Robert Benton, the Oscar-winning filmmaker who changed the way stories were told in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 92. Known for films like 'Bonnie and Clyde', 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and 'Places in the Heart', Benton left behind a legacy that helped shape modern American cinema.
As reported by AP, his son, John Benton, confirmed that he passed away at his home in Manhattan on Sunday, due to natural causes.
Made his mark with ‘Bonnie and Clyde’
Benton first made a mark in the film world with the 1967 hit 'Bonnie and Clyde', which he co-wrote with David Newman. It became one of the key films that began the 'New Hollywood' era, paving the way for more creative freedom in the industry.
A career highlight: 'Kramer vs. Kramer'
In 1979, Benton wrote and directed the emotional drama 'Kramer vs. Kramer', a film that looked at the effects of divorce and fatherhood through a deeply human lens. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, the film became a major critical and box office success.
For 'Kramer vs. Kramer', Benton won two Academy Awards – Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay – and the film also won Best Picture. This was a major moment in his career, bringing him both fame and recognition for his talent. During his life, Benton earned six Oscar nominations and won three times – two for 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and one for writing 'Places in the Heart'.
'I enjoy these characters enough to spend two years with them'
Back in 2003, when promoting his film 'The Human Stain', Benton spoke about how he picked his projects. He told Box Office Mojo, “Scripts survive a kind of winnowing process, and I reach the point where I enjoy these characters enough to spend two years with them.”
This quote shows just how much he cared about the people in his stories. He also said, “I'm looking for something that's different from what I did last time.”
Benton admired other filmmakers too. In the same 2003 interview, he called Italian director Ermanno Olmi “the greatest living director” and said that he “love(s) and admire(s) Francis Ford Coppola.”
When asked about actors he wished to work with, Benton said, “I would love to work with [Robert] Duvall and [Adrien] Brody. I'd love to work with [Gene] Hackman again. I like Naomi Watts.”
This list shows Benton’s deep respect for acting talent and his desire to keep learning and growing as a director.
Overcoming personal struggles
What makes Benton’s achievements even more special is that he faced major challenges growing up. He suffered from severe dyslexia as a child, which made it difficult for him to read more than a few pages at a time as reported by AP. But that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most respected writers and directors in the industry. Despite his reading struggles, he successfully adapted novels by authors like Philip Roth, E.L. Doctorow and Richard Russo into films, proving his incredible talent and determination.
Benton’s last film was 'Feast of Love' in 2007. While he slowed down after that, his legacy never faded.
As per The New York Times, he was predeceased by his wife, artist Sallie Benton, in 2023. The two were married for 60 years. He is survived by his son, John Benton.
As reported by AP, his son, John Benton, confirmed that he passed away at his home in Manhattan on Sunday, due to natural causes.
Made his mark with ‘Bonnie and Clyde’
Benton first made a mark in the film world with the 1967 hit 'Bonnie and Clyde', which he co-wrote with David Newman. It became one of the key films that began the 'New Hollywood' era, paving the way for more creative freedom in the industry.
A career highlight: 'Kramer vs. Kramer'
In 1979, Benton wrote and directed the emotional drama 'Kramer vs. Kramer', a film that looked at the effects of divorce and fatherhood through a deeply human lens. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep, the film became a major critical and box office success.
For 'Kramer vs. Kramer', Benton won two Academy Awards – Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay – and the film also won Best Picture. This was a major moment in his career, bringing him both fame and recognition for his talent. During his life, Benton earned six Oscar nominations and won three times – two for 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and one for writing 'Places in the Heart'.
'I enjoy these characters enough to spend two years with them'
Back in 2003, when promoting his film 'The Human Stain', Benton spoke about how he picked his projects. He told Box Office Mojo, “Scripts survive a kind of winnowing process, and I reach the point where I enjoy these characters enough to spend two years with them.”
This quote shows just how much he cared about the people in his stories. He also said, “I'm looking for something that's different from what I did last time.”
Benton admired other filmmakers too. In the same 2003 interview, he called Italian director Ermanno Olmi “the greatest living director” and said that he “love(s) and admire(s) Francis Ford Coppola.”
When asked about actors he wished to work with, Benton said, “I would love to work with [Robert] Duvall and [Adrien] Brody. I'd love to work with [Gene] Hackman again. I like Naomi Watts.”
This list shows Benton’s deep respect for acting talent and his desire to keep learning and growing as a director.
Overcoming personal struggles
What makes Benton’s achievements even more special is that he faced major challenges growing up. He suffered from severe dyslexia as a child, which made it difficult for him to read more than a few pages at a time as reported by AP. But that didn’t stop him from becoming one of the most respected writers and directors in the industry. Despite his reading struggles, he successfully adapted novels by authors like Philip Roth, E.L. Doctorow and Richard Russo into films, proving his incredible talent and determination.
Benton’s last film was 'Feast of Love' in 2007. While he slowed down after that, his legacy never faded.
As per The New York Times, he was predeceased by his wife, artist Sallie Benton, in 2023. The two were married for 60 years. He is survived by his son, John Benton.
You may also like
She was pregnant but still chose to serve in Kargil War. Meet ex-Indian Army Officer Yashika Tyagi. What is she doing now after retirement?
'Operation Sindoor' aftermath: Multiple losses for Pakistan air force, key gains for India
Proud To Have Shared The Field With Two Of The Finest: Dhawan On Rohit Virat Retirements
Fractional ownership platform Strata surrenders SEBI registration amid legal dispute
TTE misbehaved with 35 army personnel going on emergency duty by North East Express, passengers gave seats to soldiers
