His book-length poem "John Brown's Body" was given a successful dramatic
reading on Broadway in 1953, in a production starring Tyrone Power,
Judith Anderson and Raymond Massey, and directed by Charles Laughton.
It was subsequently recorded on LP, but as of 2002, remains
unreleased on CD.
Pictured on a 32¢ US commemorative postage stamp in the Literary Arts
series, issued 22 July 1998.
Served in the OSS during World War II.
Children: son Thomas; daughters Stephanie and Rachel.
Brother was writer William Rose Benét who was married to poet Elinor Wylie. Sister Laura Benét was also a writer.
Father: James Walker Benet; Mother: Frances Neill Rose.