| Benito Alessi | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Neighbours character | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Portrayed by | George Spartels | ||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 1992–1993 | ||||||||||||||||||
| First appearance | 28 July 1992 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Last appearance | 28 May 1993 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Don Battye | ||||||||||||||||||
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Benito Alessi is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by George Spartels. Benito was introduced along with his wife and two sons, following the announcement of several cast departures. Spartels was glad to bring something different to the show as part of the first family with Italian heritage. He thought the introduction of the Alessis showed viewers "a broader picture" of Australia, after the show was criticised for not accurately representing suburban life. He made his first appearance during the episode broadcast on 28 July 1992.
Benito was described as being "typically Italian" by writer Josephine Monroe. He wants his sons to excel in everything they do, but is left disappointed. The character has a comedic rivalry with business partner Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), which Spartels enjoyed playing. Benito and Cathy's marriage is tested by her desire to have another child, Benito's secret vasectomy and the revelation that they had a daughter, who was placed for adoption. Spartels chose to leave the serial to record a children's music album and his final scenes aired on 28 May 1993.