, Ellen, The Critic, The Tick, ER, Batman Beyond, The Amanda Show, Becker, Drake & Josh, Southland, Psych, Marry Me, and Angel from Hell.

Personal Life: Was said to be married to a guy named Johnny Walker from 2003 to their divorce in 2004.

Later Life: In 2004, she wrote a letter of support for convicted sex offender Brian Peck before his sentencing. He had been found guilty of sexual offenses against a child.

Trivia: Was said to perform in the Disneyland parade at one point.

152. Jack Angel

Dates: 1930-2021

Early Life and Career: Born in Modesto, California. Father was a Greek immigrant. Graduated from San Francisco State University in 1957 before being hired as a DJ for a California radio station and decided to pursue a career in radio programs. Within a decade, Angel became one of the most popular radio personalities with his radio programs being heard on KMPC and KFI Los Angeles. In his early career, Angel also landed roles in stage productions at The Actor’s Ring and the Portland Civic Theater. Began experimenting with voiceovers that he’d produce for clients. While at KMPC, Angel’s demo tape ended up in the hands of Gary Owens who already made inroads as an animation voiceover and forwarded Angel’s demo tape to his agent. After nearly 20 years of radio, Angel shifted to full-time voice acting.

Movies and Cartoons: The Little Mermaid (1989), Duck Tales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990), The Rescuers Down Under (1990), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), Toy Story (1995) The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Hercules (1997), Mulan (1998), A Bug’s Life (1998), Tarzan (1999), Toy Story 2 (1999), Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), Monsters, Inc. (2001), Lilo & Stitch (2002), Treasure Planet (2003), Finding Nemo (2003), The Incredibles (2004), Cars (2006), Toy Story 3 (2011), and Monsters University (2013) as well as various cartoon series, specials, and video games.

Characters: Sailor, Tom, Arab, Rocky Gibraltar, Mr. Shark, Builder #2, Ancestor, Thud, Monkey, Alien Guard, Grewnge, Police Robot, Mr. Johansen, Guard #2, Chuck Armstrong, Chunk, and Fear “The Terror” Thompson

Also Known For: Voice actor who provided voiceovers for animation and video games. Was the voice of Smokey the Bear from 2002-2012. Film appearances include Transformers: The Movie, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Porco Rosso, Dragon Ball Z: Wrath of the Dragon, Balto, Quest for Camelot, The Prince of Egypt, The Iron Giant, The Trumpet of the Swan, Spirited Away, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit, Ice Age: The Meltdown, Horton Hears a Who, The Lorax, Despicable Me 2, Funny Lady, The World’s Greatest Lover, Beetlejuice, Hook, Mom and Dad Save the World, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Looney Tunes: Back in Action, Deterrence, Crime and Punishment in Suburbia, and Noah. TV appearances include The All-New Super Friends Hour, Challenge of the Super Friends, Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo, Super Friends, The Smurfs, The New Scooby and Scrappy-Doo Show, Pole Position, Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians, The Transformers, G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, The Real Ghostbusters, Blondie and Dagwood, Superman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Tiny Toon Adventures, Raw Toonage, Sonic the Hedgehog, Bonkers, The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper, Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm, Rugrats, Hey Arnold!, The Wild Thornberrys, Ben 10, My Life as a Teenage Robot, ChalkZone, Clarence, Care Bears: Unlock the Magic, The Young and the Restless, The Dukes, Snorks, Saber Rider and Star Sheriffs, Where’s Waldo?, The Legend of Prince Valiant, Kid ‘n Play, Space Cats, The New Adventures of Captain Planet, The Fantastic Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor, All-New Dennis the Menace, Sonic Underground, Scrubs, Crime Story, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Amazing Stories, Silver Spoons, and TUGS. Video game appearances include Star Wars: Dark Forces, Full Throttle, The Dark Eye, Shattered Steel, Outlaws, Grim Fandango, Crusaders of Might and Magic, Throne of Darkness, Ratchet & Clank, EverQuest II, World of Warcraft, Shadow of Rome, Killer7, Call of Duty 2, Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, Titan Quest, Gothic 3, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Supreme Commander: Forged Alliance, Aion, Watchmen: The End Is Nigh, Wolfenstein, Supreme Commander 2, Prison Break: The Conspiracy, The Darkness II, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and Final Fantasy XV.

Personal Life: Married twice. First wife was Barbara Champion whom he had 3 children with. They divorced in 1980. Second wife was talent agent/owner Arlene Thornton from 1984 until his death. They resided in the Studio City neighborhood of Malibu, California.

Later Life: Died in 2021 of natural causes in Malibu, California at 90. Buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.

Trivia: None.

153. Tristan Rogers

Dates: 1946-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Melbourne. Early roles were short stints on Australian soap operas and other television shows. Also appeared in some early British films during the 1970s. Originally appeared on General Hospital in 1980.

Movies and Cartoons: The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

Characters: Jake

Also Known For: Australian-American actor best known as Robert Scorpio on General Hospital a show which he currently stars in. Has done voiceover work for Outback Steakhouse, Foster’s Lager, Reebok, and Epson. Also did voice work in a Mad Max video game. Film appearances include Four Dimensions of Greta, The Flesh and Blood Show, A Piece of Eden, Delgo, and Jack Rio. TV appearances include The Link Men, Barrier Reef, Number 96, The Box, Power Without Glory, Bellbird, Cover Up, Babylon 5, The Real Adventures of Johnny Quest, Fast Track, Batman Beyond, General Hospital: Night Shift, The Bay, and The Young and the Restless.

Personal Life: Married twice. First wife was Barbara Meale from 1974 until their divorce in 1984. Second and current wife is Teres Parkinson since 1995. They have a daughter named Sarah Jane born in 1992 and a son named Cale born in 1996.

Later Life: Bought a home in Palm Springs, California in 1997.

Trivia: None.

154. Peter Firth

Dates: 1953-present

Early Life and Career: Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. Parents owned a bar. Attended Bradford’s Hanson School. Became a leading child actor in British television during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Made his theatrical debut in 1973.

Movies and Cartoons: The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

Characters: Red

Also Known For: British actor best known for his role as Sir Harry Peare in the BBC One series Spooks and has been the only cast member to appear in every episode of the 10-season show. Also played Alan Stang in Equus. Did voice work for Star Wars Fleet Commander. Film appearances include Aces High, Joseph Andrews, Tess, Fire and Sword, Sword of the Valiant: The Legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, White Elephant, Lifeforce, Letter to Brezhnev, Prisoner of Rio, Tree of Hands, Trouble in Paradise (1989), The Hunt for Red October, The Pleasure Principle, Shadowlands, White Angel, Merisairas, Gaston’s War, Amistad, Mighty Joe Young (1998), Pearl Harbor, The Greatest Game Ever Played, World Without End, and Risen. TV appearances include The Flaxton Boys, Here Come the Double Deckers, The Doctors, The Adventures of Black Beauty, Owen M.D., Scene, The Protectors, Arthur of the Britons, Diamonds on Wheels, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Lady of the Camellias, Tales of the Unexpected, Northanger Abbey, The Incident, The Young Indiana Jones, Anna Lee, Resort to Murder, The Witch’s Daughter, Band of Gold, The Broker’s Man, Kavanaugh QC, Dead Man’s Gun, The Magnificent Seven, Cracker, That’s Life, The Vice, Hawking, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Ancient Rome: The Rise and Fall of an Empire, South Riding, Mayday, Undeniable, Dickensian, Victoria, and Summer of Rockets. Audiobook appearances include After Hannibal, Brave New World, Suspicion, Tess of the D’Ubervilles, Maurice, Birdsong, Regeneration, The Eye in the Door, and The Ghost Road.

Personal Life: Lodged with Peter Schaffer during Equus’ run on Broadway in a father-son relationship. Married 3 times. First wife was Maya Sendall from 1980 until their divorce. Has fathered a child named Rory to her. Second wife was Lindsey Readman from 1990 until their divorce. Have 4 children together. Third and current wife is actress Alexandra Pigg since 2017, whom he was in a relationship with since 2010. Were interviewed together during the making of Letters to Brezhnev.

Later Life: Still working as of 2025.

Trivia: Won a Golden Globe in 1977 for his performance in Equus as well as received an Academy Award nomination. Awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters degree from the University of Bradford by the School of Computing, Informatics, & Media in 2009.

155. Wayne Robson

Dates: 1946-2011

Early Life and Career: Born in Vancouver, British Columbia. Began his acting career on stage but moved with his family to Toronto, Ontario where he continued with stage acting and appeared on Canadian TV commercials during the 1970s. Made first film in 1971.

Movies and Cartoons: The Rescuers Down Under (1990)

Characters: Frank

Also Known For: Canadian television, stage, film, and voice actor who’s best known as ex-convict Mike Hamar from The Red Green Show and Duct Tape Forever. Was also escape artist Rennes “the Wren” from the 1997 science fiction film Cube. Film appearances include McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Russian Roulette, Popeye, Improper Channels, The Grey Fox, Finders Keepers, One Magic Christmas, Dead of Winter, Candy Mountain, Housekeeping, Something About Love, Parents, Bye Bye Blues, Bingo, Dolores Claiborne, Two If by Sea, Getting Away with Murder, Pippi Longstocking, Affliction, Babar: King of the Elephants, Interstate 60, Wrong Turn, Cold Creek Manor, The Incredible Hulk, and The Timekeeper. TV appearances include Scales of Justice, Goosebumps, When the Dark Man Calls, Redwall, Lexx, Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series, and Miss Spider’s Sunny Patch Friends.

Personal Life: Married to Lynn Woodman from 1985 until his death. Had 2 children, including a son named Louis and singer Ivy Robson.

Later Life: Died in 2011 of a heart attack while rehearsing The Grapes of Wrath at the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario at 64.

Trivia: Was nominated for a Genie Award for The Grey Fox in 1984.

156. Douglas Seale

Dates: 1913-1999

Early Life and Career: Born in London, England. Attended the Rutlish School in Wimbledon and trained for the stage at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Made his debut in 1934 and performed in theatre until 1940 before serving in the Royal Corps of Signals during World War II. After finishing his service in 1946, Seale joined the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre company in Stratford-upon-Avon for 2 seasons before turning to producing and directing stage plays in the UK and the US. After returning to acting later in life, he enjoyed his greatest success as Sebastian Mowbray in the 1983 production of Noises Off.

Movies and Cartoons: The Rescuers Down Under (1990) and Aladdin (1992)

Characters: Krebbs and the Sultan

Also Known For: British film, stage and television actor with a career spanning over 60 years. Did voice work in the Phantasmagoria video game. Film appearances include Amadeus, Heaven Help Us, Ernest Saves Christmas, Ghostbusters II, A More Perfect Union, Mr. Destiny, Almost an Angel, and For Love or Money. TV appearances include A Smoky Mountain Christmas, Amazing Stories, Cheers, Family Ties, and Rags to Riches.

Personal Life: Married 3 times. First wife was Elaine Wodson from 1938 to their divorce in 1942. Second wife was Joan Barbara Geary from 1950 to their divorce in 1967. Couple had 2 sons named Jonathan and Timothy. Third wife was TV and stage actress Louise Troy from 1992 to her death from breast cancer in 1994.

Later Life: Died in New York City in 1999 at 85. Was survived by his 2 sons and 2 grandchildren. Was cremated and his ashes were sprinkled into the Atlantic Ocean.

Trivia: Nominated for a Tony Award in 1983 for his performance in the play Noises Off.

157. Russi Taylor

Dates: 1944-2019

Early Life and Career: Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Began her voice-over career in the mid-1970s.

Movies and Cartoons: The Rescuers Down Under (1990), DuckTales the Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp (1990), and Fantasia 2000 (1999) as well as cartoon series, shorts, direct-to-video installments, video games, albums, and theme park attractions.

Characters: Nurse Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webby, and Daisy Duck (screams only).

Also Known For: Voice actress best known for as the English voice of Minnie Mouse from 1986 to 2019, making her the longest tenured actress to voice the character, having held the role for 33 years. Was also the original voice for Strawberry Shortcake, Baby Gonzo, Nova, Melissa, Pac-Baby, Queen Rosedust, Birdie the Early Bird, and numerous characters from The Simpsons. Film appearances include The Private Eyes, My Little Pony: The Movie, The Adventures of the American Rabbit, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Jetsons: The Movie, Babe, Babe: Pig in the City, Pom Poko, and The Simpsons Movie. TV appearances include The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The World of Strawberry Shortcake, The Flintstone Comedy Show, Heathcliff, The Smurfs, Strawberry Shortcake in Big Apple City, Strawberry Shortcake: Pets on Parade, The Little Rascals, Christmas Comes to Pac-Land, Pac-Man, Strawberry Shortcake: Housewarming Surprise, Dungeons & Dragons, Strawberry Shortcake and the Baby Without a Name, Muppet Babies, ABC Weekend Special, Strawberry Shortcake Meets the Berrykins, Kissyfur, My Little Pony, Glo Friends, Blondie and Dagwood, Yogi’s Treasure Hunt, Superman, Widget the World Watcher, What-a-Mess, Mr. Bogus, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog, Bonkers, Hollyrock-a-Bye Baby, The Critic, The Baby Huey Show, Capitol Critters, The Wild Thornberrys, Clifford’s Puppy Days, Teen Titans, and Wheel of Fortune. Video game appearances include The Simpsons Cartoon Studio, The Simpsons Virtual Springfield, and The Flintstones: Bedrock Bowling.

Personal Life: Married to Mickey Mouse voice actor Wayne Allwine from 1991 to his death in 2009.

Later Life: Died in 2019 from colon cancer at her Glendale, California home at 75. Interred in Forest Lawn Memorial Park next to her husband.

Trivia: Named Disney Legends with her husband Wayne Allwine in 2008. Was once nominated for a Primetime Emmy and an Annie Award.

158. Billy Barty

Dates:1924-2000

Early Life and Career: Born William John Bertanzetti in Millsboro, Pennsylvania. Family moved to California in 1927. Co-starred with Mickey Rooney in the Mickey McGuire shorts of the 1920s and 1930s. Small for his age even then, Barty would impersonate young children alongside brawny authority figures or wild animals, making these threats seem larger in comparison.

Movies and Cartoons: The Rescuers Down Under (1990) as well as series like Duck Tales and Adventures of the Gummi Bears.

Characters: Baitmouse

Also Known For: Actor and activist who stood 3’9” due to cartilage-hair hypoplasia dwarfism. Was often cast in films opposite taller performers for comic effect. Specialized in outspoken and wisecracking characters. Film appearances include Footlight Parade, Gold Diggers of 1933, Alice in Wonderland (1933), Bride of Frankenstein, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935), Nothing Sacred, Three Wise Fools, Pygmy Island, Fireman Save My Child, The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm, The Perils of Pauline (1967), The Day of the Locust, The Amazing Dobermans, Happy Hooker Goes to Washington, Rabbit Test, Foul Play, Firepower, Under the Rainbow, Night Patrol, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White, Masters of the Universe, Willow, Life Stinks, The Naked Truth, and The Radioland Murders. TV appearances include The Spike Jones Show, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Peter Gunn, Rawhide, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Get Smart, The Waltons, Barney Miller, The Love Boat, Charlie’s Angels, CHiPs, Fantasy Island, Little House on the Prairie, Trapper John M.D., The Golden Girls, ABC Weekend Special, The Munsters Today, Frasier, The New Batman Adventures, and L.A. Heat.

Personal Life: Married to Shirley Bolingbroke in 1962 in Malad City, Idaho. They had 2 children: Lori Nielson and TV director and producer Braden. Couple remained together until his death.

Later Life: Was sued in small claims court by 2 of the writers of his cancelled show Short Ribs in 1990 that aired for 13 weeks in the fall of 1989 on KDOC-TV.  Both filed separate lawsuits for money owed and Barty lost both cases. He later claimed the lawsuit news was the most publicity he ever got. Died of heart failure in 2000 in Los Angeles at 76. Entombed in Glendale’s Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Trivia: Founded the Little People of America organization in 1957. It was the first North American organization for dwarfs. Received a motion pictures star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard. During the 1980s, he owned a popular roller rink in Fullerton, California that also booked bands on weekends. In 2002, a tribute book published by his nephew Michael Copeland and Debra called Within Reach: An Inspirational Journey into the Life, Legacy and Influence of Billy Barty.

159. Paige O’Hara

Dates: 1956-present

Early Life and Career: Born Donna Paige Helmintoller in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Began acting at 4 and started acting classes in her home state. Developed an interest in singing at 12 and enrolled in a performing arts high school. Major childhood hero was Judy Garland. Made her Broadway stage debut as Della in The Gift of the Magi in 1975. A Disney fan since childhood, she auditioned for Beauty and the Beast (1991) at the age of 35.

Movies and Cartoons: Beauty and the Beast (1991), Enchanted (2007), and Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) as well as direct-to-video installments, specials, and video games.

Characters: Belle and Angela

Also Known For: Actress, singer, and painter who began her career on Broadway before making her film debut in Beauty and the Beast (1991) where she’s best known for her role as Belle. TV appearances include The Legend of Prince Valiant, The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat, Adventures of the Book of Virtues, and Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe in Santa. Stage appearances include The Gift of the Magi, Fiorello!, Naughty Marietta, Paint Your Wagon, Showboat, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Oklahoma!, Of Thee I Sing!, Mack and Mabel, The Cat and the Fiddle, Evita, Les Miserables, South Pacific, Peter Pan, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Menopause the Musical.

Personal Life: Married twice. First husband was Lee Resseguie whom she met during a run of Fiorello!. They were married from 1980 to their divorce. Second and current husband is Michael Piontek since 1990.

Later Life: Is still actively working as of 2025.

Trivia: Named Disney Legend in 2011. Said to be friends with Jodie Benson and Linda Larkin.

160. Robbie Benson

Dates: 1956-present

Early Life and Career: Born Robin David Segal in Dallas, Texas to a Jewish family. Father was a writer. Mother was a singer, actor, and business promotions manager. Family moved to New York City when he was 5, where he was raised. Took his mother’s maiden name as his stage name at 10. Attended Lincoln Square Academy in Manhattan where he graduated at 14 as the class valedictorian. Made his film debut in 1967 and first appeared on Broadway in 1969.

Movies and Cartoons: Beauty and the Beast (1991) as well as direct-to-video installments, specials, and video games.

Characters: The Beast/Prince

Also Known For: Actor, director, singer, composer, and musician who rose to prominence as a teen idol during the late 1970s, appearing in films Ode to Billy Joe, One On One, and Ice Castles. Did voice work for video game King’s Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow. Has composed songs for several films. Film appearances include Wait Until Dark, Jory, Jeremy, Lucky Lady, The End, Walk Proud, Die Laughing, Tribute, The Chosen, Running Brave, Harry & Son, Rent-a-Cop, Modern Love, and The Life & Adventures of Santa Claus. TV appearances include Search for Tomorrow, Death Be Not Proud, One Day at a Time, The Last of Mrs. Lincoln, The Death of Richie, Our Town, Two of a Kind, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, California Girls, The Greatest Adventure: Stories from the Bible, Tough Cookies, The Hitchhiker, The Legend of Prince Valiant, Evening Shade, P.J. Sparkles, Batman: The Animated Series, Wild West C. O. W. Boys of Moo Mesa, Road to Avonlea, Precious Victims, Exosquad, The Magic School Bus, Caroline in the City, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Seinfeld, The Huntress, American Dreams, and Severance. Directed episodes for Modern Love, Family Album, Evening Shade, Monty, Muddling Through, Good Advice, Thunder Alley, Ellen, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Friends, The Naked Truth, Jesse, and The Huntress.

Personal Life: Married to actress Karla DeVito since 1982 whom he met during a production of Pirates of Penzance. Have 2 children: a daughter named Lyric born in 1992 and a son named Zephyr born in 1994. Was diagnosed with a heart murmur and a bicuspid aortic valve defect as a teenager. Began experiencing symptoms like dizziness and losing consciousness during his late 20s and subsequently underwent open-heart surgery in 1984 to repair the valve defect. Received a bovine valve transplant that lasted for 15 years. Had a second surgery once the valve failed and underwent the Ross procedure. Benson had struggled breathing during the next 6 years. In a third open-heart surgery, doctors discovered that Benson’s breathing problems were caused by the previous procedure resulting his aortic valve to buckle and close. Received a delicate fourth open-heart surgery known as the “reverse Ross procedure” to correct damage to his heart. Is currently an activist and fundraiser for heart research, which led him to write a book, lyrics, and music for an original Off-Broadway play called Open Heart.

Later Life: Wrote a novel in 2007 called Who Stole the Funny?: A Novel of Hollywood landed him on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list. Released a memoir in 2012 called I’m Not Dead … Yet!. Has been a professor at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, the University of Utah, the University of South Carolina, and Indiana University.

Trivia: Nominated for 2 Golden Globe Awards. Won an RIAA Gold Record for writing the song “We Are Not Alone” performed by his wife for the soundtrack of the 1985 John Hughes film The Breakfast Club.