Remember Xena from ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’? Here’s What Lucy Lawless Looks Like Now at 57
Lucy Lawless, best known for her iconic role as Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess, has had a remarkable career spanning television, film, theatre, and activism. Born in 1968 in New Zealand, Lawless began her acting journey with small roles in local television and studied drama at the William Davis Centre for Actors Study in Vancouver, Canada.
She made her television debut in the sketch-comedy series Funny Business, but it was her role in Hercules and the Amazon Women in 1994 that started to put her on the map. She played Lysia, a man-hating Amazon, and later appeared in the first season of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys as Lyla.
Lawless’s breakout came when she was cast as Xena in the Hercules episode “The Warrior Princess,” which aired in March 1995. Originally, Vanessa Angel was set to play Xena but was unable to travel to New Zealand. Lawless, whose hair was dyed black to differentiate her from her earlier Amazon role, became the first choice. Xena began as a villain but quickly evolved into a heroic character, gaining immense popularity with fans.
The character became so well-loved that NBC created a spin-off series, Xena: Warrior Princess, which premiered in September 1995. The show ran for six seasons and made Lawless a household name worldwide.
The role of Xena changed Lawless’s life in many ways. She became an international celebrity, and her image as a strong, independent warrior inspired audiences across the globe. She also became a gay icon due to Xena’s ambiguous romantic relationship with her companion Gabrielle, played by Renee O’Connor.
Lawless has said in interviews, “They’re married, man,” reflecting how she embraced the character’s impact on LGBT representation. She frequently attended Pride events, including the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and received the Ally of the Year award at the Australian LGBTI Awards in 2017.
While Xena brought her fame, Lawless faced challenges on set. In 1996, during a taping of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, she fractured her pelvis after a horse slipped. She fully recovered, but some episodes of Xena had to be rewritten to reduce her on-set time. Despite the injury, Lawless says the media coverage helped increase the show’s viewership.
After Xena, Lawless continued to build a diverse career. She appeared on Broadway as Betty Rizzo in Grease in 1997 and took on recurring roles in television series such as Battlestar Galactica, Parks and Recreation, and Salem. She also played Lucretia in Spartacus: Blood and Sand and its follow-ups, earning a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress. Lawless has worked as a voice actor, appearing in animated projects including Justice League: The New Frontier and Adventure Time. She also returned to directing and filmmaking, co-writing and directing Never Look Away in 2023, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024.
Beyond acting, Lawless has been a committed activist. She has supported Greenpeace, serving as a climate ambassador, and took part in direct action against Arctic oil drilling in 2012. She has also contributed to charitable causes in New Zealand through the StarShip Foundation and regularly participates in fundraising events.
Lawless’s personal life has had its ups and downs. She has been married twice, first briefly to Garth Lawless and later to her Xena producer Robert Tapert, with whom she has two sons. Her life off-screen, combined with her role as Xena, shows a woman who has embraced both her public influence and private commitments.
Xena’s role defined Lawless’s career by making her a global icon and opening doors across multiple entertainment platforms while giving her a powerful platform for advocacy and visibility.
Lucy Lawless’s career proves that a single role can shape an entire life and legacy. Xena not only made her famous but also allowed her to inspire millions, both on-screen and off. What do you think about Xena’s impact on Lucy Lawless and popular culture? Share your thoughts in the comments.
