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Lucy Lawless
Born	Lucille Frances Ryan 29 March 1968 (1968-03-29) (age 41) Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand
Other name(s)	Lucy Tapert
Occupation	Actress/Singer
Years active	1989–present
Spouse(s)	Garth Lawless (1988–1995) Robert Tapert (1998–present)

Lucy Lawless, MNZM (born Lucille Frances Ryan; 29 March 1968) is a New Zealand actress and singer. She is best known for playing the title character of the internationally successful television series Xena: Warrior Princess which ran from 1995 to 2001. She has also appeared on the reimagined Battlestar Galactica television series. She currently appears on the television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand as Lucretia – Batiatus' wife.

Early life

Born in Mount Albert, New Zealand, Lawless is the daughter of Julie, a teacher, and Frank Ryan, who was a banker and Mount Albert mayor.^[1] The fifth of seven children, she has five brothers and one sister.

Lawless began acting in secondary school. During her adolescence, Lucy suffered with bulimia, but was able to overcome the illness in college, the Auckland University, where she studied foreign languages for a year, including German, Italian and French, and also studied opera for three years, but gave up on both soon after, moving herself to a course of violin and jazz.

Acting career

In 1994, Lawless appeared in "Hercules and the Amazon Women," the television pilot for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. In that episode, she played a man-hating Amazon named Lysia. She went on to play another character, Lyla, in the first season episode "As Darkness Falls," but her key role was given to her when she was asked to play a villainous warrior woman named Xena in the episode "The Warrior Princess" – aired in March 1995. Vanessa Angel had originally been cast in the role, but fell ill and was unable to travel to New Zealand for shooting. To differentiate between Xena and the similar Lysia, Lawless' hair, naturally ash blond, was coloured black. Xena subsequently returned in two more episodes of the first season of Hercules, which portrayed her turn from villainous to good character.

The character was popular enough that a spin-off series was created for her. Xena: Warrior Princess debuted on 4 September 1995 (although Lawless appeared as Lyla once again, in the second season Hercules episode "Outcast" – aired in October 1995). Xena: Warrior Princess, like its parent program, was a hit, lasting six seasons, and Lawless became an international celebrity.

While taping an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in October 1996, Lawless suffered a fractured pelvis when the horse she was riding lost its footing in the studio parking lot. She made a complete recovery, and her absence from the Xena set ultimately had minimal impact on the show.

In 1997, Lawless was named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" by People magazine. Days earlier on 6 May 1997, Lawless inadvertently exposed a breast as she concluded a performance of the US national anthem at an NHL hockey game in Anaheim, California between the Mighty Ducks and Detroit Red Wings. Lawless was quoted in Newsweek as saying, "Obviously, I was mortified....It was quite a bit more exposure than I want".^[2]

Lawless first appeared on Broadway in September 1997 in the Grease play remake, as the "bad girl" Rizzo character. She had wanted to play the lead role of Sandy, and later stated her belief that the producers had typecast her to play "bad girls" following her success as Xena. She said the Sandy character was very similar to her sheltered childhood, growing up in New Zealand with many protective older brothers.^[3]

Lawless has since appeared onstage in the Vagina Monologues and as a television guest star in episodes of The Simpsons, The X-Files, Just Shoot Me!, Veronica Mars, Burn Notice, Less Than Perfect, Curb Your Enthusiasm and bro'Town. She was also featured in the short-lived television series Tarzan. Lawless has made cameo appearances in the movies EuroTrip, Spider-Man and Boogeyman (2005), and in the sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm. She returned to television in the TV movie Locusts! and its sequel Vampire Bats.

Lawless became a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honours List, and therefore is entitled to use the postnominal letters, MNZM.

From 2005 to 2009, Lawless has had a recurring role in the television series Battlestar Galactica. She portrays D'Anna Biers, a reporter with the Fleet News Service who works on a critical documentary about the crew of the Galactica and is later revealed to be a Cylon (Number Three).

Lawless appeared in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, in season 6 as herself. She goes on a date with Larry David, only to finally walk away after Larry makes an inappropriate suggestion about his underwear and the potential for sex between them.

Lawless competed as one of the celebrity singers on the reality TV show Celebrity Duets in 2006, finishing as the runner-up to winner Alfonso Ribeiro. She has also performed as a voice actor in several animated features.

The lesbian community is interested in Lawless, largely because of Xena's ambiguous relationship with traveling companion Gabrielle.^[4] Although Lawless is heterosexual, she has appeared at gay pride events such as the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.^[5] In a 2003 interview with Lesbian News magazine, she said that she had come to see Xena and Gabrielle's relationship as gay after viewing the series finale, though she has also stated on several occasions that she was undecided on the nature of the relationship while playing the role.^[6]

Lawless was to appear as one of the leads in the ensemble cast of the ABC television series, Football Wives, based on the popular British series Footballers' Wives, in 2007. The series did not continue past the pilot episode, though the network did extend the options on its contracts with Lawless and the other actors slated to star in the series (Gabrielle Union, Kiele Sanchez, Ving Rhames and James Van Der Beek), which seemed to indicate the show was still under consideration.^[7][8] The series never aired. It is unclear whether the Hollywood writers' strike, which delayed and effectively halted numerous television and film productions, played a part in the series not continuing.

Lawless returned to television on 10 November 2008 in a guest-starring role on the hit CBS television series, CSI: Miami playing a madame with connections to a murder. She is also set to guest star in the show The L Word, and also had a role in the Adam Sandler movie, Bedtime Stories, released Christmas 2008. Also in 2008, Lucy stars with her former Xena stuntwoman Zoë Bell in Sony (Crackle)'s new web series Angel of Death written by Ed Brubaker set to debut online in early 2009.^[9]

In 2009 Lawless guest-starred on the hit HBO series, Flight of the Conchords as Paula, assistant to the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Lucy Lawless is currently co-starring in Starz original series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The show is based on the life of Spartacus, the famous gladiator, and the slave revolt he led, and is produced by long-time Xena producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert. Lawless plays the role of Lucretia, the wife of Lentulus Batiatus, who are both the owners of a gladiator ludus.

Lawless provided the voice of Goldmoon for Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight, a direct-to-DVD animated movie based on the novel of the same name, as well as Wonder Woman in the direct-to-video animated movie Justice League: The New Frontier.^[10]

Personal life

At 19, Lawless became pregnant with Garth Lawless's child. In 1988, they married in Kalgoorlie, Australia. They returned to New Zealand and had a daughter, Daisy Lawless (born 15 July 1988). The couple divorced in 1995. Lawless married Xena executive producer, Robert Tapert, on 28 March 1998. They have two sons: Julius Robert Bay Tapert (born 16 October 1999) and Judah Miro Tapert (born 7 May 2002), both born in Auckland, New Zealand.

Charity

Lawless is a member of the board of trustees of the StarShip Foundation, the charity arm of the Starship Children's Health (hospital) which is part of the Auckland District Health Board.^[11] It is set up to provide additional equipment, support and help to staff, patients and families.^[12] She devotes much time and energy to fundraising for the organization. She recently sat for the New Zealand television series The Sitting ^[13], an arts series where celebrity portraits are produced during an interview session with the portraits later auctioned for charity. Lucy attended the auction where her portrait fetched the top price, with the whole event raising $39,000 for Starship. Lawless has often raised money for concerts and events, donates part of her salary in favor of the institution, and has sold some Xena costumes to contribute funds. Friday 21 September is "Lucy Lawless Feel the Love Day".^[14] The day is organised by the Official Lucy Lawless Fan Club and kicks off a week of charitable acts and donations by fans in honor and support of Lucy.

In May 2009 Lucy Lawless became a 'climate ambassador' for the Greenpeace 'Sign On' campaign.^[15]

Moon

Astronomer Mike Brown nicknamed his newly discovered dwarf planet "Xena" - finding this name more convenient to use than the then-official designation, 2003 UB313. When this object was determined to be larger than Pluto, it gained international attention and forced a year-long debate among astronomers as to the definition of a planet.

The object's nickname "Xena" was used in the press. New Scientist magazine polled the public on their preferred final name for the so-called tenth planet, "Xena" ranked no. 4.^[16] Lawless rang Mike Brown in December 2005 to thank him for his "senseless act of beauty," and claimed that she "never dared hope [the name] would stick."^[17] Eventually, both it and Pluto were deemed not to be planets, and were instead classified as dwarf planets.

Although "Xena" is now officially known as Eris, Brown made an indirect tribute to Lawless by naming Eris's moon Dysnomia after the Greek goddess of lawlessness^[18], although for a time said moon was named "Gabrielle".

Singing career

In concert at the Roxy, 2007.

Lawless has a background in musical theater, and appeared on Broadway in a production of Grease in 1997 ^[19]. She has continued to pursue a career in singing after being a contestant on Celebrity Duets. She made her onstage debut at the Roxy in Hollywood on 13 January 2007. Lawless had a sold-out crowd for back-to-back concerts.^{[citation needed]}

Concerts

• 13-14 January 2007 - The Roxy Theater; Los Angeles
• 31 May - 2 June 2007 - The Canal Room; New York City
• 5-6 October 2007 - Buddy Guy's Legends; Chicago
• 25-26 January 2008 - The Roxy Theater; Los Angeles
• 3-4 May 2008 - Carling Academy Islington; London, England, UK

Albums

• Come 2 Me
• Come To Mama: Lucy Lawless In Concert: The Roxy Theater In Hollywood

Concert DVDs

• Come To Mama: Lucy Lawless In Concert: The Roxy Theater In Hollywood
• Gimme Some, Sugar: Lawless, NYC
• Lucy Lawless Live In Chicago: Still Got The Blues

Filmography

Films

Television

References

External links

• Lucy Lawless at the Internet Movie Database
• Lucy Lawless at TV.com
• Lucy is Lawless
• Juicy Flawless

From Wikiquote

Lucy Lawless (2007)

Lucy Lawless (born Lucille Frances Ryan; 29 March 1968) is a New Zealand actress and singer best known for playing the title character of the television series Xena: Warrior Princess and for her role as Number Three on the series Battlestar Galactica.

Sourced

• My voice likes rock music. My problem is, I can do a lot of things, but I have to find my own voice.
  • Jamie Sotonoff (October 5, 2007) "The soulful side of a warrior princess", Daily Herald, p. 18.

• So yes, the roles are getting more and more like me. But that's because Xena was so entirely unlike me. Most people aren't really aware of that.
  • On her acting roles after the completion of Xena — reported in Rob Salem (October 30, 2005) "Xena vs. Mother Nature - Locusts, mutant bats, a vast flood these are the terrors that torment Lucy Lawless , writes Rob Salem", The Toronto Star, p. C05.

• They either overcompensate for the way they feel and are incredibly sycophantic or incredibly brusque in order to prove they don't think you're superior.
  • Discussing the differences between her fans in the United States and those in New Zealand— reported in Sarah Stuart (January 12, 2003) "Superstars in our midst", Sunday Star Times, p. A1.

Lawless in concert at The Roxy Theatre (2007)

• The role was very physically challenging and I am not athletic and have never wanted to be. I hate it in fact. I don't go to gyms and for me to have to stay in shape for the role became mind over matter.
  • On finishing the last episode of Xena — reported in Kylie Keogh (May 31, 2001) "Xena shoots back", The Daily Telegraph, p. T05.

• I'm gonna walk off wearing the outfit and I'm going to drive home in it.
  • Describing what she will do with her Xena costume after the last day of filming — reported in Raymond A. Edel and Virginia Rohan (February 8, 2001) "People", The Record, p. A2.

• What's Buffy got? A wooden stake, some garlic. Xena has a full arsenal of weapons.
  • Remarking on who would win in a fight, in a pair-up between her character Xena and Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer — reported in San Antonio Express-News staff (May 16, 2000) San Antonio Express-News, "'Dirty Dancing' sequel set", p. 4D.

• When you decide to become an opera singer, it's a commitment that allows nothing else to interfere. Even your family - and I have a young daughter - has to take second place.
  • On her decision not to pursue a career in grand opera, in favor of acting roles in television and film — reported in Times wires (April 11, 1998) "Television Q&A", St. Petersburg Times, p. 13D.

• At first, being a female role model really terrified me. But it hasn't turned out to be an awful burden. I get a lot of letters from women who tell me that, after watching Xena, they have bought the Harley-Davidson they always wanted or left an abusive relationship.
  • Robin Eggar (July 27, 1997) "Is it a bird? - Interview", The Sunday Times, p. Style 8.

• They're also surprised I'm only 6 feet tall. They expect someone much bigger. They say I'm younger and prettier in person, which I like.
  • On Xena fans' impression of Lawless when they encounter her in person — reported in Larry Bonko (March 10, 1997) "Hero Worship: Hercules. Xena. They're Tough. They're Sexy. And in the World of TV Syndication, They're Muscling Out the Competition", The Virginian-Pilot, p. E1.

• Growing up, I looked up to real women. I didn't go in for hero worship and I still don't. Everybody has feet of clay.
  • Benjamin Morrison (January 14, 1997) "Visiting Warriors - Xena and Hercules Flex Their Muscles at NATPE", The Times-Picayune, p. F1.

• Up until I came here this week, and I met so many women and young girls who feel, to use their word - and I'm a bit embarrassed, but it's a good word - empowered, by watching. I realized this isn't a burden, this is an honor.
  • Christy Slewinski, New York Daily News (September 29, 1996) "Lucy Lawless is a Star on the Strength of 'Xena'", The Seattle Times, p. 21.

• Feminists might identify with me because I'm unapologetic in what they think is a male-dominated world ... no, I guess, what is a male-dominated world.
  • Mike O'Neill (July 26, 1996) "Someone strong", The Tampa Tribune, p. 2.

• I never thought I'd be an action star, but now they're going to make little Xena action figures for kids. I still want to be a fine actress one day; it's just a matter of putting in the time and passion.
  • Walt Belcher (May 25, 1996) "'Reformed villain' cuts men to size", The Tampa Tribune, p. 1.

• It took me a long time to adjust and narrow down my life. I made my shift to the mind-set ... there's time for my daughter outside work and that's all. This is my new life. This is not drudgery. This is fun.
  • On balancing work and family-life — reported in Barbara Yost, The Arizona Republic (April 15, 1996) "Actress Easily Conquers Role in 'Xena: Warrior Princess'", Chicago Tribune, p. 5.

About

• Lucy's got two feet on the ground; she's very, very strong and yet has a wonderful soft side that she reveals here. She's a dream to work with.
  • Frank von Zerneck, on her work in the CBS movie Vampire Bats — reported in Associated Press (October 28, 2005) "Lawless takes on 'Vampire Bats'", Chicago Tribune, p. 48.

External links

Wikipedia has an article about:

Lucy Lawless

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Lucy Lawless

• Official fan club site
• Lucy Lawless at the Internet Movie Database
• Lucy Lawless at TV.com