Sometimes, a search query can lead us down an interesting path, prompting us to look at things a bit differently. When folks ask about the "benson boone bulge," it often sparks curiosity. Is that about a person, or perhaps something else entirely? Well, today, we're going to talk about a different "Benson" that has a big presence in television history, a show that really stood out for its time. It's a series that, in its own way, had a significant impact, a sort of cultural "bulge" in the landscape of sitcoms from a while back.
The show we're talking about is "Benson," an American television sitcom that, you know, originally ran on ABC for seven seasons. It started on September 13, 1979, and kept going until April 19, 1986. This was a program that, for many years, brought laughter and some thought-provoking moments right into people's living rooms. It was, in a way, a very familiar face on television screens during that period.
The central figure of this series, the one everyone came to know, was Benson DuBois. He was played by the very talented Robert Guillaume. The show, quite simply, revolved around this title character. So, if you were wondering about any kind of "bulge" related to Benson, perhaps it’s the large personality and the many surprising turns his life took on screen that truly stand out, that's what we're going to explore today, actually.
Table of Contents
- Robert Guillaume: The Man Who Was Benson
- Benson DuBois: A Character with Many Layers
- The Show's Beginning and Long Run
- Benson's Surprising Diplomatic Turn
- A New Face and a Dangerous Situation
- The Show's Lasting Impression
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Show "Benson"
- Wrapping Up the Story of Benson
Robert Guillaume: The Man Who Was Benson
Robert Guillaume was the actor who really made the character of Benson DuBois come to life. He was, in a way, the heart of the show. His acting brought a special kind of dignity and wit to the role, which many viewers appreciated. He had a career that spanned many years, taking on various parts in television, movies, and even on stage. His voice work was also quite notable, so, you know, he had a broad range of talents.
Guillaume was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He had a strong presence and a voice that was very distinct. Before "Benson," he was known for his work in other productions, too. He was a performer who really understood how to make a character feel real and believable, even in a comedic setting. It's almost like he was born to play this part, truly.
His portrayal of Benson was so good that it earned him awards. He showed that a character who started in one kind of job could grow and take on bigger responsibilities, all while keeping his sharp mind and clever remarks. This really helped the show become something special, actually.
Personal Details: Robert Guillaume
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Peter Williams |
| Known As | Robert Guillaume |
| Birth Date | November 30, 1927 |
| Birth Place | St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Death Date | October 24, 2017 |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer |
| Notable Role | Benson DuBois in "Benson" |
Benson DuBois: A Character with Many Layers
Benson DuBois, the main person in the show, was not just a simple character. He began his time on television as a butler, working in the home of Governor Gatling. But Benson was far more than just someone who served. He was a very intelligent person, always ready with a clever comment or a smart solution to a problem. He had a way of seeing things clearly, which often put him in a position to offer good advice, even to the Governor himself, you know.
Over the years, Benson's role changed quite a bit. He moved up from being a butler to holding more important positions within the Governor's staff. He became the state's budget director, and then, later on, he even became the lieutenant governor. This showed a real progression for a character on a sitcom, which was, in some respects, quite unusual for the time. It made the show feel like it was moving forward, and that Benson was truly growing as a person.
His interactions with the other people in the Governor's mansion were a big part of what made the show funny and engaging. He often had to deal with the Governor's sometimes scatterbrained ways or the strictness of Miss Kraus, the Governor's secretary. Benson's calm demeanor and sharp wit helped him handle all sorts of situations, which was, very, very often, quite entertaining to watch.
The Show's Beginning and Long Run
"Benson" first came onto our screens in the fall of 1979. It was a spin-off from another popular show, "Soap," where Benson DuBois was first introduced as the family's butler. The idea to give him his own show was, apparently, a very good one. People quickly took to Benson and his new surroundings in the Governor's residence. It was a different kind of setting for a sitcom, which helped it stand out, in a way.
The series ran for seven years, which is a pretty good run for any television program. From September 13, 1979, to April 19, 1986, "Benson" was a regular part of ABC's lineup. During those years, the show explored various topics, from daily household happenings to more serious political issues, all seen through Benson's unique perspective. It was, you know, a show that tried to do a little more than just make people laugh.
The consistency of the cast, with Robert Guillaume at the center, helped keep viewers coming back. The writers also did a good job of letting the characters evolve, especially Benson. This long run allowed for a lot of character development and many memorable moments, which, actually, is something that many shows don't get to do.
Benson's Surprising Diplomatic Turn
One of the more memorable plot lines in the show involved Benson taking on a very unusual and important task. There was a time when the life of a visiting African president was in danger. Radicals from his own country were threatening him, and this created a very tense situation. So, what happened? Benson, in a surprising turn, was talked into pretending to be the president at a big state dinner. This was a pretty big deal, you know.
This storyline really showed Benson's quick thinking and his ability to handle pressure. It was a moment where the show stepped outside its usual comedic boundaries a bit, adding some suspense and a touch of drama. Benson had to act the part of a world leader, which was quite a change from his usual duties. It proved that he could rise to any occasion, no matter how serious or unexpected it was, basically.
The situation was full of twists and turns. Benson had to be very careful not to give away his true identity while also trying to protect the real president. It was a clever way to show Benson's intelligence and resourcefulness, highlighting that he was truly a man of many talents, as a matter of fact.
A New Face and a Dangerous Situation
During these high-stakes events, Benson also met someone new and rather appealing: Francine. Her appearance added another layer to the story, bringing a bit of romance or at least a new personal connection into Benson's busy life. It showed that even when dealing with serious threats, there was still room for personal moments and new relationships to form, which, really, is a nice touch.
The danger continued to mount, too. The real president was poisoned, which made Benson's impersonation even more important and risky. He had to stand in for the leader of a newly formed African nation, carrying on the charade while the actual president was unwell. This put a lot of weight on Benson's shoulders, as you can imagine. It was a very tense time for him and for the people around him.
And if that wasn't enough, the situation became even more complicated. While Benson was doing his best to keep up the pretense, a fourth assassin came looking for him. This meant the danger was very close, and Benson had to be constantly on guard. It was a series of events that kept viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering how Benson would get out of such a tight spot. It was, honestly, quite a dramatic arc for a sitcom character.
The Show's Lasting Impression
The television series "Benson" left a real mark on the landscape of American sitcoms. It was more than just a funny show; it explored themes of class, race, and politics, all through the eyes of its main character. Benson DuBois was a person who commanded respect, no matter what his job title was. This made him a very strong and memorable figure on television, you know, for many years after the show ended.
The show's ability to mix humor with more serious topics was one of its strengths. It could make you laugh one moment and then think a bit the next. Robert Guillaume's portrayal was key to this balance. He gave Benson a depth that allowed the show to tackle different kinds of stories, which was, in some respects, quite forward-thinking for a show of its era.
Even today, people remember "Benson" fondly. It stands as an example of a sitcom that grew with its characters and wasn't afraid to let them face new challenges. It showed that a television show could evolve and keep its audience engaged for a long time, which, actually, is a sign of a truly good program. It's almost like the show itself had a big impact, a sort of cultural presence that still resonates.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Show "Benson"
Many people have questions about this classic television show. Here are a few common ones:
When did the show "Benson" first air?
The show "Benson" made its first appearance on television screens on September 13, 1979. It was a new program that many people quickly started watching, you know, right from the beginning.
Who played the main character, Benson DuBois?
The person who played the role of Benson DuBois was Robert Guillaume. He was the star of the show and brought a lot of talent to the character, which, really, made him very memorable.
What was Benson's job at the beginning of the series?
When the show first started, Benson DuBois was working as a butler in the Governor's mansion. He was very good at his job, and, actually, he quickly showed that he was much more than just a servant.
Wrapping Up the Story of Benson
So, when you hear about a "benson boone bulge," and you wonder what it might mean, it's pretty clear we're talking about different things. Our discussion today has been about the classic television show "Benson," a series that had a big presence on TV for many years. It was a show that truly left its mark, thanks to its clever writing and the amazing acting of Robert Guillaume as Benson DuBois.
The program showed us a character who started in one place and then, you know, moved up to hold very important positions, always with his unique sense of humor and sharp mind. From handling daily household matters to impersonating a foreign president, Benson always managed to navigate tricky situations with grace and wit. It was, in a way, a very inspiring journey for a character on television.
If you're interested in classic sitcoms that offer both laughs and smart storytelling, you might really enjoy watching "Benson." It's a show that holds up well, even today, and it offers a look back at television from a different time. You can learn more about classic American sitcoms on our site, and perhaps even find out where to watch episodes of this memorable series. We encourage you to check out this page for more details on the show's impact and its place in television history, too.
