Home / Entertainment & Culture / Robert Benton,...

Robert Benton, Oscar-Winning Writer-Director of Kramer vs. Kramer, Dies at 92

New York City, USA
Robert Benton, Oscar-Winning Writer-Director of Kramer vs. Kramer, Dies at 92
New York City, USA: Robert Benton, the celebrated filmmaker behind Kramer vs. Kramer, died at age 92 of complications related to dementia. His writing and directing won him multiple Academy Awards, starting with co-writing Bonnie and Clyde in 1967—a film that helped usher in a new American cinematic era. Benton later directed Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), which won five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay for Benton. Known for empathetic, character-driven storytelling, he earned additional acclaim for Places in the Heart and Nobody’s Fool. Colleagues and fans remember him as a quiet innovator who shaped intimate dramas resonating across generations. Benton leaves behind his wife Sally, two children, and a legacy of award-winning films.
What this means for you:
Consider watching (or re-watching) classic titles like Bonnie and Clyde or Kramer vs. Kramer—timeless films that defined key shifts in American cinema.
If you enjoy the craft of storytelling, explore Benton’s work to learn how he balanced personal emotion with universal themes.
Look for retrospectives or film festivals paying tribute to Benton—these events can offer insights into his creative process.
Engage in conversations with friends or family about classic films. Sometimes older stories can illuminate modern dilemmas in fresh ways.

Key Entities

  • Robert Benton: American screenwriter and director, credited with groundbreaking work from the 1960s to the 1990s.
  • Kramer vs. Kramer: A 1979 family drama that captured multiple Academy Awards, examining divorce and parent-child relationships.
  • Bonnie and Clyde: The 1967 film Benton co-wrote, considered a milestone in the “New Hollywood” era for its bold style.
  • Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep: Stars of Kramer vs. Kramer, both acknowledging Benton’s skill in drawing out nuanced performances.

Want to dive deeper?

We've prepared an in-depth analysis of this story with additional context and background.

Featuring Our Experts' Perspectives in an easy-to-read format.

Future Snapshot

See how this story could impact your life in the coming months

Sign In to Generate

Exclusive Member Feature

Create a free account to access personalized Future Snapshots

Future Snapshots show you personalized visions of how insights from this story could positively impact your life in the next 6-12 months.

  • Tailored to your life indicators
  • Clear next steps and action items
  • Save snapshots to your profile

Related Roadmaps

Explore step-by-step guides related to this story, designed to help you apply this knowledge in your life.

Loading roadmaps...

Please wait while we find relevant roadmaps for you.

Your Opinion

Have you ever watched Kramer vs. Kramer?

Your feedback helps us improve our content.

Comments (0)

Add your comment

Commenting as Guest

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Related Stories

Cannes Film Festival Closes with Surprise Palme d’Or Winner and Hollywood Absences
Entertainment & Culture

Cannes Film Festival Closes with Surprise Palme d’Or Winner and Hollywood Absences

No bias data

Cannes, France: The 78th Cannes Film Festival awarded the Palme d’Or to Adèle Kayinda’s “La Terre Nue,” a Franco-Congolese ecological drama—an...

May 28, 2025 09:41 PM Center
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Remake Smashes Memorial Day Box Office Records
Entertainment & Culture

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Remake Smashes Memorial Day Box Office Records

No bias data

USA: Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” earned about $145.5 million over the Memorial Day weekend—setting a new holiday record for a family...

May 28, 2025 09:41 PM Center
Modest Mouse Announces Extended 2025 North American Tour with Built to Spill on Select Dates
Entertainment & Culture

Modest Mouse Announces Extended 2025 North American Tour with Built to Spill on Select Dates

No bias data

North America: Indie rock veterans Modest Mouse revealed an expanded 2025 tour schedule, adding fall dates with fellow cult-favorite Built to...

May 28, 2025 09:41 PM Neutral