Benson DuBois

*"If I died in Korea, and this is the afterlife, it's damn disappointing!" -* *Benson DuBois*

## Benson DuBois

### Aliases

Mr. DuBoisBenny

Pudding Head (Childhood Family Nickname)

### Relatives

Lois DuBois (Mother)
Russell DuBois (Younger Brother)

Elaine (Younger Sister)

Earl DuBois (Younger Brother)

1 Unnamed Sister

1 Unnamed Brother

Clete Hawkins (Nephew)

Tommy (Nephew)

Clayton Runnymede Endicott III (Distant Cousin)

Uncle Buster

Aunt Lil

Aunt Jo

Saundra

Barry

Emma Renard (Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandmother)

Prince Maurice Claude (Ancestor)

### Occupation

Lieutenant Governor
Formerly: State Budget Director

Head of Household Affairs for Governor Gatling

Butler

## Appearances

### Debut

*Soap* - S1: Ep:1Benson - "Change"

**Benson DuBois** (played by Robert Guillaume) is the main character of the ABC sitcom, *Benson*.

Benson is a former butler turned politician with a bold sarcastic sense of humor. His 'tell it like it is' attitude and quick-witted remarks often spawns him enemies, friends, and fans, while occasionally getting him into trouble with co-workers and superiors.

## About Benson

### Childhood

Benson DuBois was born to Lois Dubois and Mr. DuBois in Baltimore, Maryland in a financially unstable household. His year of birth undisclosed, Benson would be the eldest of two sisters and three brothers growing up. He quickly inherited his mother's sarcastic sense of witticism, a trait that he'd be especially noted for later in life.

Throughout the series, Benson would tell stories about his childhood and the lessons he learned from partaking in mischievous activity. These activities often resulted in whooping's or other harsh consequences from his guardians and authority figures. He got a job as a newspaper boy in his teenage years, occasionally getting into trouble with other kids on the block, stating that he was once chased by gangs for his newspaper money.

### Adult Life

As an adult, Benson enrolled into the US Military and was shipped out to serve in the Korean War, going from Private to sergeant during his service.

On July 15th, 1952, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Benson would be AWOL from the US Army after hitchhiking a ride back to Fort Dix with a dishonest Nun. The Nun, after committing a robbery, held Benson at gunpoint; forcing him to be the getaway driver with the two later being arrested. Benson would be cleared of all charges, while the Nun was sentenced to 7-10 years in prison.

Following his Military service, Benson attended school on a G.I. Bill, taking hotel management and business management while maintaining a job on an assembly line. After his father's passing back at home however, Benson would eventually decide to quit school to help take care of his 3 brothers and 2 sisters; eventually putting them through college. Benson later moved down south to New Orleans for a year where he hung out at local Jazz Clubs with dreams of opening his own before scouting back job to job.

In the early 60's Benson would get a position at a warehouse, where he would later be denied a promotion over a white co-worker despite seniority; an incident that Benson marked as one of his life changing experiences after a conversation with his Aunt Jo.

He's also stated that he's had regular encounters with discrimination, implying rough experiences in Georgia and incidents with the KKK.

### Move to Connecticut and Job as a Butler

Around the early 60's, Benson would get a position as a butler for a wealthy family, The Tate Famiy, in Dunn's River, Connecticut. Throughout the years he spent working for the Tates, Benson would develop a mixed relationship with the family. While he absolutely adored Jessica Tate, her daughter Corrine and her son Billy, he absolutely despised Jessica's husband, Chester Tate, and had little to say to the other daughter, Eunice Tate Leitner. He also thought that The Major, Jessica's father, was quite out of his mind.

Besides being a butler, Benson was also the family's cook, and occasionally intervened in family matters when involving someone he cared for.

### Move to the Governor's Mansion

In 1979, Benson would be offered to leave the Tate's employ to become the head of household affairs for Jessica's cousin, the newly elected and widowed governor, Eugene Xavier Gatling, at a Governor's Mansion in an undisclosed state.

As the director of the household affairs for 2 years, Benson would bring the Governor's Mansion in under budget while preventing various scandals under the administration. He also took charge of jobs at the mansion during a worker's strike in 1979, and backed the Governor in getting a direct relationship with the people of the state.

In 1980, Benson would be notably held up for nine and a half hours during an attempted robbery at Stan's Speedy Mart along with the Governor's Mansion housekeeper, Gretchen Kraus.

### Political Career

#### Term as Budget Director

In 1981 Benson was nominated for state budget director by Governor Gatling after the death of the former budget director, Henry Dylan. This came at a rejection of Senator Ernest Chapman's nominee, Representative Harris. Benson, who was working towards a degree in economics at the time, made promises to eliminate unnecessary budget items and keep savings in the state to maintain aid to the elderly. During the publicized hearing, Benson's previous arrest in New Jersey was brought up by Chapman in the committee, causing an outburst of defense by DuBois. Despite this, Benson would win the nominee; ultimately being appointed as the state's new budget director.

During his time as state budget director, DuBois helped supply more income to the state prisons and schools, as well as taking risks by helping younger entrepreneurs earn positions at the governor's mansion. He also faced a fair number of controversies, such as his support of the Yakagammi Bill with a lobbyist, his winnings of the state lottery, and his inheritance of the PlayBird Club empire through the death of Hugh Howard.

#### Run For Lt. Governor

In 1984, DuBois decided to run for lieutenant governor of the state following the impeachment of former lieutenant governor, Jerry Decker. The campaign was managed by Governor Gatling's chief of staff, Clayton Endicott, scheduled by Gretchen Kraus, and press ran by Gatling's press secretary, Peter Downey. The campaign headquarters was ran by Denise Stevens-Downey.

Operated on a tight budget, the campaign would quickly decline, while DuBois would be involved in a verbal tirade with Worth Lakewood, referring to him as a "boil on the backside of democracy." This came following a belittling comment made by the former party. Shortly after the incident, Max Logan ("Media Max"), owner of radio station WOTA, ran a successful advertising campaign in support of DuBois for lieutenant governor, helping catapult Benson's public image during a period of controversy.

A week prior to the election, Benson DuBois and opponent, state senator Leonard Tyler, participated in a lieutenant-governor's public debate. DuBois would publicly be labeled "The Black Candidate" by Tyler, following which, Benson would sarcastically retaliate by calling Tyler "The Bald Candidate", and claimed the senator was only seeking commitment to re-election.

In 1984, Benson would be elected lieutenant governor of the state, over candidate, Leonard Tyler.

#### Term as Lt. Governor

As lt. governor, Benson opened an arts center for youth, and appointed Gatling's chief of staff, Clayton Endicott, as the new state budget director.

In 1985 DuBois would face public controversy with the US president after a making a wisecrack regarding the nation's budget policies. DuBois would also face controversy with state senator Randall Jenkins following a tie-breaking vote against a bill of his regarding books in school libraries. The incident would result in a book burning and protests towards the lieutenant governor; the two would publicly settle their differences live on the talk show *Daytime Magazine* with Majorie Manning.

DuBois would also prevent an armed robbery at a grand opening in a local mall. He would be hit with a civil suit by Nevada Bob Walker after the incident caused an injury to the armed robber, though DuBois would win the case.

In 1986, Benson proposed to his significant other, Senator Diane Hartford. That same year, he would run for governor of the state against his friend, boss and current governor, Eugene Gatling. Leonard Tyler would run for the position of lieutenant governor under Benson's campaign. Tyler would later refer to Governor Gatling as a 'bloodsucking pirate' on a live televised event, citing his 'best friend' and running mate, DuBois, as a source.

DuBois and Gatling would publicly debate live on a local television program '*Prove It!'* regarding a change in the latter party's position on a water bill. The two also addressed any public slanderous comments that were previously made towards one another.

By the end of the debate, the two shook hands and made up with one another, discovering that they had agreed on more than they had previously thought.

## Relationships

### Governor Eugene Gatling

Benson's first encounter with the Governor took place on one of the first days in office. On first interaction, the Governor mistakes Benson for Jesse Jackson who was scheduled to appear later; much to Benson's disapproval, and confusion. The governor later on reveals his inner fears and insecurities to Benson about the huge shift in responsibilities from being at a lumber mill to becoming governor of a state. Benson would then decide do his best at keeping the mansion all in order, often going above and beyond for the sake of the Governor, his daughter, and the people of the state. The two develop a trust for one another's ideas, often encouraging each other to do what's right even in the most desperate of times. Benson also generally doesn't mind the Governor's company, but despises the Governor's constant scatterbrained tangents; often in the form of stories.

As the Governor appoints Benson as State Budget Director, disagreements between the two begin to rise and continue to intensify through Benson's term as the Lieutenant Governor.

Throughout the years however, Benson kept a strong steady relationship with the Governor built on trust, empathy, and justice.

### Gretchen Kraus

Gretchen Kraus was the first person Benson encountered inside the mansion, describing her as a 'strange woman' as well as a 'Storm Trooper'. Benson and Kraus would initially carry a combative relationship through a game of insults. Often in the earlier seasons, and occasionally later on as well, Benson would insult Kraus after she leaves the kitchen. Off-screen, Kraus would shout *"I Hear You!"* in response to the witty remark.

Much later on, though, their animosity would become a close friendship and companionship. She would become so valuable an ally to him, that she was promoted to one of his most trusted advisors.

The two would help each other in relationships and aid one another sometimes when in need. Despite this however, Benson and Kraus would still trade blows with each other, in a friendly fashion rather.

### Katie Gatling

Benson from the start has always been very fond of Katie. Early in the series, Benson is generally shown giving advice to Katie and assisting her on steering into the right direction when it comes to being honest to her father, Governor Gatling. When she's not getting into trouble, the two are oftentimes playing games or trading jokes with one another.

As the series progress, and Katie grows up, Their relationship is shown less and less, implying that she's become more independent. However, on the occasion that Katie faces an inconvenience, Benson is still there to offer pointers to assist her.

### Clayton Endicott

Benson and Clayton generally do not enjoy one another's company, with Benson on multiple occasions openly stating his indifference towards Clayton as a person. During Benson's time as Head of Household Affairs, Clayton would commonly pull rank as the Chief of Staff. This would provoke Benson to let out countless wisecracks at Clayton's expense.

As Benson's rank rose however, Clayton's jealousy would arise. By the time Benson became Lieutenant Governor, Clayton began to become more compassionate and open with Benson. Sometimes Benson would even give advice to Clayton on general relationships with people and how to be more receptive.

Despite everything however, Benson does notice Clayton's eye for achieving political success and would occasionally compliment his work when necessary.

### Marcy Hill-Slater

As the secretary for the Governor, Marcy helped Benson get settled in on his first week and even convinced him to stay to help organize the mansion amid the chaos. Immediately hitting it off as friends and finding a voice of reason in one another; Marcy and Benson chipped in on each other's relationships and in assisted each other outside and inside the mansion.

Though Marcy's talkative, tremulant nature and nosy instincts may have slightly irritated Benson on occasion, the two kept a strong friendship until her last day at the mansion.

### Pete Downey

While Benson isn't the closest of friends with Pete, the two rarely carried any serious animosity towards each other. At most, Benson may be annoyed if Pete's irresponsibility as an adult. Despite this, Benson would stand as Pete's best man at his wedding; possessing a high amount of admiration for each other's work.

Benson respects Pete as a person and acknowledges the talent he has in his position; referring to him as '*an original*' before he left the mansion.

### Denise Stevens-Downey

As Benson's secretary, Denise gets along with Benson more often than not. Since Denise is well ordered in working with numbers, she commonly aids Benson during his time as State Budget Director. In the worst of times, Benson may get irritated at Denise's sensitivity.

Prior to Denise leaving the mansion, Benson and Denise maintained a trusting friendship, as well as a compatible working relationship.

### Others

Many of his colleagues weren't always too fond of his frequent remarks, with the Governor at one point stating that Benson has a wry sense of humor that he "apparently can't turn off". Chief of staff, John Taylor saw Benson as a naive bureaucrat, looking down upon him, while the security at the mansion generally disliked Benson's input into their job. DuBois' quick temper would also be a notable trait; stating that his frequent use of sarcasm would be a product of handling stressful situations and tackling his own insecurities, and despite meaning well, his sneering would often get on the bad side of company and the people of the state.

## Trivia

* Benson has an allergy to cat hairs.
	+ He also once stated that strawberries give him hives.
* In the episode *"*Teed Off*"* it is mentioned that Benson learned how to play golf as a caddie and shoots in the high 80s.
* His favorite musicians include Gladys Knight and the Pips, Aretha Franklin, and Smokey Robinson. His favorite song however, is *As Time Goes By* from the film, *Casablanca.*
* Benson's guilty pleasure dish is boiled eggs smooshed with ketchup.
* While serving in Korea, Benson would become army buddies with actor, George Kennedy.
* According to Mrs. Cassidy, he once threw a reporter into a reflecting pool.
* He was named "Bachelor of the Month" by Cityview Magazine in 1984, with his list of girlfriends throughout the years including: Elizabeth, Senator Francine Wade, Jennifer Clark, Photographer Kerry Brooks, Dr. Liz Burnett, and Senator Diane Hartford.
* Benson has a strong denial of the supernatural despite having alleged experiences with ghosts and UFO's.
	+ He also doesn't believe in superstitions, stating that its bad luck to do so.
* He was an avid viewer of the NBC medical drama, *Quincy, M.E..*
* The personality of the character Benson was based off of a guy who worked for Executive Producer Tony Thomas' father, Danny Thomas.
* Robert Guillaume stated that he originally didn't want to play the character Benson on *Soap* due to the fear of it being the stereotypical trope of a submissive black butler.

## Quotes

* "I don't wanna be equal, I wanna be free."
* "If I died in Korea and this is the afterlife, it's damn disappointing!"
* "That's their problem. You can't change them. You're problem is how you are gonna handle it"
* "People don't lose respect for a man when he's down. They lose it when he refuses to get up."
* "I don't want to talk about yesterday. Yesterday was the last day of the other part of my life, I'm moving on."
* "Older dudes get attitudes!"
* "For the last hundred and forty years nobody's lived in this house but politicians. I'm surprised we even still got the silverware!"