In defense of Robby Benson

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Robby Benson. Age 51. Survivor of three open heart surgeries to repair a heart defect.

In the mid 1970s, was a teen star in movies such as “Ode to Billy Joe” and “Ice Castles.”

Voiced the Beast in Disney’s animated “Beauty and the Beast.”

Writer. His book “Who Stole the Funny” made the L.A. Times best-seller list recently. He’s also written an off-Broadway musical called “Open Heart.”

Teacher. Currently at New York University’s Tish School of the Arts.

After listening to him at a panel discussion Saturday, we must ask that you give this guy a second chance. Stop thinking of him as he appeared in a movie in 1976. He’s much, much more than that. An all-around charming and thoughtful guy. We don’t heart him like we heart Andie MacDowell, but he sure gave off a friendly, peaceful vibe.