You might remember Lucy Lawless from three decades ago when the actress first debuted in the show “Xena: Warrior Princess.” This show was spawned as a spin-off after the public first met her character in the show “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.” Little did the creators know that the show would become a cult classic and a cultural phenomenon, remaining popular even after it concluded in 2001.
Prior to this show, Lawless maintained a relatively low profile as an actress. Despite the show’s demise decades ago, Lawless continues to deeply connect with the character. In 2017, she told Vice, “I do very few conventions and things mostly because I’m busy working, but it still exists and I’ve never run from the legacy of Xena and all of that. I’m really grateful for what it gave me, and the work was fun and created this amazing fan base.”
Lawless was responsible for fleshing out a fierce, complex, and resilient female character that didn’t just break stereotypes—it inspired viewers globally. Xena was an emblem of empowerment and strength. By its second season, the show became the highest-rated drama series to air on American television, and it lasted six seasons before coming to an end. Today, the character survives through video games, fan conventions, and comic books. While Lawless might be most popular for her breakout role as Xena, she’s also a dedicated activist surrounding environmental and social issues, with her multiple talents giving way to a unique career that surpasses the boundaries of Hollywood.
What is Lucy Lawless doing after “Xena: Warrior Princess”?
Even after playing Xena, Lucy Lawless kept on captivating audiences with her talent and versatile abilities by showing up in diverse roles. She appeared as Lucretia in “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” in 2010, “Battlestar Galactica,” and “Ash vs. Evil Dead.” She brought an authentic energy to all of her roles but explored a musical career as well, appearing in the TV show “Celebrity Duets” in 2006.
She’s also tackled more contemporary roles, appearing in popular shows like Agents of “S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Parks and Recreation.” In 2024, she tried her hand at directing for the first time ever with the documentary “Never Look Away,” which chronicled the life of photojournalist Margaret Moth. While directing and the world of documentaries was uncharted territory for Lucy Lawless, she embraced the challenge.
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But will she try her hand at directing again? Speaking to POV Magazine, Lawless said she was “horribly hooked now” on the documentary experience, adding, “I can’t wait to jump back into that moat of sharks because you’re problem-solving on so many levels every day. It’s very addictive. I’m working on three projects at the moment in different stages of development, but I really believe in them.” While she loves directing, this doesn’t necessarily mean she’s giving up acting. She has remained onscreen several times in the show “My Life Is a Murder,” featuring Lawless playing fearless private investigator Alexa Crowe. She has also become an outspoken advocate for multiple environmental and social causes.
Lucy Lawless’s work as an advocate
Whether she’s championing LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights or speaking out on climate change, Lucy Lawless is no stranger to using her platform to create positive change. She’s been vocal about the fact that she feels she is more of an activist than an actress. Speaking to RNZ, she said, “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,” continuing, “The activism, you want to be part of some good change…but show business? I don’t care.”
Along with her work in the worlds of acting and advocacy, she’s a loving partner and mother. It’s not easy to juggle having a high-profile career with family, but she managed to make it look easy. Lawless has been married to producer Robert Tapert for over 25 years, and the couple shares three children. Today, Lawless looks as stunning as she did when she played Xena, and there are no signs of her slowing down. She continues to grow in her personal and professional life, remaining a lasting force in the entertainment industry. Whether she’s battling her enemies with a sword on-screen or fighting for social justice in the real world, we know one thing for sure: Lucy Lawless is a warrior in more ways than one.
