I'm Not Dead... Yet! by Robby Benson

by Robby Benson

A riveting medical memoir actor/writer/director Robby Benson takes us on a candid journey from athletic soft-spoken heartthrob on Broadway and film, to husband, father, professor and courageous survivor of 4 open-heart surgeries. From One on One, Ice Castles, The Chosen, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast to directing Ellen and Friends, the funny and explicit narrative is a must for fans and essential reading for heart patients, patients of all kinds, their loved ones, and anyone searching for what should be the template for healthcare in America. New York Times #1 bestselling author, Michael F. Roizen, M.D. praised I'm Not Dead... Yet!: "When you read this funny and courageously blunt book, you'll understand how to gain the vibrancy that Robby and his wife, Karla, have. ...What a great read and what an important story for all patients and their families dealing with a challenging illness

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published June 12, 2012

About the author

I’m Not Dead…Yet!

Best known for starring in films such as “Ice Castles”, “Ode to Billy Joe”, “The Chosen”, “Running Brave”, in his own screenplay for the Warner Bros. basketball classic, “One on One” and to a new generation as the voice of Beast in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” actor, director, producer, writer, composer and entertainer Robby Benson has authored a new memoir I’m Not Dead…Yet!

I’m Not Dead…Yet! is a funny, introspective look at surviving four open heart surgeries for a congenital valve defect while continuing a dynamic creative career in and out of Hollywood. Benson’s goal with the book is to help patients of all kinds and their loved ones get through surgery and recovery with
knowledge and humor. I’m Not Dead… Yet! was originally conceived by Benson for the iPad as a cutting edge use of technology to create a multi-media experience for the reader. The ‘flagship’ iPad version includes 20 songs, 4 career film clips, 5 slide shows of his photography scored by Benson himself and
preface and epilogue read by the author. The Standard version of I’m Not Dead… Yet! is available in print and all e-reader/tablet formats now.

Reviews

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robby is alive!

This is not a perfect book. But it's beautiful. Sometimes like stream of consciousness, other times like stand-up, but always honestly and bravely told. I am Robby Benson's age. I didn't know what happened to him. His movies were my anthems, love, heartbreak, triumph and humility. If you're reading his book, you probably have seen his movies. See them again. He was/ is one of the finest actors of his generation. Or any generation.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly personal and intimate memoir by a young artist as he journeys on the path of life and art and finds love and raises a family while struggling with heart problems that require four open heart surgeries.

Its all here: the span of time we call life. Robby shows us that what is important is what happens and how we react to what happens in the dash between our birthdate and our deathdate.

Written by a gentle soul, his message is that with love all things are possible- even facing the prospect of the most invasive medical procedures. And that in the worst of times the best is brought out by the compassionate professionals among us (Cleveland Clinic) and sometimes the worst of egomania (Hollywood "doctor" who performed surgery #2). But by far loving compassion is by far more common.

This memoir is a legacy to his children and his children's children. We are fortunate he decided to share it with all of us.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Film and stage star, director, musician ... and author. Robby Benson seems like a real Renaissance man, and possibly an indestructible one at that (he always did his own stunts)

Yet, this latter descriptor is far from the truth; Benson has undergone for open heart surgeries. The intended audience for this medical memoir is his fellow patients, to help them understand what to expect, and to share his experiences both good and bad.

True confession time: I had a photo of Benson, carefully clipped from Tiger Beat magazine, taped up in my locker when I was in junior high. He's definitely more than just a pretty face, though; Benson's narrative is intelligent, thoughtful, and carefully crafted.

Benson's authorial voice is much like his regular, conversational tone; I could hear the narrative in his actual voice and inflection. What makes this eBook special, in addition to the personal anecdotes and photographs, is its interior design. Benson links to websites, music, and meditation videos made with his own photography and compositions. This is one of the most elaborate eBooks I've ever experienced; it was a true multimedia work of art.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an uplifting book, written by someone who is clearly grateful and happy to be alive, especially after 4 grueling and painful experiences with open-heart surgery. Having experienced it once, I am amazed at the author's resilience and positive attitude as he shares his life experiences in this memoir. Highly recommended, as the review says, for anyone who has faced or who is facing life-threatening illnesses. And his life in show business is interesting to read about, as well. He has a remarkable family who helped him along the way.

[Geri Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

About a third of the way through (downloadable version)....and loving it!!

[Russell Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was, and still am, a huge fan of actor Robby Benson during his “movie star” years as a teen and young man. His acting career pretty much ended when he was quite young, but he stayed in the film business as a screen writer and director, plus he has taught film classes at universities. What I didn’t know was that he has had four open heart surgeries. His autobiography I’m Not Dead…Yet is not only an account of his career but of those four life-saving surgeries. The book very convincingly paints a picture of a man who is hard-working, loving to a fault, caring, talented, and intelligent. This is a man with principles. I thoroughly enjoyed his one and two page accounts of each of his films, recounting their triumphs, faults, and anecdotes about co-stars. What irritated me—and Benson makes this clear—is how totally the man ignored his physical problems. If we are to believe him, and he makes a strong case for this, he recklessly did his own stunts and broke bones, sprained ankles and even cracked a hip while continuing to work, never wanting to disrupt a filming schedule. But even more concerning is his hiding all the symptoms of heart failure, ignoring them entirely (perhaps in denial?) until he was forced to confront them—four times! The book was written in 2012, right after his fourth surgery. He praises the Cleveland Clinic and their thoroughness during that surgery. He is still alive as of 2024, and so it appears his problems are finally corrected. He makes a good case for how stupid he was and blames it all on his fierce love for his family and wanting to continue supporting them financially. I do have to admit that before the book was finished, I got a little tired of that justification and, too, I skimmed his detailed explanation of the operation the Cleveland Clinic did. That, for me, was a bit too technical, and yet, if I were facing the surgery or knew someone who was, I would definitely pick the book back up and read that passage carefully. Robby Benson is a fantastic actor, a consummate professional, a loving husband and father, and a person whose friendships are lasting and intense. This book proves all that.

[Faye Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw Ice Castles on HBO or Cinemax back in the mid-80s. It was the first movie that made me cry. A few months ago while healing from a retinal vein occlusion, I thought about that movie again and saw it on Amazon Prime. I'd always known Robby Benson starred in it. There must have been something about having more spare time than usual in front of my laptop that made me wonder what happened to Robby Benson. I was surprised to read of this congenital heart problem he had. Curious about it, I decided to buy the book.
I loved the layout of it, the random picture. This alone made me want to keep turning the pages. I do believe I read close to 100 pages in one sitting.
Though I'm too young to have Robby as one of my heartthrobs back in the day, I consider him that now more than ever. I admire someone who refused to give up on his dreams, stay married for about 40 years now and raise and beautiful family, and never give up when faced with life challenges.
I'll keep this book close to my heart (no pun intended) as I continue my work on my next novel, Kill the Locust. It's about a young woman who overcomes endometriosis.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm researching heart disease and this came up on my search. Robby is same age as me, I have seen many of his movies. I had no idea a. he is the voice of Disney's animated Beast, b. that he and his wife have done Broadway and c. that he has done so much writing and directing in movies and televsion.

He is very kind in his summation of people he has worked with, even those he didn't care for. There is not mud slinging.

He takes us through his FOUR open heart surgeries with much details. His explanations of the precarious positions he was in before AND after surgery are very lucid. I think this book would be very encourgaing and insightful for anyone contemplating or having gone through any type of surgery, but esepcially as life threatening as heart surgery.

I coudn't put this book down, and I have NOT had heart surgery.

[LovelyLady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Massive Fan, Loved this

I am a huge Robby Benson fan and reading this was just incredible! The interactive way it's put together was fun, and really helped me sink even more into the book. All the stories of the various film sets, and shows he worked on was enlightening, and how candid he gets about his health issues was humbling. This book is perfect for any fan, and really great for those with loved ones facing open heart surgery. There are several times he goes very indepth regarding his surgeries, and the medical pathway that brought him to each one. Incredibly eye opening as to the flaws in our care system, but also hope that there are places where it's different, it's better.

Really glad I picked this up and truly appreciate and admire him even more now.

[Melissa Lee-Tammeus · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Robby Benson. He was my true love when I was younger and Ice Castles was and still is one of my favorite books and films. Mr. Benson is a caring, beautiful soul with so much experience, it is mind boggling. He is a family man with intense values. His story is interesting. However, the man needed an editor big time and if he indeed did have one, he got screwed. The transitions from one topic to another are often jarring and awkward. This was originally, I believe, an online type of blog, thus the pictures and accompanying images just didn't translate well ito this book form. The pictures are grainy and set weird. Overall, a good read; but, as a professor who is somewhat of a stickler for structure and proper writing, the writing overall grated on me a bit.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up watching several movies starring Robby Benson, the actor, when I was a young woman. He was very popular, but then he just suddenly disappeared. Only he didn’t really disappear. It turns out he became involved behind the scenes of Hollywood, writing and directing. He also became a teacher at some colleges. What I really liked in this autobiography is his frankness and his sense of humor. He writes about some of the nonsense of Hollywood, the bad apples and those who just have no clue. Benson sounds like a regular guy, down to earth and didn't let the Hollywood scene get the best of him and make him a snob or on the other hand, leave him jaded. Instead, his family was of utmost importance to him. He likes being active in sports, and taking care of himself. He has a good heart, but a bad physical one and takes the readers through the experiences of his heart operations, explaining so his readers have a thorough understanding of his physical pain and his emotional fears. By always having his wife by his side, he strives through. His book makes the reader feel really comfortable, like you are listening to a friend.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes- A must read!



I now have sincere appreciation for someone who picked the right partner and right medical team on this journey. And surviving four open heart surgeries is a roller coaster of a journey.

We all have mountains to climb. This book can inspire you to be present and take the step forward.

[Sally N. Inglis]

I own the Kindle version and the paperback. The Kindle is interactive and is a wonderful way to read Robby's book. Very good book as an entertainment biography as well as most informative about heart disease.

[Smi4ever2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book about Robby Benson's career and heart problems, including surgeries. A bit too long, though. It's a big and heavy book.

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a terrible book--not only poorly written but way too long (380 pages???) and using a stupid gimmick of little black & white photo illustrations in the middle of a sentence. Many of these pictures look like the author cut and pasted them on a 20-year-old computer.

Robby Benson's ego is huge. He way overestimates his fame and success as he leads us through his career. There aren't enough good stories here to make it worth reading. We get that he has famous friends like Burt Reynolds and Paul Newman that would do anything for him, but he doesn't say anything about what he actually did with them to make them his friends.

The book is mainly about his heart problems--and that is the LEAST interesting thing about him. He actually comes across as a very stubborn, stupid, unhealthy, self-centered diva who doesn't take care of his body the way he should and doesn't go to the doctor when he should. So he ends up having all sorts of health problems and you hear about them over & over & over & over. They're the same pattern: Robby has chest pain or breathing problems, he refuses to do anything about it, then some tragic event happens. About the 20th time I read the same thing happen I didn't care any more and didn't even feel sorry for him. This book shows how NOT to be a good patient.

Then he starts to push his Transcendental Meditation crap on the reader. Ha! The whole book is filled with the ramblings of a restless soul, so he obviously hasn't found peace in TM.

Don't waste your time on this. Everything he does he claims is a great success. He goes overboard praising his performer wife (who I've never heard of and I've been in the business for decades). This is one big ego trip from a guy who doesn't seem to learn his lesson and should not hold himself up as a role model.

[Mysia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surviving four open-heart surgeries--and refusing to sue the doctor who botched surgery #2--are among the feats that make Robby Benson a rare and admirable person. Filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood that will thrill Benson fans from his early career as an actor ("One on One," based on Benson's original screenplay and co-starring Annette O'Toole, is my personal fav), this memoir is also packed with practical advice, medical information, and inspiration for open-heart patients and their loved ones.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because Benson made it through 4 open heart surgeries. My child has had two.
I can't say that I've seven seen any of his movies other than Beauty and the Beast so I don't follow the name-dropping and the talk of the films which the up most of the book. He tries to entertain and be funny but it gets old. I was interested when he became serious enough to talk about the surgery and how he coped, or didn't cope. The poorly reproduced pictures on nearly every page are a distraction.

[Lesley Koke DeWig · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a life long Robby Benson fan I couldn't finish this book fast enough. Robby gives his fans an inside looks to the Highs of his life/career and His personal lows dealing with 4 Open Heart Surgeries. I highly recommended this book for anyone who is not only an RB fan but also someone living Heart Defects/ any kind of Heart Condition. Robby has a way of pulling you into his ordeals and that with strength and love we can all pull ourselves through

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your everyday bio. Lots of great insight into life, health, family and "the biz". Extraordinary that Robby and family endure 4 open heart surgeries, an ablation, all the usual family struggles, and moving all over the place. A testament to they're love and communication. Good advice regarding surgeries. Thoroughly enjoyed the book and photos.

[Colleen Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about a very talented actor and man."Ice Castles" has always been one of my favorite movies,so when I found out about this book I knew I had to read it.Robby tells about what it is like to have a serious heart illness.I have always loved him and now I love him even more,plus I admire him for his bravery!!!God bless you Robby,and your beautiful family!!!

[Kat Bert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than average, but really not great. For somebody who was in love with Robbie Benson growing up, I was a little disappointed, but I can't pinpoint as to why. Very happy he's made it through though.

[Kathy Bardzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative

This book is not just another auto biography about a famous person, it's a medical biography. Robby opens your eyes to the behind the scenes of open heart surgery. As he says ask questions of your doctor and keep asking til your satisfied

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful. I want to work at the Cleveland Clinic after reading this. I recommend it especially if you are interested in medicine, in this case open heart surgery.

[Ann]

Waiting to read this...In the mail.

[Denise Klocinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Robby Benson is an amazing person.

[Bonni Sweet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. The man went through a lot of trouble to keep on working and performing his craft.

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robbie Benson's interesting journies with open heart surgeries and his artistic work. It odes get a bit medically technical at times but is an interesting read.

[yvonne bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Have always loved Robby Benson's movies now I'm a big fan of his books too!!! Great book looking forward to more from Robby