by Dub » Tue Jan 11, 2022 12:26 am
Bit late but hey ho, There shouldn't be only one day to celebrate someone worth celebrating.
Where to start? There are so many reason to celebrate your existence in this world at the designated yearly checkpoint.
I guess Ill go straight to the big guns in what I find completely refreshing and highly respectable about you. Its the fact you care.
You care about what you do and the effect you have. So many times I've read how people pass you off as not that good an actor and that you still cruise on a character on a popular TV show twenty years ago. That's a completely skewed, ill informed perspective.
The thing is nothing could have reached the height it did without you in the role of Tara. You and Alyson fought for every look, every brush of skin, every hand hold, every embrace, every kiss. You knew the importance and significance of just showing a small aspect of intimate interaction to a community pushed into the shadows.
You connected with an audience who were repressed and you gave them an opportunity to feel proud and accept themselves.
So many actors can win awards and be praised but rarely do they truly connect. Over the years they will fade away and not want to discuss the role but focus on their new stuff. You always have time for the Buffy fan base. You understand that the connection you've made with an audience that is growing everyday will never disappear or lose its significance. That is the effect and actions that every actor should aspire to. In my eyes you are one of very few who have achieved it.
Another very admirable thing is the way you put people into the driving seat. You give people that push to go out there and just do it. You are honest and own your mistakes. You don't sugar coat the hardships of going down certain routes but yet you are fully supportive of anyone who wants to give it a try and you give them that boost needed.
You don't fancify things, you keep it on a level that everyone can relate to. You take the time to look at both sides of an argument and try to ease any fractions (Supportive of Iyrai regardless of the portion of your fan base who would scrutinise that) which is why when you stand for something there's no doubt there's great thought a truth behind it. Straight there standing by Charisma's side. Just through your honesty you create awareness and normalise things often considered taboo, for example your mental health. Your writing and directing career you put yourself in the driving seat and put your voice out there. Leading by example for all you support.
You have cracking sense of humour and there's great moments when you talk and there's a thought that pops in your head that you cant quite say but your mouth curls into the magnificent mischievous smile.
This maybe the KB meaning Tara is our muse however for all the reasons above and so many more Amber is the inspiration.
So if your feeling down and the hate gets to you (as it does all of us at some point in moments of vulnerability) Just remember you're Amber Fucking Benson and you're Amazing and have helped so many people even if they never voice it. You have helped in creating an endless legacy by just fighting for a look and you continue to set an example every day just through your honesty.
More humans should take a leaf out of your book.
So while it maybe the date of your birth, its also a celebration for so many people you've effected on this earth.
Happy belated Birthday Amber.
