जीवनी

Competed in the 1988 US Championships in junior ice dancing with David Schilling, placing 13th. Her older sister and brother, Jennifer Benz and Jeffrey Benz, were the 1987 US Junior Champions in ice dancing and competed internationally.

Once ranked #12 ice skater in the US. She has lost two roles to Sarah Michelle Gellar: Kendall Hart on All My Children (1970), and Buffy on TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997).

Often mistaken for Julie Bowen and, when asked for her autograph, would sign Bowen's name.

Auditioned for a role in Eyes Wide Shut (1999). She was called back to re-audition for the role, but when she learned that she'd have to do the scene topless, she decided against it.

Has been in a relationship with producer Rich Orosco since 2008. They got engaged in June 2011 and married on 5/5/12 in the Los Feliz neighborhood in Los Angeles, CA. 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.

[on her character "Darla" on Angel (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.

[About Darla's departure from Angel (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.

[Her favorite scenes from Dexter (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.

[About the pilot for Dexter (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.

I 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."