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Paul Benedict Obituary
Benedict was found dead Monday on Martha's Vineyard and his brother, Charles, said authorities were still investigating the cause of death.
Benedict began his acting career in the 1960s in the Theatre Company of Boston, alongside such future stars as Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino.
Benedict went on to appear in a number of movies, including a role as the oddball director in "The Goodbye Girl" with Richard Dreyfuss. But he was mainly known for his role as Bentley in "The Jeffersons," which ran on CBS from 1975 to '85.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
235 Entries
Lori Grillo
August 10, 2019
I still watch episodes of the Jeffersons and you really added something special to the show. I am sad to have just found out you passed away. R.I.P. Mr. Benedict.
Shirley Robinson
July 27, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
David Hugaert
November 26, 2017
Always a great actor! Mr. Benedict, you were a hoot as Mr. Bentley, and you are still missed nearly one decade later, Sir! R.I.P..
Nazarene Mckinney
January 17, 2017
Thank you for all the great moments of laughter! The Jeffersons was a unique show with wonderful characters. Reruns will continue to bring joy to new generations. Peace and joy to your loved ones and may the promise of Jesus Christ bring comfort to all.
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Dyiann
January 11, 2017
R. I.P Mr. Benedict gone but not forgotten, one terrific actor
Kim Barca
September 3, 2016
Rest in peace Mr Benedict. I always thought Mr Bently was really British His accent was spot on. A great actor who brought comedy To The Jeffersons.
Kim Barca
September 3, 2016
So sad, I always thought Mr Bently was British Mr Benedict's accent was spot on. Rest in peace Paul Benedict
Valenda Newell
July 10, 2016
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN...ONE IS MISSED...ONE IS MISSED
Allison Dupont
March 7, 2016
Never forgotten, Rest in Peace.
Pamela. &Derek Savage
July 5, 2015
He was trulyA great comedian. And I loved his role. That he played.
Millin Jefferson
June 24, 2015
I just discovered Mr. Bentley (the way I will always remember him) died. He was a favorite on The Jeffersons. RIP
January 3, 2015
Paul Benedict was a gracious and respectable person whose work in television has done so much to bring so much joy to many of us in those and these troubled times hard to deal with (2 Tim 3:1). Perhaps more will continue to have positive experiences from a wonderful work that this giving person has shared resulting in a positive impact and contribution to life and its anxieties.
Esmael Gonzales
June 19, 2013
Was watching GOOD BYE GIRL n for some reason wondered what he was up to nowadays. Looked him up online n shocked to find out he had died! Found out he was born in my homestate also! R.I.P. Paul
Chris Tremblay
May 19, 2013
I grew up with the Jeffersons. I will miss you. You where a great actor. You will be missed by many.
jenny
February 4, 2013
he was awsome
jenny
February 4, 2013
i love watching him on the jefferson as a kid he was one awsome actor he wil lbe missed
marla latinakova
marla latinakova
August 26, 2012
Classic comedy at its best. You will be missed.
July 25, 2012
Here is the candle I wanted to include in our sentiment.
From Linda and Stephen
July 25, 2012
Paul was such a polished actor. His humor and portrayal of the Jefferson's next door neighbor still bring a smile and chuckle to me when I think of him. Though no longer visable, his spirit and memory will never be forgotten, Regina. Heartfelt feelings to those near and dear to him from Linda and Stephen Saltman
Paul as the Mad Painter
June 15, 2012
Hugh Breyer
February 5, 2011
You were in many and varied tv shows. Playing serious and comic parts. A favorite character actor of mine. You are already missed. HJB
lindsey
January 31, 2011
The Jeffersons were too funy, When Mr Benedict would come through that door of the Jeffersons apartment and start speaking with that deep voice, he was funny. I miss that type of clean fun. To the family of Paul it's ok to grieve and cry, Jesus did when he lost his friend Lazarus. You have my deepest symphaty.
April 3, 2010
For Paul...the actor who played the English neighbor Harry Bentley on the sitcom "The Jeffersons,
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
January 20, 2010
The years may come and go. But the memories of our love ones will live forever in our hearts. We shall always remember the joy they brought to our lives.
Psalms 147:3- He is healing the broken-hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots
January 9, 2010
To Paul Benedict,
You really made ma laugh as Mr, Bentley on the sitcom the Jeffersons. I will always have memories of you Paul Benedict. Lisa Weiner
George Lyons
April 19, 2009
I also attended Camp Cedar Crest in 1958; St. Aloysius Cabin; my dad went to BC High in 1926; I never knew the Paul Benedict connection at those two places, but I have many fond memories of his fine comedic acting. Till we meet again, sir, R.I.P.
Lisa Altomare
March 16, 2009
Dearest sweet Paul, My first Mr. Scrooge, at The McCarter theater.I shall never forget your crouching in my hallway after a loong days rehearsal as you made purring noises patiently waiting for my cat tiki to appear. You are missed and always have a place in my heart
from Mrs Dilber and Lisa
Cynthia-Diane Fenderson
February 21, 2009
I didn't know, but I'm very happy that this site is here, for me to say He was wonderful and I miss him too!
Thanks You for the laughs
L C
January 8, 2009
Woof! What a wonderful neighbor he played. Classic! You will be missed.
RIP Mr. Benedict
Elizzabeth Green
December 31, 2008
Harvey Korman, Dick Martin, now Paul Benedict.......2008 was a sad sad year and a horrible robber of pure talent which can never be repeated again, no matter what Hollywood (hopefuls) may turn out in the future. Rest in Peace, Paul.....you were awesome, and greatly missed.
Jeffrey Denny
December 30, 2008
Jeffrey D. Denny
Sheila Lozada
December 25, 2008
The character of Mr. Bentley always made me laugh with his wit and his ability to redirect an intended insult to its sender (mainly George Jefferson). I watch The Jeffersons nightly on DVD and on tv reruns. I miss knowing that Mr. Bentley, along with other cast members are no longer around. Good night Harry, and goodbye Paul Benedict. You were one of a kind and greatly missed!
Forever In Our Hearts
nancy lanno
December 23, 2008
Them what has gone long on'st before, and strayed to let others have the floor,
On the stage of the world where the souls doth play, have bowed their heads and paused to pray,
For another bright light that has flickered and gone, another lyric run plumb out of song,
Another curtain, and one final bow. Another dressing room, empty now.
He joins those souls whose stars still glow, who have moved to the ranks of the long-ago,
Peace to you, Paul, from the pain and alone, find freedom to soar to your heavenly home.
james and richard linehan
December 19, 2008
sorry for your lost he is with the lord now and he would say smile we will meet again.we remmeber the great times we had fun at mrs millers fosterhome playing and haveing fun .but your birthday cakes your mom baked (the money cakes) penny candy time. we will meet again when we are all with lord
Dean Goodmanson
December 18, 2008
Your Mad Painter role has made a magnificent impression on me and my wife as a youth, and now our boys.
Victoria Elaine
December 14, 2008
Sad you are not with us now. I still love watching Paul in The Jeffersons. Victoria
Kevin Mullen
December 11, 2008
Paul and I first met at Camp Cedar Crest in Green Harbor Ma. in the summer of 1949 0r 1950. A few of us campers pleaded with Paul to tell us stories which he did many times a day. His ability to conjure up and weave tales was phenomenal.
A few years later we both attended Boston College High School. After graduation we lost track of each other. To know him was to love him.
Trish Bearisto
December 11, 2008
Charles;
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We remember fondly speaking about your brother at work at Hamilton House. We hope you all find peace in your time of sorrow.
Reta Rampino and Trish Bearisto (Gallagher)
Rose Lasswell
December 9, 2008
Paul Benedict is now "moving on up---in the sky". Thank you for the laughs you brought to us while you were here and left for us after you went on.
FAN
December 9, 2008
I loved Mr. Bentley. RIP
Gwin Marshall
December 9, 2008
I grew up watching the "Jeffersons. You all are the greatest!
shawn manzer
December 9, 2008
are paryers are with your family at the time of your lost i grow up watching paul i sure will miss seeing him on any more movies he was good on the jeffersons stay storng and head up high
Patrick Allen
December 9, 2008
thanks for the memories, Pat Allen St-Georges Qc,
bertie,judy,mary richardson
December 9, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
D. ZIMMERMAN
December 9, 2008
REST IN PEACE PAUL BENEDICT
Steven Jackson
December 9, 2008
Cheery-Pip!
Sincerely
k c
December 9, 2008
sorry for your lose.
David Annucci
December 9, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Shondala Kelly
December 9, 2008
Thanks for the laughter, Mr. Benedict (AKA Harry Bentley) and thank you Benedict family for sharing him with America. May he rest in peace...
patricia hammock
December 9, 2008
I enjoyed watching Benedict very much on the jefferson. I really like his accented. Known he will be greatly miss. May GOD be with the family during your great loss.
Cindy L.
December 9, 2008
He was funny and I always loved his accent. Condolences to his loved ones. I'm sure he will be missed and remembered.
Duane Betz
December 9, 2008
Rest in peace Paul. Thanks for your work.
Rochanda Talton
December 9, 2008
I LOVED him on The Jeffersons!! He was so funny and sweet...May God bless you and your family.
Beverly Watkins
December 9, 2008
My condolences to the family of Paul Benedict.
I enjoyed watching him on "The Jeffersons" TV series. He could always bring a SMILE to my face.
Rest In Peace, Paul Benedict!
Roger Smith
December 9, 2008
You made me laugh so many times! I wish the family well and God Speed.
Roger D. Smith
Kentucky
Jeff Altmann
December 9, 2008
God bless Mr. Benedict, another one of the jolly good Brits who made us folks on the other side of the pond laugh!
Lisa Whitaker
December 9, 2008
I truely enjoyed him on the Jefferson's. My deepest sympathy to your family.
julie coleman
December 9, 2008
oh boy george who will you kick out
your apartment now,the jefferson
show will never be the same again
have watch mr,bentley since i was
big enough to watch tv.to the
family with deepest sympathy in the
lost of your love one.my prayers to
the family.
Penny
December 9, 2008
Now YOUR movin' on up! To the right hand of God. To a deluxe appartment in the sky! Now YOUR movin' on up! To the right hand of God! You finally got a piece of the GLORY!
brian b
December 9, 2008
My condolences to Mr. Benedict's family and friends. A wonderful character actor whose memory will live on. One of the rare actors who could make you laugh simply with a well timed facial expression. RIP.
Linda
December 9, 2008
You made me laugh over and over again. Thank you so much.
Johnny Martin
December 9, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Pauline Hicks
December 8, 2008
Sorry about your loss. He'll always be remembered and especially from starring on The Jefferson's.
Candace Krupka
December 8, 2008
Rest In Peace Mr. Benedict. I sure loved watching you on The Jeffersons. And always will. God Bless you and your family. Candace in Canada.
Shelia Johnson
December 8, 2008
I am glad I can still watch the rerun of the Jefferson. I am very sorry to hear about the death of your loved one. The bible brings us much comfort. Please when you have a moment read 2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4.
P B
December 8, 2008
awsome actor with such width. "Jerimiha Johnson"?
HOMER LAY
December 8, 2008
YOU GAVE THE WORLD A TIME TO LAUGH. WHEN WE REALLY NEEDED IT,MANY THANKS @ GOD BLESS.
Tommy C
December 8, 2008
That guy ruled!! Thank you and RIP brother!!
Cathy Gordon
December 8, 2008
To the family of Paul Benedict.. You are in our thoughts and prayers... May God comfort you at this difficult time..
darlene wilson
December 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Roro E
December 8, 2008
Awww, I was a little girl when "The Jeffersons" came out. He was the only reason I enjoyed the show. Somehow, he made the show lively. He shall be missed.
L. Sanders
December 8, 2008
Although his character on "The Jeffersons" was a great part, I will always remember the very small role he played in Spinal Tap. His delivery was impeccable and the line has become part of my vernacular..."It is the way God made me, sir." God made a great talent and now he has you in his home to entertain the angels. God bless his family in this time of sorrow.
Paula Zepeda
December 8, 2008
I sure enjoyed watching him on the Jeffersons he was a very good actor. My sympathy to the family.
Angela Carter
December 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
JANIE GOD BLESS
December 8, 2008
It was such a Joy knowing you, and I will miss you so.
Gerald Schmidt
December 8, 2008
The casting of Paul Benedict as Mr. Bentley during the long run of "The Jeffersons" was sheer genius. His comic genius and dry wit will live on forever. May God grant Eternal Rest to Mr. Benedict.
Evelyn Soldano
December 8, 2008
So sorry to hear about your brother, Charlie. My mother used to howl with laughter every time he was on TV!
Best regards to all of you....
Evelyn and Matt Soldano
dwight hall
December 8, 2008
dwight hall
Cynthia Palmer-Hardy
December 8, 2008
Peace
What a welled loved actor, I remember him most from the Jeffrsons.
victoria burley
December 8, 2008
My deepest sympathy I use to watch him on TV when he played in the jeffersons,
Noel Marquez
December 8, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Tricia Ramirez
December 8, 2008
May you rest in Heavenly Peace.
You were a great actor, and also well liked by your fans.
I loved you in the Jefferson's Sitcom. So Mr Bentley, you will not be forgotten we(fans) will not permit it..
Maria Ruggiero
December 8, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to Paul Benedict's family.
Mr. Benedict was an integral part of one of the best ensemble casts in TV history. 'The Jeffersons' would not have been as great as it was without him!
Rest in peace.
Antonino Matteliano
December 8, 2008
Thank you for years of great entertainment, in your own right you were a SuperStar!
Stephanie B. Callaway
December 8, 2008
While I remember Mr. Benedict as "Mr. Bentley", I also have fond childhood memories of his character painting numbers on Sesame Street. His character helped me to focus on my numerical penmanship! My condolences to the family. May God give you strength and may you rely on your memories to get you through this time!
Velma Mayeaux-Berniard
December 8, 2008
RIP Paul Benedict:
To the family of Paul Benedict he will be truiy missed in the acting and theater business.Me and my whole family was a big of the Jefferson's and Harry Bentley was our favorite.
#1 FAN
December 8, 2008
REST IN PEACE . YOU WERE A GREAT ACTOR
Rafael Martinez
December 8, 2008
Goob Bye MR Bentley the world is certainly a lesser place with out you.Thank You for all the laughs and Child hood memories you gave me and the rest of the world.Off into the arms of the lord you go
CAROLYN BRUMFIELD
December 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Nancy DeSimone
December 7, 2008
Thank you for your wonderful humor and for all the laughs you gave us through the years. To the family, please take comfort in knowing that he meant so much to so many - those who knew him and those who only knew of him through his work.
Cathy Stuart
December 7, 2008
I very much enjoyed Mr. Benedict in his role as Harry Bentley.
My sincerest condolences to Mr. Benedict's family and friends.
Arthur Loring
December 7, 2008
I am saddened by my cousins death. My sincere condolences to his family. In my youth, he was the source of much of my joy during the time I spent in and around Boston.
Ann Ashlock
December 7, 2008
My condolences to the Family of Paul Benedict.
December 7, 2008
May god be with you and your family at this diffuclt time. But he is in a better place .
December 7, 2008
We enjoyed your work.May God confort your family.
A Fan
December 7, 2008
Rest in peace and thanks for the laughs.
Rosie Perez
December 7, 2008
You played a sweet and loving,funny character and you played it well. May you rest in peace and my prayers to your loved ones.
Deborah Chadwick
December 7, 2008
He was a good actor. He will be missed.
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