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Who is Julie Benz from “Dexter”? Her Wiki: Husband, Net Worth, Children, Pregnant, House

By Emily Dawson

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• Julie Benz is an American actress from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, best known for playing Rita Bennett in "Dexter" and Darla in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and its spin-off "Angel".
• Her current net worth is estimated to be over $6 million.
• She trained as a figure skater until a stress fracture ended her career, and then pursued acting.
• Her first big role was in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", and she went on to star in many other shows, including "Dexter", "Desperate Housewives", and "Hawaii Five-O".
• She is married to Rich Orosco, co-founder of Firebrand LA, and owns a pet dog named Bamboo.



Known for movies

Rita Bennett / Rita Morgan

Dexter (2006-2010)
as Rita Bennett / Rita Morgan

Inspector Abby Dunn

Hawaii Five-0 (2015-2016)
as Inspector Abby Dunn

Mayor Amanda Rosewater / Amanda Rosewater

Defiance (2013-2015)
as Mayor Amanda Rosewater / Amanda Rosewater

Sarah

Rambo (2008)
as Sarah

Short Info

Net Worth$6 millionDate Of BirthMay 1, 1972SpouseRich Orosco (m. 2012), John Kassir (m. 1998–2007)MarkOften plays women who have suffered traumas or lossesFactWas once ranked the number 12 ice skater in the United States. Julie has lost two roles to . The first was the role of Kendall Hart on (1970). The second was the role of Buffy on TV's (1997).



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Who is Julie Benz?

Julie Marie Benz was born on 1 May 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA, and is an actress, probably best known for playing the role of Rita Bennett in the television series “Dexter”. She is also known for her role in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, as well as its spin-off “Angel” playing the character Darla.

The Wealth of Julie Benz

How rich is Julie Benz? As of mid-2018, sources estimate a net worth that is over $6 million, earned through a successful career in acting. She won numerous awards for her role in “Dexter”, and has also starred in numerous other shows throughout her 25-year career. As she continues her endeavors, it is expected that her wealth will also continue to increase.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

While born in Pittsburgh, Julie actually grew up in nearby Murrysville, where she attended Franklin Regional High School. Her father is a surgeon, while her mother was a noted figure skater, so Julie also learned how to ice skate, and competed in junior ice dancing at the 1988 US Championships, finishing in 13th place. However, she suffered a stress fracture to her right leg, which ended her skating career.

Throwing it back to my very first love…. #tbt #puppylove

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She then pursued acting, despite being discouraged by acting teachers, and became involved with local theatre. Her first role came in a small speaking part in the horror movie “Two Evil Eyes”, and the following year she was cast in the television series “Hi Honey, I’m Home!” which lasted two years before its cancellation. She matriculated from high school in 1990, and then enrolled in New York University to study acting. She graduated in 1993, and then moved to Los Angeles to continue her pursuit of an acting career.

In honor of …one of my first headshots… 16 going on 30 ?

— Julie Benz (@juliebenz)

Acting Prominence

Just two weeks after moving to Los Angeles, Benz got her first role as a guest in “Married…with Children” which led her to numerous other roles. She had support or guest roles in shows such as “Boy Meets World”, “Step by Step” and “Hang Time”, and appeared as a skater in an episode of “Diagnosis: Murder”, before being cast in the series “Sliders”.

In 1997, she had a lead role in the film “Dark Drive” before auditioning for the role of Buffy Summers in the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. However, she lost out to Sarah Michelle Gellar, but was instead offered the role of vampire Darla during the pilot episode, which was well-received, and led to her appearing in more episodes over the next few years. With this success she started to get more roles, in shows such as “The Big Easy”, and “Fame LA”, and a recurring role in the show “Ask Harriet”, before guest starring in “The King and Queens”.

Rang the opening bell at the Toronto Stock Exchange for the Rally for Kids with Cancer!

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Later Career and Dexter

In 2000, Julie reprised her role of Darla in the spin-off series “Angel”, appearing in each season of the show, then took over the role of Ursula for the film “George of the Jungle 2”. After gaining more guest roles, she had a lead role in the television movie “The Long Shot”. Other projects she had during this time included appearances in episodes of “Supernatural”, “Law & Order”, and “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”, and a supporting role in the film “Punisher: War Zone”, before co-starring with Sylvester Stallone in the fourth “Rambo” film, released in 2008.

One of her next notable roles was in the series “”,  in which she played Rita Bennett. The show focuses on forensic technician Dexter Morgan, who specializes in blood spatter analysis but leads a secret life as a vigilante serial killer. She stayed with the show for three seasons until 2009, and was instrumental in the series winning several awards. She then had a recurring role in “Desperate Housewives”, playing the role of a stripper with a master’s degree in education, who gets offered the chance for a more legitimate career. A few of her latest projects include a recurring role in the series “Hawaii Five-O”, casting her as one of the newer team members.

Personal Life

For her personal life, it is known that Benz married actor John Kassir in 1998. John is best known for being the voice of the Crypt Keeper from the “Tales from the Crypt” franchise by HBO. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2007. Four years later, she was reported to be engaged to Rich Orosco who is the co-founder of the talent management company called Firebrand LA which was formerly B360 Studios, and they were in 2012. Benz is known to collect antique things from various places she visits. She also owns a dog named Bamboo.

General Info

Full NameJulie BenzNet Worth$6 millionDate Of BirthMay 1, 1972Height1.63 mEducationFranklin Regional High School, New York UniversityNationalityAmerican

Family

SpouseRich Orosco (m. 2012), John Kassir (m. 1998–2007)ParentsGeorge Benz, Joanne BenzSiblingsJeffrey Benz, Jennifer Benz

Accomplishments

AwardsSatellite Award for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television FilmNominationsScreen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama SeriesMoviesRambo, The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, Saw V, Punisher: War Zone, Jawbreaker, Two Evil Eyes, George of the Jungle 2, As Good as It Gets, The Long Shot, Uncorked, Answers to Nothing, Darkdrive, The Brothers, Held Hostage, Bad Girls from Valley High, Shriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday t...TV ShowsDefiance, Dexter, A Gifted Man, No Ordinary Family, Coupling, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Taken, Glory Days, Payne, Ask Harriet, The Big Easy, Hi Honey, I'm Home!

Social profile links

FacebookTwitterInstagramIMDB

Marks

#Marks / Signs1Often plays women who have suffered traumas or losses

Quotes

#Quote1[About her role on (2006)] I read the pilot script and I loved it. I was like what do I have to do to get on this show? Who do I have to kill? It's the type of programming I like to watch, provocative and edgy. It raises so many questions but doesn't force-feed you any answers and it really calls into question your own moral code. I mean, you find yourself falling in love and rooting for this guy who's a serial killer. You go back and forth on, is what he's doing right or is it wrong, is it right or is it wrong. And I love that kind of show, that challenges your mind [2009 interview].2[about her role in (2008)] Yeah, I actually threw up on set, I was freaked out. I knew it was fake, but I couldn't even go near the saw machine during rehearsal. I mean, I was shaking. The challenge for me in that film was, you know - because I'm the perfect moviegoer, I buy into everything. Like, I go on the journey and I totally buy into the whole world that's created and the whole imagination of it all. The challenge for me in that film was like, can I act in something like this. And I had nightmares from it. I didn't sleep very well when I was up there filming, and it was a really interesting process for me, because I've never had a movie affect me in that level, like where I would go home and have dreams about the actual film, and not like your typical actor dreams about showing up naked on set or forgetting your lines, but the actual saw and Jigsaw and all of the elements to it and the traps. I remember doing the first trap where we're attached to - you know, around the neck with the chain? ... It had to be choreographed because we were on pulleys and it had to be very well choreographed so we wouldn't get hurt. But I freaked out and I said to the director "What's going to happen if I don't get the key?" and he was like, "We'll cut." And I was like, "Oh, okay." It feels very real. I mean, there were no safety saws behind us, you know, the things that chopped off your head, they were sharp! ... It's fun but it's very intense. [2009 interview]3[on playing the vampire "Darla"] I think I've died four or five times. I honestly believe that they like seeing me covered in blood [laughs]. I just think they have a thing with me and blood. I've died a lot! ... Every time I died, they would give me this big party on the set because I honestly thought it was my last time. I would sob and hug everybody goodbye and say, "It's over!" [laughs] And then a couple of months later, I'd get a phone call to come back. Everybody's now gotten pretty jaded about me dying on the show. I don't get the big party anymore. I don't get the gifts anymore. It's like, "Yeah, we'll see you in a few months." [29 November 2008, The Hollywood Interview.com]4(On filming (2008)] We spent two months in the jungle without the luxuries of filming in Los Angeles. My trailer looked like a 1952 bomb shelter with what appeared to be the original bedding - it looked like it had never been washed. The heat was extreme and we all lost a lot of weight. I got too thin on that movie. Also, I had to have like 27 vaccinations before I could even get on the plane to go there, I was taking malaria pills, there were poisonous snakes; one day an elephant crashed through the set after escaping from a nearby camp! You never knew what was going to happen next, but as tough as it was - being away from friends and family, the lack of luxury, the language barrier - it was also really exciting. Moviemaking shouldn't be on a comfy soundstage in L.A., it should be out there in the field.5I actually find the fans are always supportive and respectful. A couple times I've been approached when I'm buying underwear. That's more embarrassing for me rather than for them because it's like, "Oh hello. I'm just buying some panties."6[About the pilot for (2006)] When we did the pilot, I was very nervous. I was beginning to work with my favorite actor and I had to do a lot of relaxation to be on set with Michael. I was such a huge fan of his and just couldn't believe I was cast to play opposite him. I was really waiting for someone to come up to me and say it's all a joke.7[Her favorite scenes from (2006)] I loved the episodes where Rita dressed up as Lara Croft... and gave Dexter things. It was such a fun scene to play and it's the first time you really saw a little bit of her strength and her playfulness, and it was so nice to do after playing so much of this vulnerable, beaten-down woman, to have this fun moment with Dexter. I also love the scene towards the end where she confronts Paul [Rita's ex-husband] in prison and basically lays it on the line from a place of great strength, where she finally just tells him how it's going to be and how he needs to explain to the kids why he's in prison.8[About Darla's departure from (1999)] She was such a wonderful character to begin with. To have such a beautiful ending. For me, it felt like they gave me a gift, a really special gift. After playing her for so long, it was such a beautiful way for her to go. The last 20 minutes redeemed her in the eyes of the fans as well. She was able to finally do something good after 400 years of evil and terror.9[on her character "Darla" on (1999)] I didn't expect them to write such a beautiful ending. I really think it was one of the most beautiful gifts I've ever received as an actor. The last three episodes of her life are so wonderful. They were such a gift to play. It was really amazing. They sent me the script and I was on lunch. I was in my trailer crying. Everybody was asking me if I was okay, and what was wrong, and I had to say it was nothing, and that I was fine. You don't want to tell anyone anything - and, of course, we're not allowed to tell anybody anything. I think she truly is one of the most amazing characters on television.

Facts

#Fact1At the 50th Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Monaco, Monte-Carlo [June 2010]2Her cousin, , is a sports radio/TV personality in Pittsburgh, PA.3Often mistaken for and, when asked for her autograph, would sign Bowen's name.4Good friends with (1997) and (1999) co-star , (1997) co-star and (2006) co-star .5Has been in a relationship with producer since 2008. They got engaged in June 2011 and later married on May 5, 2012 in the Los Feliz neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. Because their wedding was on Cinco De Mayo, they chose to have a Mexican themed wedding, to honor the holiday as well as Orosco's heritage.6She collects antique things from every country she visits. Her favorite is a emerald ring she found in Knoxville, Tennessee.7Has a dog called Bamboo.8She dyed her natural blonde hair to brunette for the film (2008).9Appeared in both: (2000) and (2002).10Was originally picked to play the part of "Matty Jensen" in the film (2008) but was replaced by .11Attended Franklin Regional Sr. High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania12She was originally cast to play the character "Ellie Sparks" in the un-aired pilot of the TV show (2002).13Was once ranked the number 12 ice skater in the United States. Julie has lost two roles to . The first was the role of Kendall Hart on (1970). The second was the role of Buffy on TV's (1997).14Auditioned for a role in (1999). She was called back to audition for the role again, but decided against it when she was going to have to do the scene topless.15She competed in the 1988 U.S. Championships in junior ice dancing with David Schilling, placing 13th. Her older sister and brother, Jennifer and Jeffrey, were the 1987 U.S. Junior Champions in ice dancing and competed internationally.

Pictures

Movies

Actress

TitleYearStatusCharacterTraining Day2017TV Series filmingHolly McCabeHawaii Five-02015-2016TV SeriesInspector Abby DunnHavenhurst2016JackieCharming Christmas2015TV MovieMeredith RossmanLife on the Line2015/ICarlineDefiance2013-2015TV SeriesMayor Amanda Rosewater Amanda RosewaterCircle2015/IIThe WifeSupremacy2014/IKristenSole Custody2014TV MovieZoeyTaken: The Search for Sophie Parker2013TV MovieStevie ParkerA Gifted Man2011-2012TV SeriesChristina HoltMiddle Ages2012TV MovieRicochet2011TV MovieElise LairdAnswers to Nothing2011FrankieRoyal Pains2011TV SeriesElyseNo Ordinary Family2010-2011TV SeriesStephanie PowellDexter2006-2010TV SeriesRita Bennett Rita MorganBedrooms2010AnnaDesperate Housewives2010TV SeriesRobin GallagherThe Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day2009Special Agent Eunice BloomUncorked2009TV MovieJohnny PrentissHeld Hostage2009TV MovieMichelle EsteyKidnapping Caitlynn2009ShortCaitlynnPunisher: War Zone2008AngelaSaw V2008BritRambo2008SarahLaw & Order2007TV SeriesDawn SterlingCircle of Friends2006TV MovieMaggieCSI: Crime Scene Investigation2006TV SeriesHeidi WolffKill Your Darlings2006KatherineCSI: Miami2006TV SeriesHayley GordonSupernatural2006TV SeriesLayla Rourke8MM 22005VideoLynnLocusts: The 8th Plague2005TV MovieVickyBad Girls from Valley High2005DanielleLackawanna Blues2005TV MovieLauraHalo 22004Video GameMiranda Keyes (voice)Hot Shots Golf Fore!2004Video GameVarious Voices (voice)Oliver Beene2004TV SeriesCigarette GirlNCIS2004TV SeriesDenise JohnsonAngel2000-2004TV SeriesDarlaThe Long Shot2004TV MovieAnnie GarrettCoupling2003TV SeriesAmandaPeacemakers2003TV SeriesMiranda BlanchardThe Midget Stays in the Picture2003ShortA-List ActressGeorge of the Jungle 22003VideoUrsulaTaken2002TV Mini-SeriesKate KeysShe Spies2002TV SeriesElaineGlory Days2002TV SeriesEllie SparksThe Brothers2001Jesse CaldwellGood Guys/Bad Guys2000TV MovieBuffy the Vampire Slayer1996-2000TV SeriesDarlaShriek If You Know What I Did Last Friday the Thirteenth2000VideoBarbaraRoswell1999-2000TV SeriesKathleen TopolskySatan's School for Girls2000TV MovieAlison KingsleyDirt Merchant1999AngiePayne1999TV SeriesBreeze O'RourkeThe King of Queens1999TV SeriesJulie PattersonJawbreaker1999MarcieConrad Bloom1998TV SeriesJulieAsk Harriet1998TV SeriesJoplin RussellEating Las Vegas1997ShortSheilaVeronica's Video1997TV MovieHeidiAs Good as It Gets1997ReceptionistFame L.A.1997TV SeriesVanessaDarkdrive1997Julie FalconThe Big Easy1997TV SeriesRoxanneInventing the Abbotts1997Co-edA Walton Easter1997TV MovieJeannie (uncredited)The Single Guy1996TV SeriesCranberries GirlSliders1996TV SeriesJenny MichenerDiagnosis Murder1996TV SeriesJulie MillerHearts Adrift1996TV MovieChristyBlack Sheep1996Woman (uncredited)Boy Meets World1996TV SeriesBiancaEmpire1995TV MovieChristie LambertStep by Step1995TV SeriesTawnyHigh Tide1995TV SeriesJoanna CraigThe Barefoot Executive1995TV MovieSexy WomanHang Time1995TV SeriesLinda CantrellCrosstown Traffic1995TV MovieMarried with Children1994TV SeriesSaschaHi Honey, I'm Home1991-1992TV SeriesBabs NielsenTwo Evil Eyes1990Betty (segment "The Black Cat")

Soundtrack

TitleYearStatusCharacterDexter2009TV Series performer - 1 episodeAngel2000-2001TV Series performer - 2 episodes

Thanks

TitleYearStatusCharacterShut Up and Kiss Me2010special thanksIt's a Long Road: Resurrection of an Icon2008Video documentary short special thanksThe Making of 'Kill Your Darlings'2006TV Movie documentary special thanks'Angel': Season 3 Overview2004Video documentary special thanksDarla: Deliver Us from Evil2004Video short documentary special thanks

Self

TitleYearStatusCharacterCelebrity Name Game2016TV SeriesHerself - Celebrity PlayerDinner at Tiffani's2016TV SeriesHerselfHome & Family2015TV SeriesHerselfOne Question Interviews2015TV SeriesHerself - GuestThe Soup2008-2014TV SeriesHerselfGood Day L.A.2013TV SeriesHerself - GuestTweet Out2013TV SeriesHerselfWatch What Happens: Live2013TV SeriesHerself - GuestRachael Ray2013TV SeriesHerself - GuestBig Morning Buzz Live2013TV SeriesHerself - GuestSyfy 20th Anniversary Special2012TV Special documentaryHerselfCollegeHumor Originals2012TV SeriesHerselfThe Talk2011TV SeriesHerself - GuestThe Wendy Williams Show2011TV SeriesHerself - GuestThe View2008-2011TV SeriesHerself - GuestJimmy Kimmel Live!2011TV SeriesHerself - Guest2010 American Music Awards2010TV SpecialHerself - PresenterDancing with the Stars2010TV SeriesHerselfEntertainment Tonight2010TV SeriesHerselfUnprecedented Access: Behind the Scenes2010Video shortHerselfChelsea Lately2008-2010TV SeriesHerself - Guest16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards2010TV SpecialHerselfThe 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards2010TV SpecialHerself - Audience MemberHollywood 4112009TV SeriesHerselfLast Call with Carson Daly2009TV SeriesHerself - GuestThat Morning Show2009TV SeriesHerself - GuestUp Close with Carrie Keagan2009TV SeriesHerself - GuestTattoos: A Scarred History2009DocumentaryHerself15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards2009TV SpecialHerselfMeet Jigsaw: Behind the Scenes of 'Punisher: War Zone'2009Video shortHerselfThe Making of 'Punisher: War Zone'2009Video shortHerselfThe Fatal Five2009Video documentary shortHerselfThe 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards2009TV SpecialHerselfTMZ on TV2008TV SeriesHerselfThe Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson2008TV SeriesHerself - GuestPIX 11 Morning News2008TV SeriesHerselfScream Awards 20082008TV Movie documentaryHerselfInfanity2008TV Series documentaryHerselfThe 60th Primetime Emmy Awards2008TV SpecialHerselfKTLA Morning News2008TV SeriesHerselfA Hero's Welcome: Release & Reaction2008Video shortHerselfIt's a Long Road: Resurrection of an Icon2008Video documentary shortHerselfThe Early Show2008TV SeriesHerself - GuestCanada A.M.2008TV SeriesHerself - GuestThe Sauce2008TV SeriesHerselfE! News Live2007TV SeriesHerselfGomorron2006TV SeriesHerselfThe Making of 'Kill Your Darlings'2006TV Movie documentaryHerselfHalos & Horns: Recurring Villainy2005Video documentary shortHerselfThe Sharon Osbourne Show2004TV SeriesHerself - Guest'Angel': Season 3 Overview2004Video documentaryHerselfDarla: Deliver Us from Evil2004Video short documentaryHerselfSoapTalk2003TV SeriesHerselfTotal Request Live2003TV SeriesHerself'Angel': Season 2 Overview2003Video documentaryHerselfGeorge of the Jungle 2: Behind the Trees2003Video shortHerselfThe Saturday Show2003TV SeriesHerself - Guest6th Annual Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Awards2003TV Special documentaryHerselfInside Taken2002Video documentary shortHerself'Buffy': Season 2 Overview2002Video documentary shortHerselfRank2002TV Series documentaryHerselfThe Big Breakfast2001TV SeriesHerself - GuestRendez-View2001TV SeriesHerself - Guest HostThe Test2001TV SeriesHerself - PanelistJawbreaker Movie Special2001TV MovieHerselfHappy Hour1999TV SeriesHerself

Archive Footage

TitleYearStatusCharacterThe Punisher: Creating the Look2009Video shortAngelaMalice in Wonderland: Wolfram & Hart2004Video documentary shortDarla (uncredited)Angel2003-2004TV SeriesDarla'Angel': Season One2003Video documentary shortDarla (uncredited)

Awards

Won Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie2010Saturn AwardAcademy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USABest Supporting Actress on TelevisionDexter (2006)2008Eyegore AwardEyegore Awards2006Satellite AwardSatellite AwardsBest Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for TelevisionDexter (2006)

Nominated Awards

YearAwardCeremonyNominationMovie2010Golden NymphMonte-Carlo TV FestivalOutstanding Actress - Drama SeriesDexter (2006)2010Scream AwardScream AwardsBest Horror ActressDexter (2006)2010ActorScreen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama SeriesDexter (2006)2009ActorScreen Actors Guild AwardsOutstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama SeriesDexter (2006)2008Scream AwardScream AwardsBest Horror ActressDexter (2006)

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