Julie Benz

Biography

Julie a native of Pittsburgh, and a daughter of a vascular surgeon comes from a long line of doctors. She was determined to be the first female doctor in the family, until a small teenage infraction caused her father to issue an ultimatum: Be grounded or watch hemmorroid surgery. She watched the surgery and decided against a medical career.

When a skating career ended, Julie auditioned for a local community theatre play and won the part. Soon after, she attended an acting seminar with two well known West Coast casting directors and a New York based manager, Vincent Cirrincione, who has represented her since that time. After studying at NYU, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career.

Julie has been in Jossverse from the word “go”, when her character of Darla appeared in the pilot of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The once long-time lover and partner in crime to the great Angelus, the pair wreaked havoc across the world, leaving a bloody trail behind them.

Despite Darla being staked in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, writers caused a stir by bringing the character back in the first season finale of Angel. In season two, a further twist was added when it was revealed that Darla was human. The creativity of the writers came forth with the character of Darla when she was sired by Drusilla and later became pregnant by Angel. The once unfeeling creature staked herself in order to give her son life.

Benz makes her home in Los Angeles and is caretaker to two dogs, Elvis and Gracie. She is a gourmet chef, but keeps her cooking strictly low fat. She is almost as passionate about pilates as she is about shopping for clothes and shoes. Julie is an avid golfer and is "getting better every week!".