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Lucy Lawless

Acting

Born March 29, 1968 · Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand

Also known as Lucille Frances Lawless · Λουσίλ Λόουλες · Lucille Frances Ryan

Biography

Lucy Lawless, born Lucille Frances Ryan on March 29, 1968, in Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand, is an actress, singer, and activist. She gained international recognition and became an iconic figure for her role as Xena in the television series "Xena: Warrior Princess." Lawless began her acting career in New Zealand, initially appearing in various local productions. However, it was her portrayal of the fierce and courageous warrior princess Xena in "Xena: Warrior Princess" (1995-2001) that catapulted her to worldwide fame. The show became a cultural phenomenon and developed a dedicated fan following. Lawless received critical acclaim for her performance, earning praise for her physicality, strong presence, and ability to convey both strength and vulnerability. Beyond her work as Xena, Lawless has appeared in numerous television series and films. She has showcased her versatility as an actress, taking on roles in both drama and comedy. Lawless has appeared in shows such as "Battlestar Galactica," "Spartacus," "Ash vs Evil Dead," and "Parks and Recreation," among others. She has also made guest appearances in various series, demonstrating her range as an actress. Aside from her acting career, Lawless is known for her activism and advocacy work. She has been involved in environmental causes and has spoken out on issues such as climate change and ocean conservation. Lawless has used her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change in various areas. Throughout her career, Lucy Lawless has proven herself as a talented and versatile actress, captivating audiences with her powerful performances and strong on-screen presence. She continues to be admired for her portrayal of Xena and remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Awards & recognition

  • Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit · 2004

Filmography50+ titles

Warrior Women with Lucy Lawless

as Self

Adventure Time

2010as General Tarsal (voice)

The X-Files

1993as Shannon McMahon

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2012as Hiidrala (voice)

Battlestar Galactica

2004as D'Anna Biers

Spartacus

2010as Lucretia

Parks and Recreation

2009as Diane Lewis

Curb Your Enthusiasm

2000as Lucy Lawless

The Simpsons

1989as Lucy Lawless (voice)

Flight of the Conchords

2007as Paula

Veronica Mars

2004as Agent Morris

Never Look Away

2024Director, Producer, Writer

Ash vs Evil Dead

2015as Ruby Knowby

The L Word

2004as Marybeth Duffy

CSI: Miami

2002as Audrey Yates

Xena: Warrior Princess

1995as Xena

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

2013as Isabelle 'Izzy' Hartley

RuPaul's Drag Race

2009as Self - Guest Judge

Burn Notice

2007as Evelyn

Two and a Half Men

2003as Pamela

Mothers of the Revolution

2021as Self

Secret History of Comics

2017as Self

Minions: The Rise of Gru

2022as Nun-Chuck (voice)

Salem

2014as Condessa Marburg

Spider-Man

2002as Punk Rock Girl

Spartacus: House of Ashur

2025as Lucretia

My Life Is Murder

2019as Alexa Crowe

The Code

2014as Alex Wisham

Top of the Lake

2013as Caroline Platt

American Dad!

2005as Stacy (voice)

Hercules: The Legendary Journeys

1995as Xena

Less Than Perfect

2002as Tracy Fletcher

Ginger Snaps

2000as Announcer on School's PA System (Uncredited)

The Ray Bradbury Theater

1985

Saturday Night Live

1975as Self - Host

Mosley

2019as Bera (voice)

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

2009as D'Anna Biers (archive footage) (uncredited)

Justice League: The New Frontier

2008as Wonder Woman (voice)

EuroTrip

2004as Madame Vandersexxx

The Bernie Mac Show

2001as Lucy Lawless

Just Shoot Me!

1997as Stacy

Pike River

2025as Helen Kelly

Mr. Corman

2021as Cheryl

The Daily Show

1996as Self

Star Wars: Resistance

2018as Aeosian Queen (voice)

Bedtime Stories

2008as Aspen

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

2015as Self - Guest

The Spine of Night

2021as Tzod (voice)

The Changeover

2017as Miryam Carlisle

LIVE with Kelly and Mark

1988as Self