Samuel "Sammy" Benson, a distinguished figure in the realm of show business, boasts a storied lineage within the industry. His grandparents, the late Sam "Sammy" Benson and Jeanette Benson, respectively, wielded expertise in the realm of wardrobe supervision and costuming, while also occasionally making appearances on screen as bit players. Furthermore, Sam's mother, Marjorie Benson, played a crucial role as a casting director, while his uncle, Eddie Benson, honed his skills as a stand-in and stunt performer on the iconic Ozzie and Harriet Show.
Sam's family boasts a rich and storied history within the entertainment industry, with his great aunt Gertrude Brenig Bank serving as a stand-in from 1948 until her retirement, paving the way for her daughter Barbara to take on the role.
Sam's grandfather, Sammy, was a pioneer in the industry, making a seamless transition from the world of vaudeville to the bright lights of Hollywood. He went on to work for the renowned William Fox, and later became a stalwart at 20th Century Fox, where he remained until his untimely passing on June 13th, 1957.
Marjorie Benson, the mother of the renowned individual, dedicated an impressive 17 years to her profession, collaborating with Ruth Burch at the esteemed Hal Roach Studio and T. & L. Productions, where she had the opportunity to work alongside prominent figures such as Danny Thomas and Sheldon Leonard.
Meanwhile, Sam himself embarked on a journey in the entertainment industry, initially honing his skills on stage and captivating live audiences with his mesmerizing gun juggling and trick shooting act. This unique talent was carefully nurtured by the accomplished Rodd Redwing and Andy Anderson, a skilled holster maker.
Throughout his career, Sam developed strong bonds with several influential individuals, including the talented Thell Reed and Ray Chapman, who shared his passion for shooting. In fact, the two had been shooting buddies since the late 1950s, forging a lasting friendship that transcended their professional endeavors.
As Sam's professional trajectory unfolded, he gradually shifted his focus from being in front of the camera to working behind the scenes, leveraging his expertise to instruct others in the realm of firearms for the purposes of film and television production.
In this new capacity, Sam's responsibilities expanded to encompass not only the teaching of firearms techniques but also the management of props and involvement in various aspects of production, a role he maintained until his eventual retirement in the year 1990, which was precipitated by the onset of illness.
