Lucy Lawless: Catch Up With the Warrior Princess, Advocate and Icon
At nearly 60, the actress and activist shows no signs of slowing down
Few actresses in the world of entertainment possess the powerful combination of talent, charisma and advocacy that Lucy Lawless does. The 56-year-old New Zealand-born star is best known for her portrayal of Xena on Xena: Warrior Princess, a role she was perfectly suited for with her 5’10” stature. The show ran for six seasons from 1995 to 2001 and even won an Emmy, cementing Lawless’s place in Hollywood stardom.
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From her breakout role as the formidable Xena to her dedicated activism on social and environmental issues, Lawless has carved out a multifaceted career that transcends Hollywood’s boundaries.
But who is Lucy Lawless, and how did she get to where she is? Read on for more about the stunning actress and activist.
Lucy Lawless’ early years
Lucille Frances Ryan was born on March 29, 1968, in Auckland, New Zealand, to a “big, sprawling Irish Catholic family.” She was the fifth child of her parents, who were reportedly notable figures in the community: Her mother was a teacher, and her father was the town’s mayor and a banker.
Lawless caught the acting bug early on, performing in her first musical at age 10. While her childhood seemed idyllic, it was not without its problems. Lawless has said she battled with the eating disorder bulimia but was eventually able to overcome it.
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Lawless initially wanted to be an opera singer. However, destiny had a different script in mind, leading her to act instead. She went to college to pursue the performing arts and traveled throughout Europe, Canada, and Australia.
According to NZ On Screen, she earned money by picking grapes in Germany and working as a gold miner in the Australian Outback. While in Australia at age 19, she became pregnant, returning to New Zealand with partner Garth Lawless, whom she married in 1988.
She landed her first role in the TV sketch comedy show Funny Business in 1987. A few years later, in 1995, she scored her breakout starring role in Xena completely by circumstance.
Lucy Lawless gets breakout role in Xena: Warrior Princess
Xena: Warrior Princess was created as a spinoff to the popular series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Producers of Hercules felt 25-year-old Lawless was too unknown to play Xena for the three-episode stint and instead cast her in a smaller role.
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The character was set to die off but was so popular with fans that producers decided to make it a series instead. Lawless scored the part by sheer luck and circumstance; reportedly, its lead actress caught the flu and could not film. Producers frantically looked for a replacement to no avail. Lawless was available and got the part.
The syndicated show became a cult fave with fans and garnered praise from critics, mainly for its heroine main character, portrayed by Lawless. The actress even sang on the show.
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Xena wasn’t just a show but a cultural phenomenon. Lawless brought to life a strong, complex, and unapologetically fierce character. Through her portrayal, she shattered stereotypes and inspired viewers around the world. Xena wasn’t just a hero but a symbol of empowerment and resilience.
In its second season, the show became the top-rated drama series on American TV, eventually wrapping after six seasons in 2001. But the show lived on, airing in more than 108 countries and being tapped as one of TV Guide’s top cult shows ever. A reboot was attempted in 2015 but canceled in 2017 before it even made it to air. Xena remains popular today through comic books, video games, and fan conventions.
Her career after Xena
Beyond the world of Xena, the actress continued to captivate audiences with her versatility and talent. From her role as Lucretia in Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010) to her memorable appearances in Battlestar Galactica (2005-2009) and Ash vs. Evil Dead (2015), Lawless has proved time and again that she could play diverse characters with depth and authenticity.
Lawless also returned to her musical roots, wowing fans with her voice in the 2006 TV show, Celebrity Duets. Yet, it’s not just her on-screen performances that define Lucy Lawless. She has also become a vocal advocate for numerous social and environmental causes.
Lucy Lawless as an advocate
Whether speaking out on climate change, championing women’s rights, or supporting LGBTQ+ rights, Lawless has used her platform to effect positive change in the world. Lawless has said she’s “more of an activist than an actress.”
“You put your body and your time on the line for causes that you believe in because you want to leave the world better off. You put your body on the line when you show up for a protest on Queen Street. Showing up is really critical to indicate to the politicians that you are serious about this,” she told RNZ. “The activism, you want to be part of some good change … but show business? I don’t care,” she continued.
In addition to her professional accomplishments and advocacy work, Lawless is also a dedicated mother and partner. Balancing the demands of a high-profile career with family life isn’t easy, but Lawless does so with grace and determination.
Lucy Lawless personal life
While Lucy shared daughter Daisy with her first husband Garth, she divorced him in 1995, the same year she scored the title role in Xena. She’s been married to producer Robert Tapert for the last 25 years, and the couple share two children, Judah and Julius.
At nearly 60, Lawless shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. As she continues to evolve personally and professionally, the Xena star remains an enduring figure in the entertainment industry. Whether she’s wielding a sword on-screen or fighting for social justice off-screen, one thing is clear: Lucy Lawless is a true warrior in every sense.
