Julie Benz Biography: Husband, Age, Movies, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Awards, TV Shows

Julie Benz is an American actress celebrated for her versatile roles in television series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2000), Angel (1999–2004), and Dexter (2006–2010), where she won a Satellite Award and a Saturn Award for her portrayal of Rita Bennett.

Transitioning from a competitive figure skater to a Hollywood star, she has built a diverse career across television, film, and voice acting.

Profile

• Full Name: Julie Marie Benz
• Stage Name: Julie Benz
• Born: May 1, 1972
• Age: 53 years old
• Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American Actress, Voice Actress, Producer
• Height: 5 feet 4
• Parents: George Benz Jr. (father, surgeon), Joanne Marie Seemiller (mother, figure skater)
• Siblings: 2, Jeffrey Benz (brother), and Jennifer Benz (sister)
• Spouse: Rich Orosco (married 2012–present)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million to $8 million

Early Life and Education

Julie Benz was born on May 1, 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to George Benz Jr., a surgeon, and Joanne Marie Seemiller, a figure skater. When she was two, her family moved to Murraysville, Pennsylvania, where she grew up with her older siblings, Jeffrey and Jennifer, who were 1987 U.S. Junior Champions in ice dancing.

Influenced by her mother, Julie began ice skating at age three and competed in the 1988 U.S. Championships in junior ice dancing with partner David Schilling, placing 13th. A stress fracture at age 14 ended her skating career, prompting her to pursue acting.

She graduated from Franklin Regional High School in 1990 and studied acting at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, earning a degree in 1993. Her early theater involvement, including a role in the play Street Law (1989), marked the start of her acting journey.

Career

Julie Benz’s acting career began with a small role in the horror anthology Two Evil Eyes (1990), followed by a part in the sitcom Hi Honey, I’m Home! (1991–1992). After moving to Los Angeles in 1994, she landed guest roles in shows like Married… with Children (1994), Step by Step (1995), and Boy Meets World (1996).

Her breakthrough came in 1997 as Darla, a vampire in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a role she reprised in the spin-off Angel (1999–2004), earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of the complex character. She gained further recognition as Rita Bennett in Dexter (2006–2010), Dexter Morgan’s girlfriend and wife, a role that showcased her emotional depth.

Benz’s television work includes starring roles in Roswell (1999–2000), No Ordinary Family (2010–2011), Defiance (2013–2015), Hawaii Five-0 (2015–2017), and Love, Victor (2021). Her film credits include Jawbreaker (1999), Rambo (2008), Saw V (2008), Punisher: War Zone (2008), and The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009).

She provided voice work for video games like Halo 2 (2004) and Hot Shots Golf Fore! (2004). Recent projects include Murder on Thin Ice (2024–2025) as Julie Miller and Dexter: Original Sin (2024), as noted in X posts and web sources. Her ability to navigate drama, horror, and sci-fi has solidified her as a versatile actress.

Awards and Nominations

• 2006: Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television (Dexter) – Won
• 2009: Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television (Dexter) – Won
• 2009: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series (Dexter) – Nominated

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @juliebenz
• Twitter Handle: @juliebenz
• Facebook Handle: @JulieBenz

Personal Life

Julie Benz, with her husband, television producer Rich Orosco, whom she married on May 5, 2012. She was previously married to actor John Kassir from 1998 to 2007, with no children from either marriage.

As a Taurus, her resilience and dedication are evident in her career shift from skating to acting. Of German descent, she holds American nationality and is presumed Christian, though her faith is private.

Benz is passionate about animal rights, supporting related organizations, and enjoys fitness and travel. In 2018, she sold her West Hollywood home for $1.9 million, and in 2011, she purchased a $1.9 million Studio City property. No controversies are noted, and her down-to-earth personality endears her to fans.

Filmography

• Two Evil Eyes (1990, Film) – Betty
• Hi Honey, I’m Home! (1991–1992, Series) – Babs Nielsen
• Married… with Children (1994, Series) – Sascha
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2000, Series) – Darla
• As Good as It Gets (1997, Film) – Receptionist
• Jawbreaker (1999, Film) – Marcie Fox
• Roswell (1999–2000, Series) – Kathleen Topolsky
• Angel (1999–2004, Series) – Darla
• The Brothers (2001, Film) – Jesse Caldwell
• Rambo (2008, Film) – Sarah Miller
• Saw V (2008, Film) – Brit
• Punisher: War Zone (2008, Film) – Angela Donatelli
• The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009, Film) – Eunice Bloom
• Dexter (2006–2010, Series) – Rita Bennett
• No Ordinary Family (2010–2011, Series) – Stephanie Powell
• Desperate Housewives (2010, Series) – Robin Gallagher
• A Gifted Man (2011–2012, Series) – Christina Holt
• Defiance (2013–2015, Series) – Amanda Rosewater
• Hawaii Five-0 (2015–2017, Series) – Abby Dunn
• Love, Victor (2021, Series) – Shelby
• Murder on Thin Ice (2024–2025, Series) – Julie Miller
• Dexter: Original Sin (2024, Series) – Guest Role

Voice Acting:

• Hot Shots Golf Fore! (2004, Video Game) – Various Voices
• Halo 2 (2004, Video Game) – Miranda Keyes

Net Worth

Julie Benz’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $8 million, Real estate investments, including a $1.9 million Studio City home purchase (2011) and a $1.9 million West Hollywood home sale (2018), bolster her wealth.

Endorsements and animal rights advocacy add minor income. The variance reflects differing source methodologies, but $6 million is a reasonable midpoint.