When entertainment icons build long-lasting careers, public curiosity naturally turns to the next generation. For multi-hyphenate artist Robby Benson and singer-actress Karla DeVito, family life has always run parallel to their time in the spotlight. They share two children: daughter Lyric and son Zephyr. Far from living entirely in the shadow of their parents' Hollywood legacy, both children carved out distinct paths in music, writing, and filmmaking.
Understanding the family dynamic means looking past simple celebrity genealogy. Robby Benson, widely recognized for voicing the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and starring in classic 1970s and 1980s cinema, shares a creative household with DeVito, who achieved fame on Broadway and in rock music. Their children grew up immersed in artistic environments, leading to unique professional pursuits across different creative sectors.
Who Is Lyric Benson?
Born in 1983, Lyric Benson grew up surrounded by television sets, recording studios, and theater stages. She demonstrated an early aptitude for writing and performance. During her time at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, she made history as the first freshman ever placed directly into the senior screenwriting program.
Transitioning from screenwriting to music and literature, Lyric built a diverse portfolio. Her musical output includes projects like the album Lyric's Love Light Revolution, which features spiritual and acoustic compositions. In addition to her music career, she published poetry, including the work French Kissing God: A Journey to Enlightenment. She frequently collaborates with her husband, Asher Fergusson, on creative and journalistic projects, while balancing life as a mother.
Who Is Zephyr Benson?
Born in 1992, Zephyr Harris Benson chose a path heavily weighted toward narrative filmmaking and acting. Growing up in New York City, he absorbed the mechanics of film production from an early age, influenced directly by his father’s extensive career as an actor, director, and university professor.
Zephyr made his feature-length writing and directorial debut at a remarkably young age with the indie film Straight Outta Tompkins. The movie drew on gritty urban experiences and adolescent struggles, establishing his voice as an independent filmmaker. Alongside directing, he has appeared in various acting roles and remains active in advocacy and community arts programs in New York.
Growing Up in a Creative Household
Being raised by parents who survived and thrived in the entertainment industry creates a distinct upbringing. Robby Benson and Karla DeVito married in 1982 and maintained a stable household uncommon in high-profile entertainment circles. Rather than pushing their children toward traditional child-stardom, they emphasized education, artistic integrity, and grounding.
Both Lyric and Zephyr experienced the realities of the industry early on. Robby Benson’s extensive academic career—teaching film and musical theater at institutions like New York University and the University of South Carolina—meant that education remained a central pillar in the household. This academic influence is clearly visible in Lyric's extensive writing and research work, as well as Zephyr's technical approach to directing.
Where Are They Now?
Today, both siblings operate independently within the arts. Lyric focuses on her writing, music, and family life, maintaining a strong connection to creative writing communities. Zephyr continues to develop independent film projects, focusing on modern storytelling and production.
Their parents continue to work and support artistic endeavors. Robby Benson remains active in health advocacy, speaking publicly about congenital heart disease and his multiple open-heart surgeries, while Karla DeVito continues her musical pursuits. The family represents a rare example of generational longevity in the arts without relying on tabloid exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Robby Benson and Karla DeVito's children?
They have two children: a daughter named Lyric (born in 1983) and a son named Zephyr (born in 1992). Both work in creative fields spanning music, writing, and filmmaking.
What is Lyric Benson known for?
Lyric is known for her music albums like Lyric's Love Light Revolution, her poetry book French Kissing God, and her achievements as a writer and journalist. She also made history at NYU by entering the senior screenwriting program as a freshman.
What is Zephyr Benson's background in film?
Zephyr is an actor, writer, and director. He wrote and directed the independent feature film Straight Outta Tompkins in his early twenties, focusing on urban youth experiences.
Are Lyric and Zephyr active on social media?
While they maintain a relatively low profile compared to mainstream social media influencers, they occasionally share updates regarding their artistic projects, literature, and independent films. You can read more about their father's career and background on the Wikipedia Entry for Robby Benson.
