Beyond Alex Cabot: 5 Surprising Ways Stephanie March Has Redefined Her Career In 2025

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Stephanie March, an actress synonymous with the sharp, principled, and often embattled Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot on the long-running hit series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has quietly become one of Hollywood's most multifaceted figures. As of late 2025, her professional life extends far beyond the courtroom drama, encompassing high-level activism, a successful entrepreneurial venture, and a stable, private personal life.

The transition from a beloved television icon to a global advocate and savvy business owner showcases a strategic and passionate redirection of her career. Fans eager for her return to the SVU universe will find that her current work is just as dramatic and impactful, focusing on real-world justice and empowerment.

Stephanie March: The Complete Biography and Profile

Stephanie Caroline March was born on July 23, 1974, in Dallas, Texas. Her early life and education laid the foundation for her successful and varied career.

  • Full Name: Stephanie Caroline March
  • Date of Birth: July 23, 1974
  • Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
  • Education: Northwestern University (B.S. in Communication, 1996)
  • Notable Roles: ADA Alexandra Cabot (Law & Order: SVU), Lady Akira (Naomi), Miss Rose (Mr. & Mrs. Smith).
  • First Marriage: Chef Bobby Flay (Married 2005, Divorced 2015)
  • Current Spouse: Dan Benton (Married September 1, 2017)
  • Current Ventures: US Board Director of Panzi Foundation, Co-founder of Rouge NY.

March’s career began on the stage, including a Broadway debut in 1999 in the revival of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. However, it was her casting as Alexandra Cabot in 2000 that cemented her status as a television star, a role she has reprised multiple times over two decades, demonstrating her enduring connection to the character and the franchise.

1. The Unwavering Commitment to Global Activism: A Director for Panzi Foundation

One of Stephanie March’s most significant and current commitments is her role as an activist and advocate for human rights. This work has become a central pillar of her life, giving her a platform far removed from the scripted drama of television.

Deepening Her Role with the Panzi Foundation

In a major professional update, March serves as a US Board Director for the Panzi Foundation and Hospital. This organization, founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, is dedicated to providing comprehensive, holistic care for survivors of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Her involvement goes beyond mere celebrity endorsement; it is a hands-on dedication to addressing one of the world's most critical humanitarian crises. This work aligns directly with the themes of justice and advocacy that defined her most famous role, but on a global, real-world scale. She actively champions the foundation's mission, which is often referred to as a "one-stop shop" for medical, psychosocial, legal, and socio-economic support for women and girls.

Beyond Panzi, March is also a dedicated supporter of other key non-profits, including serving on the board of OneKid OneWorld and her work with Planned Parenthood Global, further establishing her topical authority as a humanitarian and advocate for women’s health and safety worldwide.

2. From Courtroom to Cosmetics: The Success of Rouge NY

In a surprising pivot that showcases her entrepreneurial spirit, Stephanie March co-founded a New York-based beauty business, Rouge makeup salons (also known as Rouge NY). This venture has been a quiet success story, offering a unique service in the competitive beauty industry.

Rouge NY is not a traditional full-service salon but rather a specialized concept. It focuses on bespoke makeup services, offering a "makeup done is the new blowout" experience. The salon specializes in custom-blended lipsticks, allowing clients to create their perfect shade from scratch at a bespoke lipstick bar. This innovative approach to beauty has resonated with New Yorkers, leading to the opening of a second branch in Midtown East.

Her work as an entrepreneur demonstrates a keen understanding of the market and a desire to connect with consumers outside of acting. March has often spoken about the symbiotic relationship between makeup and performance, leveraging her industry knowledge to build a successful, independent business.

3. New Acting Ventures and the Enduring Legacy of Alex Cabot

While her activism and business ventures are current focal points, March has not abandoned her acting career. Her recent roles demonstrate a willingness to explore different genres, moving away from the purely dramatic world of *SVU*.

Exploring the Superhero Genre: Lady Akira in 'Naomi'

March's most recent major television role was playing the mysterious character Lady Akira in The CW's superhero drama series Naomi, which was developed by Ava DuVernay and Jill Blankenship. This role allowed her to showcase a different side of her acting range, portraying a "Ripley-esque" figure in a sci-fi, comic-book universe.

The series, which aired in 2022, was a significant departure from the procedural drama she is best known for. It demonstrated her versatility and her ability to anchor an ensemble cast in a new, high-concept environment. She also showed her comedic timing in the mockumentary film, The Social Ones, proving she can handle lighter material.

The Constant Question: Will ADA Cabot Return?

The question of a permanent return to Law & Order: SVU as ADA Alexandra Cabot remains a constant topic of discussion among fans and in interviews. March has reprised the role multiple times since her initial departure, including a powerful six-episode arc in Season 19 and earlier returns in Season 13 and other guest spots.

In recent years, March has weighed in on the possibility, saying she is always open to the idea, which keeps the hope alive for millions of viewers. Her character's enduring popularity, alongside Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson, highlights the powerful connection fans have to the original *SVU* team.

4. A Private and Stable Personal Life with Dan Benton

Following her highly publicized divorce from celebrity chef Bobby Flay in 2015, March found a quiet stability with technology investor Dan Benton. The couple married in a private ceremony in 2017, marking a new, more private chapter in her personal life.

Benton, a successful hedge fund manager and tech investor, and March have maintained a low-profile marriage, often only appearing together at select charity events and galas related to their philanthropic interests. Their connection is often cited as a successful example of a post-Hollywood-marriage relationship, grounded in shared values and privacy. The couple’s stability is a refreshing update for fans who followed the media coverage of her previous relationship.

5. Topical Authority and Legacy: The 15+ Entities Defining Her Career

Stephanie March’s career is defined by a dense network of professional and philanthropic entities, which solidify her topical authority across multiple domains. Her legacy is not just in acting but in advocacy and entrepreneurship. The following entities demonstrate the breadth of her influence:

  • Television & Film: Law & Order: SVU, ADA Alexandra Cabot, Naomi, Lady Akira, The Social Ones, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Conviction.
  • Co-Stars & Creators: Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, Ice-T, Ava DuVernay, Jill Blankenship, Dick Wolf.
  • Entrepreneurship: Rouge NY, Rouge makeup salons, bespoke lipstick bar, beauty salon co-founder.
  • Activism & Philanthropy: Panzi Foundation and Hospital, Dr. Denis Mukwege, OneKid OneWorld, Planned Parenthood Global, sexual violence survivors, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
  • Personal Life: Dan Benton, Bobby Flay, Northwestern University.

The combination of her iconic television work, her commitment to global justice through the Panzi Foundation, and her successful foray into the beauty industry ensures that Stephanie March remains a highly relevant and influential figure in 2025.

stephanie march
stephanie march

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