Julia Benson is a name many sci-fi fans will instantly recognize, especially for her memorable role as Second Lieutenant Vanessa James in “Stargate Universe.” But beyond that one role, she’s had a varied and busy career in both television and film. With a net worth of around $2 million as of 2025, Julia has successfully carved her own path in Hollywood while also embracing personal life milestones.
Here’s a full look at her background, education, career accomplishments, and personal life.
Early Life and Education
Julia Benson was born as Julia Anderson on June 26, 1979, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. From a young age, she showed a deep interest in performing arts. She started dancing at age six and trained in ballet, jazz, and tap, which gave her an early foundation in discipline and stage presence.
She pursued higher education at the University of British Columbia, graduating in 2001. After that, she took her acting ambitions further and trained at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York City, a school known for producing grounded, skillful performers.
TV Career: From Guest Roles to Stargate Fame
Benson’s television career kicked off in 2003 with a small appearance in the supernatural drama “Tru Calling.” Over the next few years, she landed minor roles in shows like “The Dead Zone,” “The Evidence,” and “Stargate Atlantis.” But it wasn’t until 2007 that she began to gain real traction in the TV world.
That year alone, she appeared in episodes of “Supernatural,” “Whistler,” “Masters of Horror,” “Aliens in America,” and “Reaper.” These appearances gave her consistent exposure and made her a familiar face to fans of genre television.
In 2009, Julia landed her breakout role as Second Lieutenant Vanessa James on “Stargate Universe.” This character, a strong and reliable officer, quickly became a fan favorite. She held the role through both seasons of the show, which aired from 2009 to 2011 on Syfy. The role put her on the radar for more significant projects and earned her recognition in the sci-fi community.
Hallmark and Television Movies
Following her run on Stargate, Benson shifted toward television films and romantic dramas. She had roles in titles like “Mr. Troop Mom,” “Past Lies,” and “The Unquiet.” In the years that followed, she became a recurring face on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries.
From 2014 to 2015, she played Jeri Drake in “Cedar Cove,” one of Dylan Neal’s character’s ex-wives. After that, Julia starred in several Hallmark originals, including “A Bramble House Christmas” (2017), “Marrying Father Christmas” (2018), and two “Aurora Teagarden” mystery films.
She also acted in “Seasoned with Love” (2021), a TV movie where she starred alongside her real-life husband, Peter Benson.
Film Work and Voice Acting
Though she’s best known for TV, Julia has also made some film appearances. Her feature debut came in 2007’s indie drama “Road to Victory.” She then acted in short films like “Robin, Chuck, and Shirley” and “Everything’s Coming Up Rosie.”
In 2013, she appeared in the Canadian romantic comedy “That Burning Feeling.” The following year, she co-wrote and starred in the indie horror film “Death Do Us Part,” showcasing her creative talents beyond acting.
She had a supporting role in “Dead Rising: Watchtower” (2015), based on the popular zombie video game. In 2016, she was part of the cast of “Interrogation,” an action-thriller released direct-to-DVD.
One of her more high-profile roles came in 2017 when she voiced a character in the animated feature “My Little Pony: The Movie.” In 2018, Julia played the mother of Peter Kavinsky, played by Noah Centineo, in Netflix’s breakout hit “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.”
In 2022, she returned to Netflix with a role in “Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between,” a romantic drama adapted from Jennifer E. Smith’s novel.
Web Series and Online Projects
In addition to traditional media, Benson also worked in digital entertainment. She reprised her Stargate role in the web series “SG·U Stargate Universe KINO,” which added depth to the show’s universe through short-form content.
In 2010, she was also seen in “The Ex-Convict’s Guide,” a lesser-known web project where she played Shirley Sutherland.
Personal Life
Julia married fellow actor Peter Benson in 2009, and they share one child. Their relationship has extended beyond personal life into professional collaborations, as they’ve worked together on projects like “Seasoned with Love.”
Unlike many public figures, Julia has kept her personal life relatively low-key. She balances her career with her family and has shown an ability to pivot between genres and formats without ever being typecast.
Julia Benson’s Net Worth and Recognition
With an estimated net worth of $2 million, Julia Benson’s financial success reflects her consistent work in television and film for over two decades. Her ability to take on different types of roles — from sci-fi to holiday films to teen dramas — has helped her maintain relevance.
She may not headline major box office blockbusters, but her work across Hallmark movies, sci-fi shows, and streaming hits gives her a well-rounded career that appeals to a wide range of viewers.
Final Thoughts
Julia Benson’s career might not always be in the spotlight, but her work speaks volumes. Whether she’s playing a tough soldier in a distant galaxy or a warmhearted mom in a Hallmark movie, she brings professionalism, charm, and relatability to every role.
As she continues to explore new projects, it’s likely her fan base and recognition will keep growing. With her talent, education, and grounded life approach, Julia Benson is more than just a supporting actress — she’s a lasting presence in the ever-changing world of TV and film.