Amber Nicole Benson, who was born on January 8, 1977 in Birmingham, Alabama, is a multi-talented actress best known as Tara Maclay in the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. At an early age, she started showing interest in the performing arts such as dance and acting. Today, she is an accomplished actress, writer, film director and producer. During her stint with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she wrote, directed, produced, edited, and acted in a digital video feature entitled Chance, which also featured James Marsters. In 2003, she produced Ghosts of Albion, an animation film for BBC with the cooperation of Christopher Golden. In 2006, Benson released her second independent feature film, Lovers, Liars and Lunatics. She also wrote novels and comic books in collaboration with Christopher Golden. Benson's other television credits include Cold Case and Supernatural.

Tara Maclay is played by Amber Benson on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Before meeting Willow, Tara, who was a member of UC Sunnydale's Wicca group, was a shy and quiet person who had been through a traumatic past with her family. As she met Willow, the two became very close, and Tara taught Willow to become a strong woman. Willow in turn, taught her to become more confident. Later on, Willow realizes how much she loves Tara, choosing Tara over her ex-boyfriend, Oz. The two then become lovers and enter a lesbian relationship.


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