5 Major Updates On Ashley Benson: From New Motherhood To Dark New Hollywood Roles In 2025

Ashley Benson, the actress who rose to global fame as Hanna Marin on the hit series Pretty Little Liars, has undergone a significant and transformative period in her life and career, marked by major personal milestones and a shift toward darker, more intense film roles in late 2024 and 2025. This current phase sees the Hollywood star balancing new motherhood with challenging projects that showcase her evolving dramatic range, moving far beyond the teen drama that defined her early career.

As of December 2025, Benson’s life is centered on her growing family with husband Brandon Davis and a slate of upcoming films, including the highly anticipated biopic McVeigh and the gritty female drama Pretty Babies. Her recent choices reflect a deliberate move to establish herself as a serious dramatic actress while navigating the joys and changes of her personal life.

Ashley Victoria Benson: Full Biography and Career Highlights

The first step in understanding Ashley Benson’s current trajectory is reviewing the foundation of her successful career and personal life.

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• Full Name: Ashley Victoria Benson
• Date of Birth: December 18, 1989
• Place of Birth: Anaheim, California, U.S.
• Height: 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
• Spouse: Brandon Davis (m. 2023)
• Children: Aspen Davis (b. February 2024)
• Early Career: Benson started as a competitive dancer at age three and began modeling and acting in commercials. She gained her first major television role as Abigail Deveraux on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives from 2004 to 2007.
• Breakthrough Role: Her defining role came as Hanna Marin in the Freeform mystery teen drama series Pretty Little Liars, which ran from 2010 to 2017. Her performance earned her multiple accolades, including four Teen Choice Awards.
• Notable Film Roles: Benson has starred in films such as Spring Breakers (2012) alongside Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens, Ratter (2015), and Her Smell (2018).
• Recent Recognition: She has been recognized with a Young Hollywood Award for her work.

1. The New Chapter: Marriage and Motherhood with Brandon Davis

One of the most significant and recent changes in Ashley Benson’s life is her commitment to her family. The actress quietly married oil heir Brandon Davis in 2023, and the couple has since welcomed their first child, a daughter named Aspen Davis.

The couple, who have kept their relationship largely private, celebrated their second wedding anniversary in October 2024, confirming the strength and commitment of their bond.

The birth of their daughter, Aspen, in February 2024, marked a major lifestyle shift for both Benson and Davis.

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In late 2024 and early 2025, Benson gave fans a rare glimpse into her private life by sharing the first photos of her daughter’s face on social media, a move that delighted fans who have respected her choice to keep her personal life out of the public eye.

This new role as a mother has reportedly brought a noticeable change to the couple’s personalities, focusing their energy on their new family unit.

2. The Career Shift: Intense Biopics and Dramatic Roles in 2025

While her personal life has blossomed, Benson’s professional choices have taken a darker, more complex turn, signaling her dedication to serious dramatic acting. Her upcoming film projects in 2025 are a clear departure from the lighthearted roles of her past.

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Starring as ‘Cindy’ in the Biopic McVeigh

Ashley Benson is set to star in the 2025 film McVeigh, a biopic centered on the life of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.

The film, directed by Mike Ott, explores the events and life of McVeigh before the tragic bombing. Benson’s role as 'Cindy' is particularly notable.

Cindy is introduced as a love interest to the central character, a creative choice by the filmmakers to humanize the complex and controversial figure. Benson and co-star Brett Gelman have discussed the intense nature of their roles and the challenges of portraying events inspired by real-life tragedy.

Starring alongside Alfie Allen (who plays McVeigh) and Anthony Carrigan, this film represents one of Benson’s most challenging and high-profile dramatic roles to date, showcasing her commitment to tackling difficult, true-story narratives.

3. Reuniting with Co-stars for the Gritty Drama Pretty Babies

Further cementing her shift to edgier content, Benson is also starring in the indie drama Pretty Babies, directed by Tyler-Marie Evans.

The project is a significant reunion, as Benson is teaming up with fellow former teen drama stars Emily Alyn Lind, Madelaine Petsch (known for Riverdale), and Sadie Stanley.

The film’s plot is described as a gritty and dark tale that follows two teenage girls who run away to Hollywood seeking fame and freedom, only to find themselves caught in a much darker reality.

This film is poised to be a powerful, female-led narrative that explores the darker side of chasing Hollywood dreams. The collaboration with Madelaine Petsch, in particular, has generated significant buzz among fans of the genre and their previous work.

4. Fashion and Entrepreneurial Ventures

Beyond acting, Ashley Benson has maintained a strong presence in the fashion world, transitioning her style and influence into entrepreneurial ventures. While not as prominently featured in 2025 news as her acting and family life, her history as a fashion icon for a generation of fans continues to influence her brand.

Her past collaborations and her personal style—often noted for its blend of edgy and chic—have kept her relevant in the lifestyle and beauty space, often serving as a brand ambassador and influencer. These ventures provide a parallel track to her acting career, ensuring she remains a multifaceted public figure.

5. The Legacy of Pretty Little Liars and Future Endeavors

Despite her current focus on dramatic film roles, the legacy of Pretty Little Liars and the character of Hanna Marin remains a key part of her identity. The show’s enduring popularity and the recent reunions with former co-stars continue to keep the series in the pop culture conversation.

Benson’s ability to successfully transition from a beloved teen icon to a serious dramatic actress tackling complex roles like those in McVeigh and Pretty Babies speaks volumes about her dedication to her craft.

Fans and critics alike are anticipating her performance in these upcoming 2025 films, which are expected to redefine her career. By embracing challenging true-story biopics and dark indie dramas, Ashley Benson is strategically sculpting a mature and respected filmography, all while embracing the most important role of her life: mother to Aspen Davis.

Her journey in 2025 is a compelling narrative of personal fulfillment and professional reinvention, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most intriguing and evolving talents.