Theater News

Actor and Director Paul Benedict Dies at 70

Paul Benedict
Paul Benedict

Paul Benedict, perhaps best known for portraying Harry Bentley on the sitcom The Jeffersons, was found dead on Monday in Martha’s Vineyard, according to the Associated Press. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of death. Benedict was 70.

As an actor, Benedict’s Broadway credits included The Music Man, Hughie, The Play’s the Thing, and Bad Habits. He appeared Off-Broadway in Little Murders and The White House Murder Case, and his numerous regional credits included The Lady’s Not for Burning, The Unvarnished Truth, Arsenic and Old Lace, and The Unexpected Man. In addition to The Jeffersons, his film and television credits included The Goodbye Girl, Sesame Street, and This Is Spinal Tap.

As a director, his credits included the Broadway production of Any Given Day, as well as productions of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Strictly Academic, and The Kathy & Mo Show.