“Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”
-Meryl Streep
“I say luck is when opportunity comes along and you’re prepared for it.”
– Denzel Washington
Risa Benson is a versatile actress, singer, and performer based in New York City. With a career spanning over three decades, she has showcased her talents across television, film, theater, and live performances. A graduate of Hofstra University with a B.A. in Drama, Risa began her artistic journey at a young age, studying singing under the renowned Carlo Menotti at Carnegie Hall.
Career Highlights
Risa’s television credits include co-starring roles in Rescue Me (FX), Ed (NBC), and Married… with Children (FOX), as well as appearances on Saturday Night Live and All My Children (ABC). Her film work encompasses leading roles in Home Movie (2017) and Waiting for Harry (2015), as well as supporting roles in Circle (2019) and Blue Champagne (2021).
On stage, Risa has performed in notable productions such as Once Around the Sun (The Zipper Theatre, NY), Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Vital Theatre, NY), and the world premiere of 80 Days (La Jolla Playhouse, CA). Her regional theater credits include roles in Little Shop of Horrors (St. Louis MUNY), Big River (Pioneer Theatre, UT), and Out of Order (International City Theatre, CA).
Additional Work
Beyond acting, Risa has served as a guest host on QVC and HSN, and has performed the national anthem at Citi Field for the New York Mets. She has also appeared in various commercials, voiceovers, and industrials, demonstrating her adaptability and wide-ranging skill set.
Training
Risa’s training includes studies with Anthony Robert Grasso, Janice Orlandi, Jennifer Rudolph, Heather Baird, Marc Alexander, Jeffrey Zeiner, Brian Reise, Stephen Strimpell, and Andrew Byrne. She holds a B.A. in Drama from Hofstra University.
“I think you should take your job seriously, but not yourself. That is the best combination.”
-Dame Judy Dench