In the show, Benson DuBois (Robert Guillaume) had been hired to be the head of household affairs for scatterbrained and widowed Governor Eugene Gatling (James
News
Robert Guillaume, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Benson,' Dies at 89
That same year, Benson left the Tates for the governors mansion and his own series. In its first seasons he was the head of household affairs for Gov. Eugene Gatling (James Noble); he eventually rose to budget director, lieutenant governor and finally a rival for the governors seat itself.