- December 13, 2025
For 30 years, Ormond Beach resident Leesa Marie Benz has been bringing Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe to life, performing at local events and parties.
But now, it's her turn on the big screen.
Benz is part of the cast of the new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie "Rekindled for Christmas," a film written and directed by Ranelle Golden which premiered on Amazon Prime on Nov. 15. Starring Grace Field, Chelsea Gilson and Chris Mulkey in the leading roles, the movie tells the story of a woman who brings home a fake fiancé — which happens to be her sister's ex —for Christmas. Benz appears in the film's party scene as an extra.
"I call myself now, 'Extra Extraordinaire,'" Benz said.
The opportunity to appear in the film came through connections Benz made with fashion designer Elizabeth Novais, who has used her in past fashion shows. The pair met a few years ago, when Benz was cast for “The Real Housewives of Orlando," a show which never came to fruition.
Benz drove to Orlando in March to be part of "Rekindled for Christmas." It was a long day of filming, she said, but she found it all "very fascinating and fun."
"I am always looking at opportunities," she said. "It was just a great opportunity for me because you never know what will transpire from it. Someone might see me and say, 'Hey, we can use her in this movie.' Even if I am an extra, I'm willing, because just to be a part of something like that, it's just real."
For Benz, her career in entertainment was kickstarted by a local postman.
It was 1995 and she was working as a receptionist for a company in Daytona Beach. He would always call her Norma Jeane, which was Monroe's birth name.
Then one day, he tells Benz about a Monroe look-alike contest happening in recognition of the U.S. Postal Service's new Monroe stamp.
Benz won the contest and she's been a tribute artist ever since.
"What I had to do was study her," Benz said. "So this is back when the DVDs were around and I would literally study her and try to get her moves down, and try to get her look down. Of course, I have to always to put on, when I perform as Marilyn, the infamous mole."
Benz has performed for local figures such as the late Ron Rice for his 60th birthday, County Councilman Danny Robins and Sen. Tom Wright. She also competed in pageants and won Mrs. Ormond Beach in 1999 and Mrs. Daytona Beach in 2000.
On Nov. 15, she attended a premiere of "Rekindled for Christmas" at the Regal Waterford Lakes in Orlando. That was another fun experience, she said, and she got to see all of the film's actors again.
Since the movie has aired, she's received texts from friends who have seen her in the film. She's hoping that it helps lead to more roles in the future.
"Hopefully," she said with a flourish, "I'm going to be a movie star."
