Catching up with Julie Benko

Julie Benko’s rise to fame reads like a Broadway play—one built on talent, tenacity, and an unmistakable spark that has captivated stage audiences nationwide. 

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Fairfield, Conn., Benko discovered her love for theater early. She landed her first role at the age of 14 as Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof at a local Jewish community center. She went on to study at New York University’s Tisch School of Arts, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in acting. 

Her early resume showcased her versatility, spanning Off-Broadway and regional roles. Benko also joined the 25th anniversary tour of Les Misérables in 2010, taking over the role of Cosette full-time. 

Perhaps her most notable role came in the 2022 revival of Funny Girl; she ascended from standby, to alternate, to the leading lady role of Fanny Brice. She performed it more than 180 times and earned many accolades, from Theatre World’s Dorothy Loudon Award to recognition as The New York Times’ 2022 Breakout Star in Theater. 

Beyond the stage, Benko has put out several albums—including Introducing Julie Benko and Hand in Hand. Most recently, she released Euphonic Gumbo, an album steeped in the musical and cultural histories of New Orleans. “We want people listening to the record to feel like they’re with us at our annual Mardi Gras celebration at Birdland,” Benko told Playbill. 

What was the last book you read? 

Shy, a memoir by Mary Rodgers. I think this is the only book I’ve read since my baby was born. I picked it up in preparation for a new cabaret I put together celebrating the music of [Mary’s father, composer] Richard Rodgers. It’s full of fascinating showbiz historical tidbits, and Mary was hysterical. Highly recommend.  

What’s your all-time favorite movie? 

Is it embarrassing to say Titanic? I love Titanic. Also, Shakespeare in Love. 

What’s your favorite Jewish food? 

Smoked salmon. I could eat it every day! 

What are you listening to these days? 

Ezra Klein’s podcast, Amy Poehler’s podcast, and the Smartless podcast. My favorite current band is probably Lake Street Dive. 

Who was the last person you texted on your phone? 

My husband. 

If you could invite three people to a Shabbat dinner, who would they be? 

The Obamas, plus Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Can my husband come, too? I think he’d like to be there. 

If you could have any other occupation, what would it be? 

A doctor. I watched open heart surgery while in AP Bio my senior year of high school and was absolutely amazed. 

Who are two of your biggest role models? 

My aunt and uncle, who are a doctor and a rabbi, respectively. I have always admired the way they prioritized each other while also balancing challenging and rewarding careers. They provide such necessary support to their community. To me, they are the model for what it means to live a meaningful life. 

What are you currently binging on TV? 

I have been enjoying the new season of The Gilded Age and catching up on The Rehearsal.  

If you could offer the teen version of yourself one piece of wisdom, what would it be? There’s no “right” way to do something, and there isn’t one singular path to success.