Julie Benz, a name synonymous with captivating performances across television and film, continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Born on May 1, 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benz’s journey from competitive figure skating to acclaimed actress is a testament to her versatility and dedication. While many remember her early roles, especially as Darla in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, fans are keen to know: what is Julie Benz doing now?
Benz’s initial passion was ice skating. Growing up in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, she began skating at the young age of three. Her talent and hard work led her to compete at the 1988 U.S. Championships in junior ice dancing. However, a stress fracture at 14 redirected her path. By 1989, with her skating career behind her, Benz discovered a new passion in acting, participating in local theater productions like “Street Law.” Her first foray into film came with a minor role in the horror anthology Two Evil Eyes (1990), a collaboration between Dario Argento and George A. Romero, where she shared a scene with Harvey Keitel. This early experience paved the way for a role in the television show Hi Honey, I’m Home (1991).
After high school, Benz pursued formal acting training at New York University. Upon graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, where she steadily built her resume with guest appearances on shows like Married… with Children and in TV pilots. A pivotal moment arrived in 1996 when she auditioned for the lead role of Buffy Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While Sarah Michelle Gellar landed the titular role, Benz’s audition left a strong impression. She was offered the smaller part of Darla, a vampire. Benz’s portrayal of Darla was so compelling that the role expanded, marking a significant turning point in her career.
Her portrayal of Darla continued in the Buffy spin-off series Angel for two seasons, solidifying her presence in the genre. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Benz balanced her genre work with roles in mainstream productions, including a memorable small part as a receptionist in the film As Good as It Gets (1997). She became a familiar face on television, guest-starring in popular series such as CSI, and Supernatural, and taking on leading and supporting roles in numerous television movies.
Another defining role for Benz came in the acclaimed Showtime series Dexter (2006). She played Rita Bennett, Dexter Morgan’s girlfriend and later wife, a role that earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Rita, a vulnerable and complex character, resonated with audiences and showcased Benz’s acting range. Following Dexter, she starred in the short-lived but fondly remembered series No Ordinary Family (2010), playing Stephanie Powell, a mother with superpowers, alongside Michael Chiklis and Kay Panabaker.
In 2013, Benz took on the lead role of Amanda Rosewater in the science fiction series Defiance. This series allowed her to further explore her affinity for genre roles, showcasing her ability to lead a show within a rich, imaginative world.
Julie Benz Now: Recent Projects and Beyond
So, where is Julie Benz now? Far from slowing down, Julie Benz has remained actively engaged in her acting career. In recent years, she has continued to work steadily in both television and film. Fans can find her in projects like:
- On Becoming a God in Central Florida (2019): A dark comedy series where Benz appeared alongside Kirsten Dunst.
- V.C. Andrews’ Landry Family movie series (2019-2020): Taking on roles in multiple films within this series, showcasing her versatility across different genres.
- Nocturne (2020): A horror film part of the Welcome to the Blumhouse series, highlighting her continued presence in the horror genre.
- Love, Victor (2020-2022): A popular teen drama series where she had a recurring role.
- Supergirl (2021): Returning to the superhero world in a guest role within the Arrowverse.
- Quantum Leap (2022-2023): Appearing in the reboot of the classic sci-fi series.
These recent roles demonstrate that Julie Benz remains a sought-after actress, continually taking on diverse and challenging projects. From her early days as a figure skater to her current status as a seasoned actress, Julie Benz’s career is marked by adaptability, talent, and a commitment to her craft. For fans wondering “Julie Benz now,” the answer is clear: she is actively working and continuing to enrich the entertainment world with her performances. Her journey is a compelling story of evolution and sustained success in a competitive industry.
