Fans of Stargate Universe are celebrating Julia Benson’s performance as 2nd Lieutenant Vanessa James after a viral post reignited nostalgia for the series.

The X (formerly Twitter) account “Modern History X” uploaded a photo of Benson in character, sparking discussions and praise for her portrayal in the beloved sci-fi series.

Julia Benson as Vanessa James in Stargate Universe. pic.twitter.com/4GiUZErgN6

— Modern History 𝕏 (@modernhistory) March 29, 2025

A Role That Left a Lasting Impact

Stargate Universe, which aired from 2009 to 2011, followed a group of scientists, soldiers, and civilians stranded on the ancient spaceship Destiny, struggling to survive while exploring uncharted galaxies. Among them was Lt. Vanessa James, a determined and highly capable military officer played by Julia Benson.

Her character was known for her strength, resilience, and emotional depth, often assisting Colonel Everett Young (Louis Ferreira) in maintaining order aboard Destiny. Throughout the show, James was not just a soldier but a multi-dimensional character who formed strong bonds with her fellow crew members, showcasing bravery and vulnerability in equal measure.

Social Media Reacts Fans Show Their Love for Vanessa James

Following the resurfacing of Benson’s image, fans flooded social media with enthusiastic comments. Some expressed how much they loved her character, while others admitted they were now intrigued to watch Stargate Universe for the first time.

• One fan tweeted: “She and the Colonel were my two favorite characters on the show.”
• Another wrote: “Hmmm I never watched that, but hey, I just might now.”
• A longtime supporter noted: “She’s currently still active in Hallmark type movies.”
• Another user added: “Umm this collage was posted on the Stargate Universe Twitter feed I love Vanessa James no doubts.”
• A simple yet curious tweet read: “Stargate Milky Way.”

Award Winning Performance and Dedication

Julia Benson’s commitment to her role was recognized when she won a Leo Award in 2010 for Best Supporting Performance by a Female in a Dramatic Series for the episode “Pain.” In this episode, her character was deeply affected by hallucinatory visions, giving Benson a chance to showcase her impressive acting range.

Reflecting on her time on Stargate Universe, Benson has expressed gratitude for being part of the Stargate franchise. She has spoken about the importance of portraying a strong female character in a male dominated military setting, emphasizing how much she valued the camaraderie among the cast and crew.

Julia Benson’s Career Beyond Stargate Universe

While Stargate Universe ended after two seasons, Benson’s career has continued to flourish. She has been a familiar face in television, starring in various sci-fi, drama, and romance films. Many fans have pointed out her presence in Hallmark movies, where she has starred in films such as Chateau Christmas and Aurora Teagarden Mysteries An Inheritance to Die For.

Her ability to seamlessly transition between action packed sci-fi and heartfelt dramas is a testament to her versatility as an actress. Whether she’s wielding a weapon in a deep space battle or bringing warmth to a holiday romance, Benson consistently delivers captivating performances.

The Power of Nostalgia and Fandom

The renewed appreciation for Julia Benson and her role in Stargate Universe is a testament to how deeply sci-fi fans cherish the series. Even over a decade after the show ended, its characters continue to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

The Stargate franchise has always had a loyal fanbase, and moments like this remind everyone why these stories endure. Whether it’s long time admirers reminiscing about the show or new viewers discovering it for the first time, the love for Stargate Universe and Vanessa James remains strong.

With sci-fi revivals and reboots becoming increasingly popular, who knows Maybe one day, we’ll see Julia Benson return to the Stargate universe in some capacity. Until then, fans can continue to celebrate her legacy, one viral post at a time.