"Legendary Hollywood Duo Known for Iconic Sitcom Marriage Spotted Together After Years—Who Are These Screen Icons?"

Hollywood Icons Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss Spotted in Rare Outing After 6 Years

Hollywood’s enduring couple Richard Benjamin, 86, and Paula Prentiss, 85, made a rare public appearance this week, attending a Pilates class in Beverly Hills—their first sighting together since 2019. Married for 64 years, the duo, known for their collaborative acting careers, looked relaxed as they stepped out, with Paula using a walker and Richard sporting casual athleisure.

[Image: The couple exiting Pilates class; caption: Richard and Paula, married 64 years, spotted after a Pilates session in Beverly Hills.]

From Co-Stars to Soulmates
The pair met at Northwestern University’s drama school in the late 1950s. Paula’s talent caught MGM’s eye first, landing her a seven-year contract in 1960. Richard humorously recalled to People magazine, “I accepted it all to be with the girl I wanted to be with.” Studio pressures even influenced their 1961 marriage, as living together unmarried was frowned upon.

[Image: Vintage photo of the couple; caption: Young Richard and Paula during their early Hollywood years.]

Career Highlights & Challenges
They starred as onscreen spouses in the Emmy-nominated 60s sitcom He & She and films like Catch-22 (1970). Paula’s career soared with roles opposite Rock Hudson in Man’s Favorite Sport? (1964) and in The Stepford Wives (1975). However, fame took its toll. During 1965’s What’s New Pussycat?, Paula suffered a breakdown, climbing onto a catwalk and threatening to jump. “It woke us up,” Richard said. After intensive treatment, they rebuilt their lives, focusing on family and selective projects.

[Image: Paula in Man’s Favorite Sport?; caption: Paula with Rock Hudson in the 1964 comedy.]

Legacy & Family
Richard transitioned to directing, earning acclaim for films like Mermaids (1990), while Paula stepped back from acting. Their children, Ross and Prentiss Benjamin, followed their parents into the arts. Reflecting on their resilience, Richard shared, “People tried to come between us. It took time to see it was their problem, not ours.”

[Image: The couple at a 2019 premiere; caption: Richard and Paula at their last public event before this week’s outing.]

Now largely retired, the couple’s rare appearances remind fans of Hollywood’s golden era—and a love story that defied the odds.