Julie Benz

Julie Benz (born May 1, 1972) is an acclaimed American actress, widely recognized for her roles in popular TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dexter, No Ordinary Family, and Defiance. Benz's performance as Rita Bennett on Dexter earned her the 2006 Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress and the 2009 Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her other notable TV series include Roswell, Desperate Housewives, A Gifted Man, Hawaii Five-0, Training Day and Love, Victor. Benz started acting at the age of 15, after an injury forced her to take a hiatus from her then figure-skating career. Born in Pittsburgh, she attended and graduated from Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville. She further pursued acting at New York University after graduating from high school in 1990. Post her graduation in 1993, Benz moved to Los Angeles and quickly started bagging roles in TV series and films. Her adventurous acting journey allowed her to demonstrate her versatile acting skills while accumulating an impressive list of film credits that include, but are not limited to, Jawbreaker, The Brothers, Rambo, Saw V, Punisher: War Zone, and The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day. Over the years, Benz not only auditioned and played a variety of roles but also managed to leave a mark through her powerful performances. While her journey kicked off with small roles, she garnered greater roles over time and marked her stellar presence in the acting industry.