Tara McLay is a witch. For years, she had believed her family's myth that the women's power stemmed from a strain of demon blood in the family line. Tara had fled them, running from the demon. She had hidden the 'knowledge' from her friends, and from her lover Willow, even casting a spell to keep them from learning it. Ashamed of her actions, Tara repented and was overjoyed to learn that the demon tale was a lie.

She and Willow met at a Wicca Society meeting where they were the only two with actual power. When they joined forces to fight back the invading Gentlemen, both girls realized that they were strong together.

Tara seemed to always know what kind of relationship she and Willow shared, but it took a visit from Oz for Will to admit to others and herself that she and Tara were a couple.

There is power in Tara, a strong power. She has a kind of second sight that alerts her when soul and body are not in harmony. With Willow, her power is always growing.

It has taken a while for Tara to be fully accepted into the Scooby Gang. At first, no one really understood her. For Tara was reserved, and intellectual - but in unfamiliar areas. Afraid of her 'demon' side, she kept an emotional distance from all but Willow. With her girlfriend's encouragement, and a renewed self-confidence, Tara has made strong personal connections with the Slayer and her Slayerettes.

I still don't get that "insect reflection" bit though...

Amber Benson was born in Birmingham, Alabama on January 8th 1977. She knew by the age of 9, while performing in a "Snow White" production, that acting was for her. She has a younger sister, and now lives in LA.

The most oft-repeated factoid about Amber is that she doesn't drive. Big deal. Where I come from (Scotland is where I grew up) lots of folks don't drive. But then, they have a better public transport system there. (Sorry, off-topic.) Amber is also a vegetarian - who reportedly enjoys tofu... I guess it takes all kinds.

Many viewers reacted negatively towards Amber on her early appearance in Buffy - sometimes referring to her as "fat". I don't get that myself. (As far as I'm concerned, Tara's the cutest girl on the show these days - see my "Amber's a Hottie" club sticker above.) She didn't take this poorly, however (strong lady) but politely posted a response on the Buffy boards (any Tara fan site will quote this for you).

Her film credits include Bye Bye Love, Can't Hardly Wait (from which I believe her lines were cut) and The Crush.

Amber's a fine woman, polite, smart, fun, and extremely likeable. Long live Tara!

 

Some links (not exhaustive):
Stain & Varnish (home of the pic to the left),
Amber Benson is a Hottie,
The Essence of Amber,
amberbenson.co.uk,
The 'Buffy' Underdogs (also a Riley and Wesley site).