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Julia Benson
Julia Benson
Julia Benson
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Julia Benson (née Anderson; 26 June 1979) is a Canadian actress. She played the character Vanessa James in the science fiction series Stargate Universe.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Julia Anderson was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She trained as a ballet, tap, jazz dancer since age six.[1] She graduated from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) in 2001 with a degree in theatre and psychology. She trained as an actress at David Mamet's Atlantic Theater Company in New York City.

Career

[edit]

Benson played the role of Anna in the 2007 film Road to Victory about a stripper who falls in love with a football player who is unable to sexually perform due to an injury. She trained with a dancer from Brandi's strip club in Vancouver, British Columbia.[1]

From 2009 to 2011, Benson appeared as 2nd Lt. Vanessa James in both seasons of TV science fiction series Stargate Universe. Her performance in the show's first-season episode "Pain" earned her a 2010 Leo award as "Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series".[2]

Filmography

[edit]

Films

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2005 Crazy Late Sarah Jones Short film
2007 Road to Victory Anna
2007 Zero Hour Allie
2007 Numb Sara's Girlfriend
2008 Blonde and Blonder Last Dancer in Line
2008 Robin, Chuck, and Shirley Shirley Sutherland Short film
2009 Scott's Lands Melissa Short film
2009 Everything's Coming Up Rosie Catherine Short film
2012 Now and Forever Lucy Redd Short film, completed
2012 Death Do Us Part Kennedy Post-production
2013 Kid Cannabis Julie Morgan Post-production
2013 Leap 4 Your Life Julianna Post-production
2013 That Burning Feeling Joyce
2014 Death Do Us Part Kennedy Jamieson Producer, Writer
2014 What an Idiot Jackie
2015 Dead Rising: Watchtower Amy
2016 Interrogation Sara Ward
2017 My Little Pony: The Movie Additional voices
2018 To All the Boys I've Loved Before Ms. Kavinsky
TBA The Ferret Squad Marcie In production
2022 Hello, Goodbye, And Everything In Between Claudia

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2003 Tru Calling Tara Episode: "Past Tense"
2005 The Dead Zone Crying Girl Episode: "The Collector"
2006 The Evidence Sadie McAbee Episode: "Stringers"
2006 Stargate Atlantis Willa Episode: "Irresistible"
2007 Masters of Horror Abbey Addison Episode: "Right to Die"
2007 My Neighbor's Keeper Mom TV film
2007 Reaper Gloria Episode: "All Mine"
2007 Supernatural Woman at Bar Episode: "Sin City"
2007 Whistler James Episode: "Passion Plays"
2007 Aliens in America Clerk Episode: "Church"
2008 Past Lies Sarah TV film
2008 The Unquiet Christina TV film
2008 Smallville Nurse Episode: "Arctic"
2009 Mr. Troop Mom CC Turner TV film
2009 Harper's Island Officer Tyra Coulter Episode: "Snap"
2009 SGU Stargate Universe Kino Vanessa James Episode: "Covered Kino"
2009–11 Stargate Universe Lt. Vanessa James Recurring role (36 episodes)
2010 The Ex-Convict's Guide Shirley Sutherland Episodes: "Be Gracious", "Respect the Rules of the House", "Do Not Convert Your Host's Possessions – Into Weapons",
"Remember to Bid Your Host a Gracious Farewell!"
2010 Lying to Be Perfect Joy TV film (Lifetime)
2010–11 SGU Stargate Universe Kino Vanessa James Episodes: "Wait for It", "Favorite Meal of All Time", "One Long Endless Night", "All the Stages"
2011 Shattered Hostess Episode: "Unaired Pilot"
2011 Hiccups Penelope Episode: "Welcome Back Potter"
2011 R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour Mom Episodes: "Brush with Madness", "Sick"
2011 Earth's Final Hours Chloe Edwards TV film
2012 Mr. Young Bianca Boyd Episode: "Mr. Sci-Fi"
2013 Chupacabra vs. the Alamo Tracy TV film (Syfy)
2014–15 Cedar Cove Jeri Drake Episodes: "Trials and Tribulations", "One Day at a Time", "Point of No Return", "Secrets and Lies", "Stand and Deliver", "Resolutions and Revelations", "Hello Again", "A Helping Hand", "Civil War", "Batter Up", "Runaway", "The Good Fight"
2017 A Bramble House Christmas Molly Television film (Hallmark)
2018 Marrying Father Christmas Ellie Whitcomb Television film (Hallmark Movies and Mysteries)
2018 Reap What You Sew: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery Lizzie Allison Television film (Hallmark Movies and Mysteries)
2019 The Order Professor Robin Benson 3 episodes
2019 Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: An Inheritance to Die For Lizzie Allison Television film (Hallmark Movies and Mysteries)
2019 BH90210 Female Exec Episode: "The Pitch"
2020 Love is a Piece of Cake Suzanne Cooper Television film
2020 Chateau Christmas Kate TV film
2021 Seasoned With Love Winona Applegate Television film , with Peter Benson

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Julia Benson

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Julia Benson (née Anderson; born June 26, 1979) is a Canadian actress best known for her role as Second Lieutenant Vanessa James in the science fiction television series Stargate Universe (2009–2011). Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she trained in ballet, tap, and jazz dance from the age of six and later earned a degree in theatre and psychology from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Benson launched her professional acting career in 2001 following the completion of her theatrical studies, initially appearing in guest roles on television series such as . Her breakthrough came with , for which she received the 2010 Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series. Beyond , Benson has built a prolific career in television movies, particularly with the , starring in titles including Chateau Christmas (2020), Perfect Harmony (2022), and Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2023). In addition to acting, Benson works as a screenwriter and producer, and she has been married to fellow Canadian actor Peter Benson since 2009. The couple resides in , where she continues to pursue roles in film and television.

Early life and education

Childhood in Winnipeg

Julia Benson was born Julia Anderson on June 26, 1979, in , , . Raised in , Benson developed an early passion for the through . At age six, she began training in tap and , later expanding her skills to include , which laid the groundwork for her future career in acting. Public details about her family background, including her parents and any siblings, remain limited, reflecting a private childhood rooted in her Canadian upbringing in the city.

University studies and training

Benson enrolled at the (UBC) in in 1998, pursuing a in and . She graduated in 2001, having completed her studies in these fields. As part of her studies at UBC, she majored in . Additionally, she obtained certification as an instructor, enhancing her background in physical training and fitness.

Acting career

Beginnings in theater and early roles

Following her graduation from the in 2001 with a degree in and , Julia Benson launched her professional acting career in , initially focusing on stage performances that built upon her university training. 's vibrant theater scene provided an ideal starting point, allowing her to hone her skills in live performances shortly after completing her studies. Benson relocated to during her university years and remained there post-graduation, drawn by the city's status as a major hub for the Canadian film and television industry, which facilitated her transition toward screen work. This move positioned her amid numerous production opportunities, though her early screen roles were modest supporting parts that reflected the challenges of shifting from the immediacy of theater to the more technical demands of film and television. Prior to her 2007 film roles, Benson had guest appearances on television series such as (2003) and (2008). Her initial forays into film began in 2007, marking a pivotal year with several small but notable appearances. In the Numb, she portrayed Sara's Girlfriend, a brief role in a story about a grappling with emotional numbness. That same year, Benson appeared as Mom in the TV movie My Neighbor's Keeper, a thriller involving and suspicion following a . She also took on the role of Anna, a navigating a complex romance with a facing performance issues, in the sports drama Road to Victory. These early credits, often under her maiden name Julia Anderson, highlighted her versatility in supporting capacities amid the competitive landscape of Vancouver's industry.

Stargate franchise and breakthrough

Julia Benson first appeared in the Stargate franchise with a guest role as Willa, one of the villagers charmed by the con artist Lavin, in the episode "Irresistible," which aired in 2006. This early involvement in the series, filmed in , showcased her ability to portray characters in high-stakes sci-fi environments and paved the way for her more prominent work in the franchise. Benson's major breakthrough arrived in 2009 when she was cast as Vanessa James, a dedicated U.S. officer and member of the Icarus Base expedition, in . She portrayed the character across both seasons of the series, appearing in 35 episodes from 2009 to 2011, where James served as a key supporting figure aboard the ancient starship Destiny, often involved in military operations and interpersonal dynamics with the crew. Her performance highlighted James's blend of resilience and vulnerability, contributing to the show's darker, character-driven tone distinct from prior entries. For her work in the episode "Pain," Benson received critical acclaim, winning the 2010 Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series. This recognition underscored her impact on the series and marked a turning point in her career, elevating her profile within television. The production, based in , allowed Benson, a local , to draw on her familiarity with the city's filming facilities, including Bridge Studios, where she described the collaborative atmosphere and rigorous shooting schedules as both challenging and rewarding. She noted the physical demands of action sequences and the camaraderie among the cast, which enhanced her immersion in the role. Fan reception of Benson's portrayal was overwhelmingly positive, with audiences appreciating James's grounded presence amid the series' intense survival narrative. Benson expressed being "really touched" by the Stargate fandom's passion, marking it as her first deep engagement with a dedicated fanbase, and she eagerly participated in conventions to connect with viewers. This enthusiasm helped solidify her breakthrough status, as fans celebrated her contributions to the franchise's legacy.

Television movies and Hallmark projects

Following the conclusion of her role in the series in 2011, Julia Benson transitioned into a prolific array of made-for-television films, leveraging the visibility from her sci-fi breakthrough to secure supporting parts in genre-spanning projects. One early example was her portrayal of Edwards in the sci-fi disaster TV movie Earth's Final Hours (2011), directed by W.D. Hogan and filmed in , . This marked the beginning of her steady involvement in TV movies, many of which were produced in her home province due to its favorable filming incentives and proximity to production hubs. Benson's TV movie work expanded into thriller territory with her lead-supporting role as Sara Ward, a detective's wife entangled in a , in (2016), a Lifetime-style production directed by Stephen Reynolds that highlighted her dramatic range in high-stakes narratives. Around the same time, she began appearing in romantic comedies, often in supporting roles that complemented lead couples' storylines, a trend that aligned with the demand for relatable, ensemble-driven characters in feel-good formats. Her entry into projects came with the role of Camille, a close friend of the , in The Wedding March (2016), a romantic about rekindled college sweethearts, directed by Neill Fearnley and emphasizing themes of second chances. This film, shot in , exemplified her growing presence in the network's lighthearted romance genre. Benson continued building her Hallmark portfolio with versatile supporting turns, such as Leslie, a meddlesome friend facilitating blind dates, in While You Were Dating (2017), a Hallmark about divorced exes reuniting online. She followed with Whitcomb, a family-oriented confidante, in the holiday-themed Marrying (2018), further cementing her in festive, heartwarming tales. Beyond Hallmark, her TV movie credits included Mrs. , the supportive mother of a key teen character, in the Netflix romantic To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018), which drew from and boosted her profile in broader streaming romance adaptations. In 2020, she played Kate, a nurturing estate manager, in the Hallmark holiday film Chateau , where a rediscovers her passion amid family drama. These roles often positioned her as the empathetic ally in romantic or dramatic arcs, reflecting a sustainable niche in Vancouver-based productions that prioritized ensemble chemistry over lead billing. Into the 2020s, Benson maintained a consistent output of TV movies, blending Hallmark romances with mystery entries. She portrayed Naomi, the optimistic best friend organizing a , in the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries feature Perfect Harmony (2022), starring alongside her husband Peter Benson as the groom. That year, she also appeared as Claudia, a concerned parental figure, in the drama Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between (2022), adapting a about a couple's pre-college breakup pact. Her work extended to the Mysteries franchise, including Lizzie Allison in Reap What You Sew (2018) and subsequent installments like Haunted by Murder (2022), where she recurred in investigative supporting roles within Hallmark's series. More recent credits include Diana Graves, a resident aiding a baker-turned-sleuth, in Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2023), a Hallmark Movies & Mysteries entry emphasizing small- intrigue. In 2025, she played Shelby, a community organizer in a royal romance plot, in A Royal Christmas, directed by Peter Benson and filmed in . Benson co-wrote the story for Renovation Romance (2024), a TV movie about a reality show host's festive mishaps, alongside her husband, underscoring her evolving creative input while sustaining her acting presence in the genre. Filmed predominantly in , these projects have provided career longevity, with Benson appearing in over a dozen TV movies since 2016, often in romantic or dramatic supporting capacities that capitalize on her poised, approachable screen persona. This steady stream of work, fueled by the romance and mystery boom on networks like Hallmark, has ensured her continued relevance in the TV film landscape through 2025.

Writing and producing

Initial writing credits

Julia Benson entered in 2014 through her involvement in independent feature films produced under her company, Married to the Boss Productions, which she co-founded with her husband Peter Benson around 2008 to gain greater creative control over projects. This transition was driven by a shared ambition to expand beyond acting into , allowing them to develop original stories tailored to their vision in smaller-scale productions. Her debut writing credit was on the horror thriller Death Do Us Part, where she co-wrote the screenplay with Peter Benson and Ryan Copple; the film, in which Benson starred as Kennedy Jamieson, was released on DVD on April 15, 2014, and received two Leo Award nominations. Later that year, she co-wrote the story for the romantic comedy What an Idiot with Peter Benson, also starring as Jackie and serving as producer; it premiered at the on December 3, 2014. Benson honed her writing abilities alongside her established acting career, leveraging her theater training from the , where she earned a degree in and in 2001, to explore narrative techniques in film. These early efforts represented a deliberate move toward multifaceted roles in , emphasizing self-generated projects amid the challenges of independent production.

Collaborations with Peter Benson

Julia Benson's collaborations with her husband, actor and filmmaker Peter Benson, have primarily focused on co-writing and producing projects within the Canadian film and television landscape. Their partnership began to take shape in independent , allowing them to blend creative control with practical efficiencies in production. A key example is their 2014 horror film Death Do Us Part, which they co-wrote with Ryan Copple and produced under their company, Married To The Boss Productions. The film, directed by Nicholas Humphries, follows a bride-to-be whose wedding celebration turns deadly, and it was shot entirely on Julia Benson's father's property on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, the same location where the couple married in 2009. This choice of venue provided significant advantages for an indie production, offering a single, versatile location with unrestricted access that streamlined logistics and reduced costs in Vancouver's competitive film environment. The Bensons have noted that such spousal collaborations empower them to generate their own opportunities rather than relying solely on acting roles, fostering a supportive dynamic within the local indie scene where community resources and personal networks enhance feasibility. More recently, the Bensons contributed to the 2024 Hallmark Channel TV movie Renovation Romance, earning a story credit for the script alongside teleplay contributions from Peter Benson and director . In this , a television host navigates personal and professional challenges during a holiday renovation shoot, and the Bensons served as producers among a team that included MPCA Films. Their involvement highlights a continued evolution in their joint work, extending from indie horror to mainstream television while leveraging their established creative in the Canadian production sector.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Julia Benson married Canadian actor Peter Benson on August 8, 2009. The couple, who both reside and work in the area, welcomed their first child in 2013. With demanding schedules in the entertainment industry, the Bensons have managed to balance their family responsibilities alongside their professional commitments, including occasional collaborations on projects. Known for keeping their personal lives out of the public eye, they share few details about their home life beyond these basic facts.

Dance background and fitness

Julia Benson began her dance training at the age of six, initially focusing on before expanding into and tap, which kept her actively engaged in physical movement throughout her childhood. This early foundation in multiple dance styles fostered her flexibility and , elements she has carried into adulthood as part of her personal wellness practices. During her time at the , where she pursued studies in and , Benson continued to hone her dance skills, integrating them into her broader artistic development. Post-graduation, she maintained professional-level proficiency in , tap, and , viewing dance as a core component of her lifelong fitness routine rather than a formal career path. Complementing her dance expertise, Benson holds certification as an aerobics instructor, which she has leveraged to inform her approach to physical health and vitality. She varies her workouts to include cardio, weight training, , and , emphasizing the role of her dance background in sustaining energy and preventing routine stagnation in her personal fitness regimen.

Filmography

Feature films

Julia Benson's early feature film roles came in the mid-2000s, prior to her breakthrough in television, where she portrayed supporting characters in independent comedies and dramas. In 2007, she appeared as Sara's girlfriend in Numb, a dark comedy directed by starring as a depressed dealing with depersonalization disorder; the film received mixed reviews, earning a 6.5/10 rating on from over 9,000 users. That same year, Benson took a lead role as Anna, a stripper who becomes romantically involved with a promising facing personal crises, in the sports Road to Victory, written and directed by Mike Reilly; the low-budget production explored themes of ambition and vulnerability but garnered modest critical attention with a 4.8/10 score. Benson continued with supporting parts in 2008's , a comedy directed by Dean Hamilton in which she played the last dancer in line at a , amid a plot involving two women mistaken for assassins; the film, starring and , was widely panned for its execution, holding a 2.8/10 IMDb rating and 17% audience score on based on over 1,000 ratings criticizing its reliance on stereotypes. Her feature film work in the shifted toward genre pieces. In 2014, Benson starred as Kennedy Jamieson, a bride-to-be whose pre-wedding celebration turns deadly, in the horror thriller Death Do Us Part, which she co-wrote with her husband Peter Benson; the release received lukewarm reception, with a 4.3/10 score from over 1,100 ratings, noted for its tense atmosphere but predictable twists. Also in 2014, she played Julie Morgan in , Juan Pablo Reinoso's crime comedy-drama based on true events about teenage marijuana smugglers, earning praise for its satirical edge and a 6.4/10 rating. In 2015, Benson appeared as Amy in Dead Rising: Watchtower, a zombie action film directed by adapting the series, where her character succumbs to the outbreak; the Crackle original received average reviews for its effects and pacing, scoring 5.2/10 on from nearly 10,000 users. Her final notable feature to date came in 2016 with Interrogation, portraying Sara Ward in a thriller directed by Gregory McQualter about a detective's obsession; the film holds a 4.9/10 rating, appreciated by some for its suspense but criticized for pacing issues.
YearTitleRoleNotes
2007NumbSara's GirlfriendSupporting; dark comedy with themes of depersonalization.
2007Road to VictoryAnnaLead; sports drama on personal struggles.
2008Last Dancer in LineSupporting; comedy criticized for stereotypes.
2014Death Do Us PartKennedy JamiesonLead; horror thriller, co-written by Benson.
2014Julie MorganSupporting; true-story crime comedy.
2015Dead Rising: WatchtowerAmySupporting; zombie action .
2016Sara WardLead; crime thriller on obsession.

Television series and movies

Julia Benson's television career spans a diverse array of series and made-for-TV films, beginning with guest spots in early dramas and evolving into recurring roles in , followed by a prolific output in mystery and romance telefilms. Her work often features her as resilient supporting characters, personnel, or romantic interests, contributing to numerous television projects. In the genre, Benson first appeared in the franchise with a guest role as Willa in the episode "Irresistible" of in 2006. She achieved a breakthrough the following year as 2nd Lt. , a dedicated officer and expedition member, in 20 episodes of from 2009 to 2011. These roles highlighted her ability to portray disciplined, action-oriented figures in ensemble sci-fi narratives. Guest appearances in other series further demonstrated her range, including a nurse in (2009), a crying girl in The Dead Zone (2005), and Professor Robin Benson in 3 episodes of The Order (2019). Benson's television movie credits, particularly in the romance and cozy mystery subgenres, underscore her prominence in feel-good, character-driven stories, often as optimistic leads or confidantes. Early examples include Joy, a supportive friend navigating personal growth, in the Lifetime film Lying to Be Perfect (2010). She continued with holiday-themed projects like Looks Like Christmas (2016), where she played a community organizer. In Hallmark's mystery franchises, Benson portrayed Alicia, a close friend entangled in investigations, in Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Haunted by Murder (2020). Her role as Goldie, a bubbly baker's aide, in Curious Caterer: Dying for Chocolate (2022) exemplified her knack for warm, ensemble supporting parts. Similarly, she played Shelby, a ranch hand in a festive romance, in A Royal Montana Christmas (2023), and Diana Graves, a competitive baker, in Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2023). Other notable telefilms include Bronwyn, an ambitious kitchen staffer, in Seasoned with Love (2021); Naomi, a harmonious choir member, in Perfect Harmony (2023). These projects, concentrated in the Hallmark ecosystem, reflect Benson's specialization in uplifting narratives, amassing dozens of credits that emphasize relational dynamics and light suspense without delving into heavier drama.

References

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  3. https://elcinema.com/en/person/2129429/
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  5. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/84464-julia-benson
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26592708/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1365460/bio/
  8. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/julia-benson.html
  9. https://www.nsnews.com/local-arts/leo-awards-celebrate-bcs-best-in-film-and-tv-3013039
  10. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1365460/trivia/
  11. https://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/julia_benson/profile.html
  12. https://www.gateworld.net/news/2011/10/brawn-and-beauty/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795439/fullcredits/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0997278/fullcredits/
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  18. https://www.gateworld.net/wiki/Vanessa_James
  19. https://abbaskarimjee.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/interview-with-stargate-universes-julia-benson/
  20. https://www.gateworld.net/news/2010/06/julia-benson-talks-lt-james-sgu-season-two/
  21. https://thepcprinciple.com/interview-julia-benson/
  22. https://www.gateworld.net/news/2011/03/interview-with-sgus-julia-benson-abbas-karimjee/
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1679180/
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  27. https://press.thepromotionpeople.ca/peter-and-julia-bensons-horror-feature-film-death-do-us-part-is-being-released-on-dvd-in-the-united-states-and-canada-on-april-15th/
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  31. https://www.nsnews.com/local-arts/married-duo-team-up-on-death-do-us-part-2976234
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35676488/fullcredits
  33. https://mpcafilm.com/renovation-romance/
  34. https://www.female.com.au/celebrities/julia-benson.htm
  35. https://celebsglory.com/julia-benson-bio/
  36. https://josephmallozzi.com/2010/06/12/june-12-2010-actress-julia-benson-answers-your-questions/
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  38. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0982922/
  39. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0893509/
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