Julie Benz is a name synonymous with captivating performances across a wide range of television genres, but for many fans, her chilling guest appearance in Supernatural remains a standout moment in her diverse career. Born on May 1, 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Benz’s initial path was not towards acting but the rigorous world of competitive figure skating. Daughter of a prominent Pittsburgh surgeon and a figure skater, Julie was immersed in the skating world from a young age. The family relocated to Murrysville, Pennsylvania, when she was just two, and by three, she was already gliding on ice.
Benz’s dedication to figure skating was evident as she progressed to compete at a national level. In 1988, she participated in the U.S. Championships in junior ice dancing with her partner David Schilling, achieving a respectable 13th place. Her family boasted further skating success, with her older siblings, Jeffrey and Jennifer, being crowned 1987 U.S. Junior Champions in ice dancing and subsequently competing internationally. However, a stress fracture at age 14 forced Julie to take a break, and by 1989, her competitive skating journey concluded.
With the door to professional skating closing, another opened unexpectedly. Benz discovered a passion for acting, becoming involved in local theater productions. Her first foray into film was a minor, yet credited, role in the horror anthology Two Evil Eyes (1990), a collaboration between horror masters Dario Argento and George A. Romero. She shared a scene with the acclaimed Harvey Keitel, marking her entry into the world of professional acting. The following year, she secured a role in the TV series Hi Honey, I’m Home (1991), further solidifying her transition from athlete to actress.
After graduating high school, Benz pursued formal acting training at New York University. Upon graduation, she moved to Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, to further pursue her acting ambitions. She landed guest roles in popular shows like Married… with Children and in the Aaron Spelling pilot Crosstown Traffic (1995), building her resume and experience.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1996 when Julie Benz auditioned for the lead role of Buffy Summers in the now-iconic series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. While Sarah Michelle Gellar ultimately secured the lead, Benz’s audition left a lasting impression. She was offered the smaller role of Darla, a vampire. Benz’s portrayal of Darla was so compelling that her initially minor role was expanded, turning Darla into a recurring and significant character in the Buffyverse. This role proved to be Julie Benz’s breakthrough, launching her into the spotlight.
She reprised the role of Darla in the Buffy spin-off series Angel for two seasons, cementing her status as a genre favorite. Throughout this period, she also took on various smaller roles in film, including a memorable appearance as a receptionist in the acclaimed movie As Good as It Gets (1997).
Post-Angel, Benz continued to be a prominent figure on television, consistently securing guest-starring roles in a string of popular series. Her versatility was showcased in appearances in shows ranging from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation to, significantly, Supernatural. In Supernatural: Zur Hölle mit dem Bösen, specifically Season 1, Episode 16 titled “Shadow”, Julie Benz portrayed A.J., a secretary who unfortunately becomes a victim of a shapeshifting Daeva. While her appearance in Supernatural was for a single episode, it was impactful and memorable for fans of both Benz and the series, highlighting her ability to bring depth to even brief roles within the horror/fantasy genre.
Beyond Supernatural, Benz secured leading and supporting roles in numerous made-for-TV movies and landed another significant recurring role as Rita Morgan, Dexter Morgan’s troubled girlfriend and eventual wife, in the critically acclaimed Showtime series Dexter. Her portrayal of Rita earned her widespread recognition and further solidified her reputation as a talented and versatile actress. She later starred as Stephanie Powell in the ABC series No Ordinary Family (2010), showcasing her ability to handle roles within the superhero genre.
In 2013, Benz took on the lead role of Amanda Rosewater in the science fiction series Defiance, demonstrating her continued appeal in genre television. From her beginnings as a competitive figure skater to her memorable guest appearance in Supernatural and her numerous significant roles in series like Buffy, Angel, Dexter, and Defiance, Julie Benz has built a successful and enduring career. Her journey exemplifies talent, versatility, and a dedication to her craft, making her a respected and admired figure in the entertainment industry.
