Robert Benevides is an American actor and producer. He is best known as the long-time partner of the actor Raymond Burr, with whom he shared a personal and professional relationship that lasted for more than three decades.
In this blog post, we will delve into the life and legacy of Robert Benevides, exploring his early years, his career in the entertainment industry, his relationship with Raymond Burr, his net worth, and where he is now.
Robert Benevides Biography—Wikipedia
| Real name | Robert Benevides |
| Date Of Birth | February 9, 1930 |
| Age | 93 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches |
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor and Producer |
| Partner | Raymond Burr |
| Children | N/A |
Robert Benevides was born on February 9, 1930, in Visalia, California. He had a keen interest in acting from a young age. After completing his education, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Benevides started his career as an actor in the 1950s, appearing in several films and television series. Although he was not as successful as he had hoped, he continued to work in the industry and eventually found success as a producer.
Robert Benevides and Raymond Burr met in the 1960s, and they quickly formed a close personal and professional relationship. Burr was already a well-established actor, best known for his role as Perry Mason in the television series of the same name.
The two quickly formed a close personal and professional relationship, which lasted for over three decades. Together, they founded Harbour Productions, a production company that produced several successful television movies and series.
Raymond Burr and Robert Benevides worked together through two entertainment companies, Harbour Productions, and later RB Productions as reported by Passport Magazine.
They were partners in both their personal and professional lives, although they kept their relationship private for many years due to the social stigma surrounding homosexuality at the time.
In addition to their work in the entertainment industry, Raymond Burr and Robert Benevides loved to travel and had getaway spots in several locales.
One of their favorite spots was the Fijian island of Naitauba, which they purchased and later developed by building a hospital and other services for local islanders.
Benevides and Burr also co-owned and operated an orchid business and a vineyard located in California’s Dry Creek Valley.
Raymond Burr and Robert Benevides shared a home on a spacious property in Sonoma County, California, where they lived together for over 35 years. Despite their romantic relationship, Burr often referred to Benevides as his “business partner” or “friend,” as homosexuality was still stigmatized at the time.
According to Allvip, Burr even invented fictional stories of personal tragedies to deflect questions about his private life. Nonetheless, the couple remained devoted to each other and built a life together that included both personal and professional pursuits.
Following Raymond Burr’s passing in 1993, the public became more aware of his intimate relationship with Robert Benevides. The couple’s longstanding commitment to each other was revealed, bringing to light the depth of their bond.
Raymond Burr willed all his property to Benevides, including his jewelry, estate, clothing, books, works of art, and some other personal items.
What Happened After Raymond Burr’s Death?
A few months after the death of Raymond Burr, conflicting reports emerged about the state of his estate and the assets he left behind. Michael Starr’s book, Hiding in Plain Sight, claimed that Burr’s estate was valued at $30 million, which was supposedly left to his partner Robert Benevides.
However, Benevides himself vehemently disputed these claims, insisting that Burr actually owed around half a million dollars to the government.
Raymond Burr’s niece contested his will in court, but her claim was ultimately denied by a judge in October 1994, just over a year after Burr’s passing.
Lawyers on both sides of the case asserted that Burr’s estate was not worth anywhere near the $30 million estimated by tabloids. The majority of Burr’s assets were held in a private trust, of which Benevides was the sole beneficiary, according to Ebar.com.
According to Thomas Cariveau, the special administrator of Burr’s estate, the portion of the estate subject to probate proceedings only amounted to roughly $100,000 in residuals from the Perry Mason TV shows. However, more than $1.6 million in claims had been filed against it.
Where is Robert Benevides Now?
Currently, Benevides manages the operations of Raymond Burr Vineyards located in Healdsburg. The vineyards boast a charming tasting room and a greenhouse filled with orchid plants, which were ardently loved by Burr. The scenic estate spans 40 acres and frequently holds several exceptional events.
Robert Benevides’ Net Worth 2023
As of 2023, Robert Benevides’ net worth is estimated to be $10 million. The majority of his wealth is believed to have come from his career as a producer and actor, as well as his ownership and management of Raymond Burr Vineyards.
