By Kerri Sheehan

Unlike many performers, 41-year-old Julie Benz didn’t have dreams of appearing on the big screen. In fact, she began her career as a competitive figure skater and didn’t consider acting until an injury forced her off the ice. You may recognize her as Darla, the vampire from the television shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the popular spin-off Angel, or Rita, the wife of the title character on Dexter. Expanding her resume, she’ll next be playing mother Stevie Parker in Lifetime’s Taken: The Search for Sophie Parker, which premieres tomorrow night at 8 p.m. ET. Benz describes her character as “a tough NYPD detective who has to work against the clock to save her daughter and her daughter’s friend from the Russian Mafia and sexual slavery ring.”

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After already having experienced a proposal and wedding with her previous husband John Kassir,  Dexter actress Julie Benz is ready to do it all over again.  Marketing executive boyfriend, Rich Orosco, gave her a grand engagement party on Sunday in their Los Angeles home backyard.  With a customized Kwiat cushion-cut diamond and platinum engagement ring, a Mexican-style surprise party and a Mariachi band, Orosco went all out for his Jaw Breaker fiancé–and she marveled in it all.  “What girl doesn’t want to be serenaded by a Mariachi band surrounded by close friends and family?” she said, according to People. She couldn’t get enough of the Mexican celebration.  ¡Felicitaciones Benz!

What are some ways to celebrate your engagement with family and friends?

…the story continues here.