Introduction

Julia Benson is one of those Canadian actresses who has quietly built one of the most consistent and respected careers in North American television. Known for her breakout role in the science fiction series Stargate Universe and her prolific run of Hallmark Channel movies, Julia has spent more than two decades proving her range across drama, horror, comedy, and romance. She is also a screenwriter and producer, making her far more than just a familiar face on screen. This complete biography covers everything about Julia Benson, from her early life and training to her net worth, husband, and recent work.

Julia Benson Wikipedia

The table below covers the key facts about Julia Benson at a glance.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Julia Benson (born Julia Anderson)
Date of Birth	June 26, 1979
Birthplace	Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Nationality	Canadian
Zodiac Sign	Cancer
Ethnicity	White
Religion	Christian
Height	5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
Weight	Approx. 57 kg (126 lbs)
Hair Color	Blonde
Eye Color	Blue
Education	University of British Columbia (Theatre and Psychology, 2001); Atlantic Theater Company, New York
Occupation	Actress, Screenwriter, Producer
Best Known For	Second Lt. Vanessa James in Stargate Universe
Husband	Peter Benson (married August 8, 2009)
Children	One child (born 2013)
Net Worth (2025)	Estimated $2 million
Active Years	2003 to present
Award	Leo Award, Best Supporting Female Performance in a Dramatic Series (2010)

Who is Julia Benson?

Julia Benson is a Canadian actress, screenwriter, and producer who built her career through a combination of strong dramatic performances and consistent work in television film. She was born Julia Anderson in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, where she developed an early passion for performance through dance and theatre.

She is best known internationally for her role as Second Lieutenant Vanessa James in the Syfy military science fiction series Stargate Universe, a performance that earned her a Leo Award in 2010. Since then, she has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hallmark Channel programming, appearing in well over a dozen productions for the network while also working as a behind-the-scenes creative through her screenwriting career.

Julia comes from a large family. She grew up with five siblings, including four sisters and one brother, and has spoken about drawing on those close family relationships in her acting work. She is also a certified aerobics instructor and fitness enthusiast, reflecting a disciplined and active lifestyle that she has maintained throughout her career.

How old is Julia Benson? Age and birthday

Julia Benson was born on June 26, 1979, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. As of 2025, she is 45 years old. Her zodiac sign is Cancer, a sign associated with emotional depth, creativity, and loyalty, qualities that seem to align well with both her personal and professional approach.

She celebrates her birthday on June 26 each year. Despite being well into her forties, Julia continues to take on active leading and supporting roles across television and film, showing no signs of slowing down in her professional output.

Julia Benson’s height, weight, and body measurements

Julia Benson stands at 5 feet 7 inches tall (approximately 170 cm) and weighs around 57 kilograms (126 lbs). She has a slim, athletic build that reflects her lifelong dedication to fitness, which goes back to the ballet, tap, and jazz dance training she began at age six.

Her physical presence on screen is polished and confident. She has blonde hair and blue eyes, a combination that has helped her land roles across different genres, from action-oriented science fiction to warm-hearted holiday romance. As a certified aerobics instructor, Julia has always prioritized an active lifestyle, and it shows in both her physical appearance and the physical demands she handles comfortably in her roles.

Career

Early career and training

Julia’s path to professional acting began with dance. At the age of six, she started formal training in ballet, tap, and jazz dance in Vancouver. By the time she was thirteen, she was already performing on tour with the Vancouver Youth Theatre, a group that appeared at the prestigious Aberdeen Youth Festival in Scotland, giving her early experience performing for international audiences.

In 1997, she enrolled in the theatre program at York University in Toronto, where she took her first serious steps toward a professional acting career. She later transferred to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Psychology in 2001. That combination of disciplines proved valuable. Her understanding of psychology gave her tools for character analysis that many actors only develop through years of practical experience.

After graduating from UBC, Julia traveled to New York City to train at the Atlantic Theater Company, a prestigious institution co-founded by playwright David Mamet. That training sharpened her craft and prepared her for the professional television industry she was about to enter.

Her first screen role came in 2003 when she appeared as Tara in an episode of the television series “Tru Calling.” From there, she worked steadily through guest appearances on shows including “The Dead Zone” (2005), “Stargate Atlantis” (2006), “Masters of Horror” (2007), “Supernatural,” “Reaper,” and “Harper’s Island,” building a strong foundation of television experience before her breakthrough arrived.

Breakthrough with Stargate Universe

Julia Benson’s career changed significantly in 2009 when she was cast as Second Lieutenant Vanessa James in the Syfy series Stargate Universe. The show ran from 2009 to 2011 and followed the crew of the ancient spaceship Destiny as they attempted to survive in an unknown part of the universe.

Julia appeared in both seasons of the series, accumulating 36 episodes as a cast member. The role required physical preparation and research. To portray a military officer with credibility, Julia drew inspiration from a relative who served in the Canadian military, adding a layer of authenticity to her performance that resonated with both fans and critics.

Her work in the Season 1 episode “Pain” was particularly praised for its dramatic depth and earned her the 2010 Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series. The Leo Awards recognize excellence in British Columbia film and television, and this recognition solidified Julia’s standing as a serious talent in Canadian screen performance.

She also reprised her role in “SGU Stargate Universe KINO,” a tie-in web series that ran from 2010 to 2011. The Kino webisodes gave fans extended character development and allowed Julia to explore Vanessa James beyond the confines of the main show’s storylines.

Hallmark Channel movies

Following Stargate Universe, Julia became one of the most regularly appearing actresses in Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries productions. Her warmth, natural screen presence, and ability to anchor romantic and seasonal stories made her a reliable choice for the network’s large slate of original films.

Notable Hallmark credits include:

• “A Bramble House Christmas” (2017)
• “Marrying Father Christmas” (2018), alongside Erin Krakow and Wendie Malick
• “Seasoned with Love” (2021), where she starred opposite her real-life husband Peter Benson
• “Christmas Chateau”
• “A Royal Montana Christmas” (2025)
• Multiple entries in the “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries” franchise

Her chemistry with audiences in the holiday and romance genre made her a fan favorite within Hallmark’s dedicated viewership. The “Seasoned with Love” production is particularly noteworthy because it starred both Julia and Peter Benson as a real couple playing romantic leads, something that added a genuine warmth to the film that viewers responded to strongly.

Other television and film work

Beyond Stargate Universe and Hallmark, Julia has maintained a steady presence across a wide range of television projects. She played Jeri Drake, a journalist and one of Jack’s ex-wives, in 12 episodes of “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove” on Hallmark Channel (2014 to 2015), alongside Andie MacDowell and Dylan Neal.

Other notable television appearances include:

• “Riverdale” (2022)
• “Nancy Drew” (2019)
• “Mr. Young” (recurring role)
• “Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery” (2023)
• “Perfect Harmony” for Hallmark Mystery, playing Naomi

On the film side, her credits include “Chupacabra vs. the Alamo” (2013), “Dead Rising: Watchtower” (2015), a film based on the popular video game franchise, and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” on Netflix, where she appeared as Mrs. Kavinsky’s mother, a smaller but well-received role in a widely watched production.

Her early film work includes “Road to Victory” (2007), in which she played Anna, a stripper who falls in love with a football player unable to perform due to injury, a role that showcased her early willingness to take on complex, unconventional characters.

Screenwriting career

One of the most interesting dimensions of Julia Benson’s career is her work as a screenwriter and producer. In 2014, she co-wrote and co-produced the horror film “Death Do Us Part” alongside her husband Peter Benson and co-writer Ryan Copple. The film, directed by Nicholas Humphries and distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment, tells the story of a woman in a wedding gown found stumbling along a highway, with her husband and their friends becoming suspects. The film starred Julia herself, alongside her husband and other Canadian actors.

That same year, she contributed to the story for “What an Idiot” (2014), another collaborative project.

In 2024, Julia contributed to the story for “Renovation Romance,” a Hallmark Christmas movie starring Jessica Lowndes and Daniel Lissing. This project demonstrated her continued interest in creative development behind the camera. She has also been reported to be working on a screenplay titled “Double City,” which, if produced, will represent her most independent screenwriting project to date.

This behind-the-camera work sets Julia apart from many of her peers and reflects an ambition to shape stories, not just perform in them.

Recent projects

Julia Benson has remained consistently active in the years leading up to 2025. Her appearance in “A Royal Montana Christmas” in 2025 confirmed her continued presence in the Hallmark and holiday movie space. Her work in “Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery” in 2023 added another cozy mystery to her diverse filmography.

Her ongoing collaboration with her husband Peter Benson, who works as both an actor and director, continues to drive projects that feel personal and purposeful. Together, they represent one of the more quietly influential creative partnerships in Canadian film and television.

What is Julia Benson’s net worth?

As of 2025, Julia Benson’s estimated net worth is $2 million. She has accumulated this wealth through over two decades of consistent work in television series, Hallmark Channel films, independent film productions, and her creative work as a screenwriter and producer.

Her income streams include:

• Television acting fees from recurring and guest roles in major series
• Hallmark Channel film payments, with reports suggesting she earned approximately $30,000 per episode during her peak television period
• Independent film production, including producing credits on “Death Do Us Part”
• Screenwriting royalties and story fees from projects including “Renovation Romance”
• Fitness work as a certified aerobics instructor

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Her husband Peter Benson is also an established actor and award-winning director, meaning the household income from both careers contributes to a comfortable and stable financial position.

Is Julia Benson married? Husband and family

Yes, Julia Benson is married. She wed fellow Canadian actor Peter Benson on August 8, 2009, after four years of dating. The couple has now been married for over 15 years, making theirs one of the more enduring partnerships in Canadian entertainment.

Peter Benson is a respected actor and director who has won a Canadian Comedy Award in the Multimedia category for Best Writing and Best Direction for a Feature. He has directed multiple Hallmark Christmas movies and has appeared on screen alongside Julia in several productions, most notably in “Death Do Us Part” (2014) and “Seasoned with Love” (2021).

How they met

Julia and Peter met through the Canadian entertainment industry, where their overlapping professional circles made a meeting inevitable. After four years of dating, they married in a ceremony that, like much of Julia’s personal life, was kept relatively private.

Their creative partnership goes well beyond their marriage. They have collaborated on film projects as producers, writers, and on-screen partners, building a professional relationship that mirrors and strengthens their personal one.

Children

Julia Benson and Peter Benson have one child together, born in 2013. Julia has largely kept her child’s identity and details private, which aligns with her general approach to maintaining boundaries between her public career and her personal family life. She has spoken warmly about parenthood in interviews without offering details that would compromise her child’s privacy.

Social media presence

Julia Benson maintains a presence on social media platforms, where she connects with fans of her Hallmark Channel work, Stargate Universe viewers, and followers interested in her broader career.

• Instagram: Julia shares behind-the-scenes photos from film sets, personal lifestyle content, and updates on upcoming projects. Her account reflects a balance between professional promotion and genuine personal sharing.
• Twitter / X: She uses the platform to engage with fans and comment on her current projects, particularly Hallmark releases and anniversary posts related to Stargate Universe.

Her social media following is modest but loyal. The Stargate fandom in particular has remained passionate over the years, and Julia’s engagement with that community keeps her profile active and appreciated within the science fiction television world. She is also active enough on Instagram to give fans a genuine glimpse into her day-to-day life as an actress, mother, and creative professional.

Fast facts about Julia Benson

• Born Julia Anderson on June 26, 1979, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
• Grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, with five siblings
• Started dancing at age six, training in ballet, tap, and jazz
• Performed with the Vancouver Youth Theatre at the Aberdeen Youth Festival in Scotland at age 13
• Holds a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Psychology from the University of British Columbia (2001)
• Trained at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York City, co-founded by David Mamet
• Made her television debut in 2003 on “Tru Calling”
• Won the 2010 Leo Award for Best Supporting Female Performance in a Dramatic Series for “Stargate Universe”
• Appeared in 36 episodes of Stargate Universe across both seasons
• Co-wrote and produced the 2014 horror film “Death Do Us Part”
• Has appeared in over a dozen Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries productions
• Played Jeri Drake in 12 episodes of “Cedar Cove” alongside Andie MacDowell
• Appeared as Mrs. Kavinsky’s mother in Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”
• Contributed the story for the 2024 Hallmark film “Renovation Romance”
• Married Peter Benson on August 8, 2009; they have one child born in 2013
• Certified aerobics instructor and long-time fitness enthusiast
• Estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2025

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is Julia Benson?

Julia Benson is a Canadian actress, screenwriter, and producer best known for playing Second Lieutenant Vanessa James in the Syfy series Stargate Universe and for her many appearances in Hallmark Channel films.

2. How old is Julia Benson?

Julia Benson was born on June 26, 1979, making her 45 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Cancer.

3. What is Julia Benson’s net worth?

Julia Benson’s estimated net worth is $2 million as of 2025, earned through over two decades of acting, producing, and screenwriting in Canadian television and film.

4. Who is Julia Benson’s husband?

Julia Benson is married to fellow Canadian actor and director Peter Benson. The couple wed on August 8, 2009, and have collaborated on multiple film projects together.

5. How tall is Julia Benson?

Julia Benson stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall and weighs approximately 57 kilograms (126 lbs).

6. What award did Julia Benson win for Stargate Universe?

Julia Benson won the 2010 Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series for her role as Second Lieutenant Vanessa James in Stargate Universe, specifically for her performance in the Season 1 episode “Pain.”

7. Does Julia Benson have children?

Yes, Julia Benson and her husband Peter Benson have one child, born in 2013. Julia keeps her child’s details private to protect their family’s personal life.

Conclusion

Julia Benson’s career is a study in consistent, purposeful work across more than two decades in film and television. From her early ballet training in Vancouver and her theatre education at UBC and the Atlantic Theater Company, to her Leo Award-winning performance in Stargate Universe and her prolific Hallmark Channel filmography, she has built something that many actors never achieve: a career defined by both range and longevity.

What makes Julia particularly interesting is her refusal to stay only in front of the camera. Her screenwriting work on “Death Do Us Part” and “Renovation Romance” shows a creative ambition that extends beyond performance. Paired with her long, stable marriage to Peter Benson and her role as a mother, Julia Benson represents a kind of quiet, genuine success that often goes underappreciated in an industry obsessed with celebrity.

Whether you know her from the corridors of the Destiny, the warm living rooms of a Hallmark Christmas movie, or the pages of a screenplay she helped write, Julia Benson is a talent worth knowing well.