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Stephanie March
View on WikipediaStephanie Caroline March (born July 23, 1974)[3] is an American actress and activist. She is known for playing Alexandra Cabot in the NBC crime drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2000–2018) and its spinoff media. She is also recognized for her activism towards abuse victims, education, and women's rights.
Key Information
March has appeared in the films Head of State (2003), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), Falling for Grace (2006), The Treatment (2006), Jesse Stone: Night Passage (2006), Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009), and Origin (2023). She also executive produced and starred in the independent film The Social Ones (2019). Her continued television roles include Carol Blanton on the Adult Swim miniseries Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter (2015), Debora Green in the Lifetime film A House on Fire (2021), and Akira on the superhero series Naomi (2022), and Angelica Wyatt in Amazon Prime's miniseries Shelter (2023).
Early life
[edit]March was born in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of John and Laura March, and has a sister, Charlotte.[4] She attended McCulloch Middle School in Highland Park, and Highland Park High School, where Law & Order's Angie Harmon, who played the role of an assistant district attorney on Law & Order, attended concurrently.[5] After her parents' divorce, her mother married Robert Derby.[6]
In 1996, March graduated from Northwestern University,[4] where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.[7] At Northwestern University, March played Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream in Chicago, where she continued to pursue her stage career.[4]
Career
[edit]Beginnings and Law & Order
[edit]In 1997, March made her screen debut in an episode of the CBS series Early Edition. In 1999, March moved to New York and made her Broadway debut in a production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman with Brian Dennehy.[8] She later co-starred in the television film based on the play.
March is best known for her role as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot on the NBC crime legal drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, who she played as a main character from 2000 to 2003, and reprised in recurring appearances on the show until 2018.[9][10] On landing the role, March told People magazine "I'm not sure that when I got the job, I intended for this to happen, but once I had the job, I became pretty deliberate about it because the subject matter I found disturbing and compelling. It was just not something I could put away when I came home at night from work. So, I became quite deliberate in my choices of how I wanted to participate and how I wanted to use my voice."[11] The character of Cabot and March's work has earned widespread acclaim, and is often considered one of the best characters and acting performances in the Law & Order series.[12][13] In 2003, at the 8th Golden Satellite Awards, she and her Law & Order: Special Victims Unit co-stars were nominated for the Satellite Award for Best Television Series – Drama.[14]
March reprised the role as Cabot, now the Bureau Chief ADA of the homicide bureau, on the short-lived NBC courtroom drama Conviction, which debuted in spring 2006. The show, which saw March in a leading role and was part of the Law & Order universe, was cancelled after one 13-episode season following a negative reception from critics and audiences.[15] Despite this, Entertain your Brain wrote that "... March, she has already proven herself on Special Victims Unit."[16]
Continued film and television work
[edit]In 2003, March made her film debut with a supporting role in the political comedy Head of State opposite Chris Rock. She later appeared in the films Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Treatment, and Falling for Grace, the latter two romantic comedies. March also appeared in the 2009 film The Invention of Lying as the woman Ricky Gervais's character tells the world will end unless she has sex with him. She later co-starred in the independent films Why Stop Now? and Innocence. In 2007, March performed in the Broadway premiere of Eric Bogosian's Talk Radio, starring Liev Schreiber.[17] She also starred in Howard Korder's off-Broadway play Boy's[18] Life alongside Jason Biggs.[19]
March has guest-starred on 30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, Rescue Me, and Happy Endings. She was cast as a regular character on the short-lived CBS legal comedy-drama Made in Jersey in 2012, but she left the series after the pilot episode.[20][21] She starred in the 2015 Adult Swim series Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter.[22] March played the role of Ivanka Trump in the March 2019 Comedy Central TV movie A President Show Documentary: The Fall of Donald Trump. The 22-minute documentary is a comedic portrayal of the aftermath of Trump's imagined loss of the 2020 presidential election.[23]
On March 9, 2019, The Social Ones premiered at the Hammer Theatre Center in San Jose, California, as part of the 2019 Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival. March is a co-executive producer and portrays one of the lead characters.[24][25] Laura Kosann wrote and directed the film, which also features Richard Kind, Jackie Hoffman,[26] Debra Jo Rupp, and Peter Scolari.[27] The film won Cinequest's Audience Award for Best Comedy Feature.[28] The Social Ones is an ensemble mockumentary that satirizes social media culture, including its fixation on likes, selfies, and social media influencers.[25] The film gained additional attention because it was written, produced, and directed entirely by women. In a March 2019 interview, March explained how a mostly women's production team compared to one that is primarily run by men: "We were under budget, on time, wrapped early, had fun, zero on-set drama, zero backstage drama, and wholly supportive of one another- both in front of and behind the camera. I have never experienced such a seamless set. No ego. All warmth (meets organization, meets diligence, meets determination). Moms really should be in charge of more businesses."[25]
In 2021, March signed with Echo Lake Entertainment, for management in all areas.[18] She subsequently appeared in the Lifetime biographical television film A House on Fire, where she played Debora Green, a former doctor and convicted murderer.[29][30] Her performance earned praise from critics and audiences;[31][32] Sayantani Nath of Meaww.com wrote that the actress showed "incredible finesse and brilliance" and further wrote on March's "impressive acting and realistic depiction of Green's mental anguish and struggles."[33]
It was announced that March would join the cast of The CW superhero series Naomi,[34][35] where she was set to play the role of Akira;[36][37] released in 2022, the series earned positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.[38] On auditioning for the role, March told ComicBook.com that "When I auditioned, the role of Akira was described to me as a, quote, "Ripley-inspired intergalactic badass," and I thought, "Well, yeah, I want to do that." ... so far, I hope that's how it's come across. It's certainly been fun to play."[39]
In 2023, March played Binky in Ava DuVernay's acclaimed biographical drama film Origin.[40][41] That year, she also played the role of Angelica Wyatt in the miniseries adaptation of Harlan Coben's Shelter.[42]
Other work
[edit]March co-founded SheSpoke (formerly Rouge), a custom-made cosmetics company, with her business partner Rebecca Perkins in 2013.[43]
March and her husband, Dan Benton, became co-producers of the Broadway musical Redwood in 2025.[44]
Activism and philanthropy
[edit]March is a philanthropist and advocate for international women's rights, focusing on reproductive rights, the right access to education, freedom from sexual violence, and fair legal representation.[45][46] She currently serves on the boards of the Panzi Foundation,[47] OneKid OneWorld,[48] the Whitney Museum of American Art,[49] and The Gotham Film & Media Institute.[50] She is a longtime advocate for Planned Parenthood and previously served on the board of Planned Parenthood Global.[51]
March is a member of the Board of Advisors for the Northwestern University School of Communication.[52] In April 2018, March participated in a variety show fundraiser “A Starry Night” at Northwestern University for the School of Communication. In addition to March, other alumni from the school who participated included Stephen Colbert, Tony Roberts, and Dermot Mulroney.[53][54]
Personal life
[edit]March married celebrity chef Bobby Flay on February 20, 2005.[6] She appeared on four of Flay's Food Network shows—Boy Meets Grill, Grill It! with Bobby Flay, Iron Chef America, and Throwdown with Bobby Flay—as a guest judge. According to media reports, March and Flay separated in March 2015 and their divorce was finalized on July 17, 2015.[2]
March wrote an essay, published in June 2016, that detailed her experience with breast augmentation surgery in 2014 and the subsequent removal of the implants due to infection.[55]
On September 1, 2017, March married businessman Dan Benton in Katonah, New York.[56] She was introduced to Benton, the founder of Andor Capital, by a mutual friend in October 2015, several months after her divorce from celebrity chef Bobby Flay.[57] The couple resides in the West Village in an apartment they bought in 2018.[58]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Focus Room | Kim | Short film |
| Head of State | Nikki | ||
| 2005 | Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Julie | |
| 2006 | Flannel Pajamas | Cathy | |
| The Treatment | Julia | ||
| Copy That | Stephanie | Short film | |
| 2007 | Falling for Grace | Kay Douglas | |
| 2009 | Confessions of a Shopaholic | Department Store Manager | Scene deleted[citation needed] |
| The Invention of Lying | Blonde | ||
| 2012 | Why Stop Now? | Trish | |
| 2014 | Innocence | Natalie Crawford | |
| 2019 | The Social Ones | Miriam Spacelli | |
| 2023 | Origin | Binky |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Early Edition | Arlene | Episode: "A Bris Is Just a Bris" |
| 2000 | Death of a Salesman | Miss Forsythe | Television film |
| 2000–2018 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Alexandra Cabot | Main role (seasons 2–5, 11) Recurring role (seasons 6, 10, 13, 19)[59] |
| 2005 | Jesse Stone: Night Passage | Cissy Hathaway | Television film |
| 2006 | Conviction | Alexandra Cabot | Main role |
| 30 Rock | Gretchen Thomas | Episode: "Blind Date" | |
| 2007 | Grey's Anatomy | Jane | Episode: "Physical Attraction... Chemical Reaction" |
| 2009 | Rescue Me | Psychic | Episode: "Jimmy" |
| 2012 | Made in Jersey | Natalie Minka | Episode: "Pilot" |
| 2013 | Happy Endings | Brooke Kerkovich | Episode: "Brothas and Sisters" |
| 2015 | Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter | Mayor Carol Blanton | Recurring role; 5 episodes |
| 2017 | The President Show | Ivanka Trump | 1 episode |
| 2021 | Solar Opposites | Defense Attorney (voice) | Episode: "The Apple Pencil Pro" |
| A House on Fire | Debora Green | Lifetime television film | |
| 2022 | Naomi | Akira | Recurring role; 6 episodes |
| 2023 | Harlan Coben’s Shelter | Angelica Wyatt | Recurring role; 2 episodes |
References
[edit]- ^ Stephanie March [@MarchStephanie] (26 February 2014). "@middlenamegame "Caroline"" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b Bender, Kelli (April 9, 2015). "Bobby Flay and Wife Stephanie March Split". People. Archived from the original on April 12, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
- ^ Ross, Alex (July 21, 2024). "Stephanie March Feels 'Lucky' as She Turns 50 and Plans Yearlong Celebration with 'Wonderful Husband'". People. Retrieved July 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Stephanie March". TVGuide.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2012. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ Hepola, Sarah (April 2006). "My Famous Friend". D Magazine. Archived from the original on April 12, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
- ^ a b "Stephanie March, Bobby Flay". The New York Times. February 20, 2005. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
- ^ "Notable Thetas > Explore Notable Thetas". Kappa Alpha Theta Heritage. (Requires scrolldown)
- ^ Simonson, Robert (January 8, 1999). "Full Cast Announced for Bway's Salesman, Due Jan. 22 at O'Neill". Playbill. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Chonin, Neva (2005-03-23). "With hot 'Law & Order' squad's focus on sex crime, suddenly everybody's watching the detectives". SFGATE. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (2011-07-05). "Law & Order: SVU Scoop: Stephanie March, Diane Neal Heading Back to Court". TVLine. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
- ^ "Stephanie March Reveals Law & Order: SVU Storyline That Sparked Her Real Life Passion (Exclusive)". Peoplemag. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ Davies, Alex (2021-12-08). "Law and Order SVU's Alexandra Cabot stars lands huge new role following NBC exit". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
- ^ Rudolph, Ileane (17 April 2018). "Stephanie March Gives the Scoop on Alex Cabot's 'Law & Order: SVU' Return". TV Insider. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
- ^ "Power of the Dog, Belfast Lead Nominations for IPA Satellite Awards". 2021-12-01. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
- ^ Adalian, Josef (May 14, 2006). "NBC loses 'Conviction'". Variety. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2015. (Archive link requires scrolldown.)
- ^ ""Conviction" Review". www.entertainyourbrain.com. Retrieved 2022-01-20.
- ^ "Casting Complete for TALK RADIO". BroadwayWorld. January 4, 2007. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ a b Grobar, Matt (July 19, 2021). "'Law & Order: SVU' Alum Stephanie March Signs With Echo Lake Entertainment For Management". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
- ^ Isherwood, Charles (October 21, 2008). "Somewhat More Than Boys, a Little Less Than Men". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Hibberd, James (January 17, 2015). "'SVU' costar Stephanie March lands CBS legal drama". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on February 16, 2015. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
- ^ Gelman, Vlada (May 23, 2012). "Mason Cook Cast in Mockingbird Lane, Revolution and Made in Jersey Let Andrea Roth and Stephanie March Go". TVLine. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ Mancuso, Vinnie (2015-12-07). "Scott Adsit and Stephanie March on the Absurdity of 'Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter'". Observer. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
- ^ Petski, Denise (September 27, 2018). "'President Show' Donald Trump Mockumentary Special Set On Comedy Central". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 9, 2019.
- ^ N'Duka, Amanda (2018-05-30). "Richard Kind, Stephanie March, Jackie Hoffman To Star In Indie Comedy 'The Social Ones'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
- ^ a b c Adams, Shura (13 March 2019). "Exclusive: 'The Social Ones' Interview with Stephanie March and Laura and Danielle Kosann". theknockturnal.com. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (2019-01-23). "'The Social Ones' Trailer: Social Media Influencers Get Rightfully Skewered In New Mockumentary". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
- ^ Pizarro, Sal (2019-03-09). "Cinequest: 'The Social Ones' satirizes our social media obsession". The Mercury News. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
- ^ "Cinequest 2019 Wrap & Awards". Cinequest. Archived from the original on 2019-03-31. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
- ^ "Lifetime's New True Crime Movie Shines A Light On Mental Illness". Bustle. 13 March 2021. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "A House on Fire". Lifetime. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ Moss, Gabrielle (2021-03-14). "Did Lifetime's 'A House On Fire' Just Make Me Relate To A Child Murderer?". The Dipp. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "'A House on Fire' provides fuel for Stephanie March". ONTVtoday. 2021-03-05. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ "'A House on Fire' Full Cast List: Meet Stephanie March, Shaun Benson and others from Lifetime's true crime movie". meaww.com. 10 March 2021. Retrieved 2022-02-18.
- ^ Rosario, Alexandra Del (2021-12-08). "'Naomi': Stephanie March Joins Cast Of The CW Superhero Series As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
- ^ "DC's Naomi Adds Stephanie March to New CW Series". DC. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
- ^ Toby, Mekeisha Madden (2022-02-02). "Naomi's Stephanie March Breaks Down Akira's 'Loaded' Relationships". TVLine. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
- ^ Lang, Brent (December 7, 2021). "Stephanie March Joins Ava DuVernay's 'Naomi' DC Series (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
- ^ Naomi, retrieved 2022-02-16
- ^ "Naomi: Stephanie March Talks Her "Ripley-esque" Character". DC. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
- ^ Gyarkye, Lovia (September 6, 2023). "'Origin' Review: Ava DuVernay and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Turn Isabel Wilkerson's 'Caste' Into a Tender Love Story". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
- ^ Seth, Radhika (September 8, 2023). "Dispatch From Venice: Ava DuVernay's Origin Is a Rousing Rallying Cry". Vogue. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
- ^ Petski, Denise (22 September 2022). "Shelter Adds Missi Pyle, Stephanie March & More To Cast". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Ruffner, Zoe (October 30, 2018). "This New Soho Lipstick Bar Will Whip Up Your Perfect Shade of Holiday-Party Red". Vogue. Retrieved 2019-09-03.
- ^ "Stephanie March and Dan Benton". Playbill. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ March, Stephanie (March 8, 2012). "Stephanie March: The state of Texas vs. its women". The Dallas Morning News. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2015. (Op-ed)
- ^ March, Stephanie (May 2, 2017). "'Law & Order' Star: Trump Team Adding to "Stigma, Shame" of Sexual Assault Survivors (Guest Column)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Stephanie March on the 'Law & Order: SVU' Storyline That Led to Her Real-Life Passion". The Hollywood Reporter. 2024-07-04. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ McCubbin, Tracy (2017-08-30). "One Kid, One World, One Incredible Trip". FathomAway.com. Retrieved 2019-09-03.
- ^ "Board of Trustees". whitney.org. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ Gotham (2022-09-16). "GFMI Appoints Four New Members To Its Board of Directors".
- ^ "Planned Parenthood Global Welcomes Actress and Advocate Stephanie March". Planned Parenthood. July 21, 2017. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
- ^ "Stephanie March (C96) to deliver 2023 SoC Convocation Address". Northwestern University. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ Ihejirika, Maudlyne (25 April 2018). "Just call Northwestern U. 'Hollywood Midwest' after 'A Starry Night' bragfest". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
- ^ Kulke, Stephanie (22 April 2018). "Stephen Colbert and celebrity alumni spend 'A Starry Night' at Northwestern". Northwestern Now. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
- ^ March, Stephanie (June 2, 2016). "Why I Got Breast Implants — And Then Had Them Removed". Refinery29. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
- ^ McNeil, Liz (September 1, 2017). "Stephanie March Marries Dan Benton". People. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
- ^ "Actress Stephanie March Marries Dan Benton — and Walks Down the Aisle to the Star Wars Theme!".
- ^ Vecsey, Laura (11 January 2018). "Stephanie March and Daniel Benton Score $34M Penthouse | StreetEasy". StreetEasy.
- ^ Ausiello, Michael (July 5, 2011). "Law & Order: SVU Scoop: Stephanie March, Diane Neal Heading Back to Court". TVLine. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
External links
[edit]Stephanie March
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family background and upbringing
Stephanie March was born Stephanie Caroline March on July 23, 1974, in Dallas, Texas, to parents John Abe March IV, from Midland, Texas, and Laura Len Irwin.[1][9][10] She has one sibling, a sister named Charlotte March.[1][10] Her father hailed from Midland, an oil-rich West Texas city, though specific details on his profession remain limited in public records.[11] March's parents divorced during her childhood, after which her mother remarried Robert (or Bob) Derby.[12][13] She was raised primarily in the Dallas area, attending McCulloch Middle School and later graduating from the affluent Highland Park High School, a public school known for its strong academic programs.[12][2] From an early age, March displayed interests in performance and aesthetics, aspiring to become an actress while developing a passion for makeup artistry.[7]Education
March attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she majored in theater within the School of Communication (formerly the School of Speech).[14] [1] She graduated in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in theater.[14] [15] During her time at Northwestern, March also pursued studies in Hispanic studies alongside her primary focus on theater.[1] Her education emphasized performance and dramatic arts, providing foundational training for her subsequent acting career.[14]Acting career
Theater and early roles
March began her acting career in theater, starting with high school plays before pursuing professional opportunities.[16] Her first professional role came while she was in Illinois, portraying Helena in a Chicago stage production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.[2] [3] She continued performing in regional theater, including the role of Miss Forsythe in a 1998 production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman.[5] In 1999, March reprised the role of Miss Forsythe for her Broadway debut in the 50th anniversary revival of Death of a Salesman, directed by Robert Falls and starring Brian Dennehy as Willy Loman at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.[5] [2] She also appeared in other stage works such as Enchanted April.[3] March's early screen work transitioned from theater, with her television debut in 1997 as Arlene in the Early Edition episode "A Bris Is Just a Bris."[17] [9] This guest appearance marked her initial foray into episodic television prior to her recurring role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit beginning in 2000.[18]Breakthrough on Law & Order: SVU
Stephanie March's portrayal of Assistant District Attorney Alexandra "Alex" Cabot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit began in the season 2 premiere, "Wrong Is Right," which aired on October 20, 2000.[19] [20] Cabot served as the unit's primary prosecutor for cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and related crimes, often navigating ethical dilemmas and courtroom battles alongside detectives like Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler.[19] This role represented March's breakthrough in television acting, following minor guest appearances such as on Early Edition in 1997, establishing her as a prominent figure in procedural drama.[18] As a series regular through seasons 2 to 5 (2000–2004), March appeared in approximately 70 episodes during this initial run, delivering performances that highlighted Cabot's sharp legal acumen and vulnerability amid high-stakes threats, including a drive-by shooting and subsequent entry into witness protection in the season 5 episode "Loss" (aired January 28, 2003).[20] [21] The character's dramatic arcs, such as faking her death and recurring returns, contributed to the show's narrative depth, with March reprising the role in 97 episodes total across multiple seasons up to 2018.[20] Her tenure as Cabot elevated her profile, leading to spin-off opportunities like starring in Conviction (2006), where she again played the character as a bureau chief.[22] The role's impact extended beyond acting, influencing March's later advocacy; a season 11 episode storyline involving Cabot's work in the Democratic Republic of Congo inspired her real-life involvement in human rights issues, particularly food security and refugee aid.[23] Critics and viewers noted March's commanding presence in courtroom scenes, which solidified SVU's procedural format while addressing sensitive topics, though the series' reliance on recurring ADA characters like Cabot drew some commentary on formulaic exits for contract reasons.[20] March departed as a regular after season 5 to pursue film roles, such as in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), but returned sporadically, underscoring the role's enduring career milestone.[18]Film roles
March began her film career with a supporting role as Nikki, a campaign aide, in the 2003 political comedy Head of State, directed by and starring Chris Rock, where she appeared alongside actors such as Bernie Mac. In 2005, she had a minor part as Julie, an associate in the intelligence firm, in the blockbuster action-comedy Mr. & Mrs. Smith, featuring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as married assassins; her screen time was limited to office scenes.[24] The following year, 2006, marked several independent film appearances for March. She portrayed Kay in Falling for Grace, a romantic comedy about class differences in New York society. In The Treatment, a psychological thriller based on a novel by Robert Seethaler, she played Julia, a character involved in a story of obsession and therapy.[25] Additionally, she took on the role of Cathy in Flannel Pajamas, an indie drama depicting a couple's deteriorating relationship over pajamas as a metaphor for emotional distance. March continued with supporting roles in smaller productions. In 2009, she appeared as a blonde woman in The Invention of Lying, a satirical comedy written and directed by Ricky Gervais exploring a world without deception. Her 2012 role as Trish in Why Stop Now?, a dark comedy-drama starring Jesse Eisenberg, involved a mother navigating addiction and family dynamics during a therapy session delay. In 2013's Innocence, a supernatural thriller, she played Natalie Crawford, a mother entangled in mysteries surrounding her daughter's school.[26] Later films included The Social Ones (2019), where March portrayed Dr. Miriam Spacelli, a psychologist in a mockumentary-style satire on social media addiction.[5] She starred as Deb Green in A House on Fire (2021), a fact-based drama about a real-life arson case involving family tragedy. In 2023, March appeared as Binky in Origin, Ava DuVernay's adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson's book on caste systems, contributing to ensemble scenes on global inequality.[27] These roles, often in indie or ensemble projects, reflect March's selective film work amid her primary television commitments, with no lead parts in major theatrical releases.[5]Later television and producing work
Following her initial departure from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, March made several guest and recurring appearances on the series, including episodes in seasons 12 (2011), 13 (2011–2012), and a more substantial return as ADA Alexandra Cabot in seasons 19 and 20 (2017–2019), appearing in 10 episodes during the latter stint.[28] These returns capitalized on her established character amid cast changes on the long-running procedural.[29] In subsequent television projects, March portrayed Mayor Carol Blanton in the Adult Swim comedy miniseries Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter across its two seasons (2015 and 2017). She voiced a defense attorney in an episode of the Hulu animated series Solar Opposites in 2021.[27] That same year, she starred as Debora Green, a convicted arsonist and murderer, in the Lifetime television film A House on Fire, which dramatized the real-life 1995 house fire case in Kansas.[30] March recurred as Akira, a supportive figure to the protagonist, in three episodes of The CW's Naomi in 2022.[27] More recently, she appeared as Angelica Wyatt in the Amazon Prime Video series Harlan Coben's Shelter (2023) and as Binky in the Hulu original film Origin (2023).[29][29] March transitioned into producing with her debut as executive producer on the 2019 independent mockumentary The Social Ones, a satire of social media influencers in which she also starred as a lead character; the project premiered at film festivals and received limited distribution.[31] In 2021, she signed with Echo Lake Entertainment for management to develop opportunities in acting and producing.[31] No additional major producing credits have been announced as of 2025.[29]Activism and philanthropy
Origins in acting experiences
March's portrayal of Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from 2000 to 2006, and in recurring episodes through 2018, immersed her in narratives centered on sexual violence, exploitation, and victims' rights, which she described as "disturbing and compelling."[23] Over more than 100 episodes, the role required her to engage with real-world-inspired cases of abuse, fostering an awareness of systemic issues affecting women and girls globally.[32] A pivotal moment occurred in the season 11 episode "Witness," aired in 2010, where Cabot investigates a case involving a survivor of sexual war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo and ultimately departs for the region to aid sexually exploited women and girls.[23] [32] This storyline directly mirrored the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, prompting March to channel her character's pursuit of justice into personal advocacy, stating, "I felt like my passion really was to advocate for women and girls who are survivors of sexual violence."[23] The episode's focus on Congo's crises led March to connect with organizations addressing these realities, marking the transition from scripted advocacy to philanthropy; she subsequently joined the board of the Panzi Foundation, which provides medical, psychological, and legal support to survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo.[32] [23] Her acting experiences thus originated a commitment to issues of body autonomy, reproductive rights, and survivor empowerment, extending beyond the screen to board roles with groups like OneKid OneWorld, which promotes education for at-risk girls in regions including Central America and Kenya.[23]Key organizations and causes
March serves as a board director for the Panzi Foundation and Hospital in the United States, an organization founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege to provide medical and holistic care for survivors of sexual violence, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo; she joined the board in February 2023.[33][6] Her involvement emphasizes advocacy for women's health and safety amid conflict-related atrocities.[34] She has been an ambassador for the World of Children Award since 2010, supporting an organization that recognizes and funds global changemakers addressing children's issues, including education and protection from exploitation.[35][36] March has traveled internationally to promote these efforts, aligning with her focus on benefiting women and children through education and welfare initiatives.[37] March previously served on the advisory board of Planned Parenthood Global, joining its Global Advisory Board in July 2017 as a long-time advocate for reproductive health access and women's rights.[38][6] She also supports OneKid OneWorld, an education-focused nonprofit, and has contributed to organizations like the Joyful Heart Foundation, which aids survivors of sexual assault, and Safe Horizon, providing victim services in New York.[39] Through the Daniel Benton and Stephanie March Family Foundation, established prior to 2025, she directs philanthropic giving primarily toward health organizations and services for children and youth.[40] Her overall activism prioritizes empirical needs in women's safety, healthcare access, and educational equity, often drawing from global fieldwork rather than domestic policy advocacy.[34][33]Impact and criticisms
March's involvement in global advocacy has raised awareness for survivors of sexual violence and barriers to women's healthcare, leveraging her public profile to support organizations operating in high-need regions. As a board member of the Panzi Foundation since February 2023, she contributes to efforts aiding survivors of conflict-related rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the organization provides medical, psychological, and legal services amid ongoing instability. Her role emphasizes expanding access to care for women facing systemic challenges, including fistula repairs and community reintegration programs. Similarly, her service on the advisory board of Planned Parenthood Global since July 2017 promotes international reproductive health initiatives, which she has linked to reducing stigma for assault survivors by ensuring comprehensive services. Through affiliations with Safe Horizon and the Joyful Heart Foundation, she has advocated against domestic and sexual abuse, drawing from her acting experiences portraying victims to highlight real-world policy gaps. Her philanthropic impact includes recognition as a World of Children honoree, acknowledging her travel and activism benefiting education and child welfare across borders, with the award spotlighting individuals driving measurable change for vulnerable populations. March's board positions have facilitated fundraising and visibility; for example, Panzi Foundation maintains a strong financial accountability rating, reflecting effective resource allocation under leadership including her input. These efforts align with broader outcomes, such as Safe Horizon assisting over 200,000 New Yorkers annually in escaping violence, though direct attribution to March centers on awareness rather than operational metrics. Criticisms of March's activism are sparse and largely indirect, stemming from the polarizing nature of supported organizations rather than personal actions. Her advocacy for Planned Parenthood Global aligns with an entity criticized by pro-life groups for prioritizing abortion services—performing over 300,000 annually in the U.S. alone—and alleged ethical lapses in fetal tissue handling, as highlighted in 2015 undercover investigations that prompted congressional scrutiny. Conservative outlets have argued such affiliations overlook alternatives like community health centers, potentially exacerbating dependency on taxpayer-funded abortion providers. March has countered these views in public writings, asserting that defunding efforts harm survivors by limiting integrated care for trauma and reproductive needs. Panzi Foundation's work, while praised for treating tens of thousands, operates in a volatile context with occasional operational critiques, such as limited staff development opportunities noted in employee feedback, though no scandals implicate March. Overall, her contributions have evaded major personal backlash, benefiting from favorable coverage in progressive-leaning media, which may underrepresent dissenting perspectives on reproductive rights funding.Personal life
Relationships and marriages
March married celebrity chef Bobby Flay on February 20, 2005, after dating for several years.[41] The couple separated in December 2014 amid reports of Flay's infidelity, including an alleged affair with a young personal assistant.[42][41] Flay filed for divorce in March 2015, citing irreconcilable differences, and the marriage was dissolved by July 2015 following contentious proceedings where March sought to void their prenuptial agreement on grounds of Flay's alleged cheating and career success during the marriage.[43][44] In 2015, shortly after her divorce, March began a relationship with tech investor and Andor Capital founder Dan Benton, whom she met through a mutual friend.[45][46] The couple married on September 1, 2017, in a private ceremony at their home in Katonah, New York, attended by family and close friends.[47][46] As of 2025, March and Benton remain married, residing in New York City with their Maine Coon cat, and have collaborated professionally, including as co-producers on the Broadway musical Redwood.[45][34] No children have been reported from either marriage.[43]Health issues
March has long suffered from endometriosis, a chronic condition involving the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, which she has publicly discussed as causing significant pain and requiring surgical intervention. In December 2013, she underwent surgery to address her endometriosis, following a period of intense symptoms that impacted her daily life.[48][43] She served as a spokeswoman for the Million Women March for Endometriosis (later rebranded as EndoMarch), participating in events to raise awareness about the disease's underdiagnosis and effects on millions of women.[49] Complications from her endometriosis reportedly contributed to an emergency appendectomy in November 2013, when her appendix burst, necessitating urgent surgery and a recovery period that she described as demanding physical quietude for healing.[50][43] In August 2014, amid personal stressors including her deteriorating marriage, March elected to undergo breast augmentation with implants, later attributing the decision to body image dissatisfaction following her prior surgeries and weight loss. However, she soon experienced severe complications, including an allergic reaction to the implants manifesting as infections, ruptures, and a persistent open wound in her breast that required six weeks of antibiotic treatment. A second rupture occurred in December 2014, leading to the implants' removal in April 2015 after confirmation of her allergy; March emphasized in her account that the issue stemmed from her individual physiological response rather than surgical error.[48][51][52]Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Head of State | Press Secretary Nikki[4][5] |
| 2005 | Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Julie[4][5] |
| 2006 | Flannel Pajamas | Cathy[4][5] |
| 2006 | The Treatment | Julia[4][5] |
| 2006 | Falling for Grace | Kay[4][5] |
| 2009 | The Invention of Lying | Blonde[4][5] |
| 2012 | Why Stop Now | Trish[5][4] |
| 2013 | Innocence | Natalie Crawford[5][4] |
| 2019 | The Social Ones | Dr. Miriam Spacelli[5] |
| 2021 | A House on Fire | Deb Green[5] |
Television
March portrayed Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot on the NBC series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit from its second season premiere on October 20, 2000, through the fifth season finale on May 19, 2003, appearing in 95 episodes as a series regular.[19] Her character, a Harvard-educated prosecutor focused on sex crimes cases, was written out after surviving an assassination attempt by a drug cartel, leading to her placement in witness protection; March departed to pursue a pilot that was not picked up.[19] [20] She reprised the role in a guest capacity for the season 6 finale on May 17, 2005, and returned as a series regular for seasons 10 through 12 (2009–2011), totaling 33 additional episodes.[19] Cabot's storyline involved multiple faked deaths to evade threats, career shifts to federal prosecution and defense work, and returns to the Manhattan DA's office; March made further guest appearances in seasons 17 (2016), 18 (2017), and 19 (2018), marking her last involvement with the series.[19] [20] In 2006, March starred as Alexandra Cabot in Conviction, a short-lived NBC legal drama that premiered on March 3 and ran for 13 episodes until May 19, serving as executive ADA overseeing a team of young prosecutors handling high-profile cases amid personal challenges.[53] The series, part of the Law & Order franchise, was cancelled due to low ratings.[53] March has made guest appearances across various series, including as Jane in Grey's Anatomy season 4, episode 7 ("Physical Attraction... Chemical Reaction"), which aired on November 8, 2007.[54] She voiced a defense attorney in the animated series Solar Opposites season 2, episode 3, released on July 9, 2021.[29] In Naomi, she recurred as Akira, Zumbado's mother, across three episodes in 2022.[55] More recently, she appeared as Angelica Wyatt in the Prime Video series Harlan Coben's Shelter (2023).[29]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Early Edition | Arlene | 1 episode[56] |
| 2006 | 30 Rock | Mona | Season 1, episode 3 ("Blind Date")[57] |
| 2006 | Jesse Stone: Night Passage (TV movie) | Sue | Supporting role[27] |
| 2009–2018 | Additional SVU guests | Alexandra Cabot | Seasons 17–19[19] |
| 2021 | Solar Opposites | Defense Attorney (voice) | Season 2, episode 3[29] |
| 2022 | Naomi | Akira | 3 episodes[55] |
| 2023 | Harlan Coben's Shelter | Angelica Wyatt | Recurring[29] |
