Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
New Zealand Lucy Lawless is a New Zealand actress and director renowned for her diverse roles across television, film, and theatre.
Lawless is a member of the board of trustees for the Starship Foundation, a charity that provides equipment, support, and help to staff, patients, and families at Starship Children's Health. She actively participates in fundraising for the organization.
In May 2009, Lawless became a 'climate ambassador' for the Greenpeace 'Sign On' campaign. In 2012, she participated in a protest against oil drilling, boarding a ship for 77 hours, which resulted in charges of trespass and community service.
Lucille Frances Ryan, known professionally as Lucy Lawless, was born on March 29, 1968, in Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand. Her mother, Julie Ryan, was a teacher, and her father, Frank Ryan, served as a banker and the city’s mayor. Lawless is the fifth of six siblings, raised in an Irish Catholic family. Her interest in performing began early, with her first musical at age 10 and subsequent acting pursuits in secondary school. After attending Auckland University, where she studied languages, Lawless embarked on an “overseas experience” through Europe and Australia with her future husband, Garth Lawless. In 1989, at the age of 21, she won the Mrs. New Zealand competition.
Lawless made her television debut in the New Zealand sketch-comedy series “Funny Business.” She further trained in drama at the William Davis Centre for Actors Study in Vancouver, Canada. A turning point in her career came in 1994 when she appeared in “Hercules and the Amazon Women,” a television pilot that led to her role as Xena in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.” Her portrayal of Xena, initially a villain, evolved into a heroic character, leading to the spin-off series “Xena: Warrior Princess” in 1995. This role earned her international recognition and a significant fan base, lasting for six seasons until 2001. Lawless also made her Broadway debut in 1997 as Betty Rizzo in the revival of “Grease.
Following “Xena,” Lawless took on a variety of roles across different genres. She had a recurring role as D’Anna Biers on “Battlestar Galactica” (2005-2009) and portrayed Lucretia in “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” (2010) and its subsequent series. She also appeared in the hit Adam Sandler film “Bedtime Stories” (2008) and lent her voice to animated features like “Justice League: The New Frontier” (2008). From 2012 to 2014, she played Diane Lewis in NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” Most recently, since 2019, Lawless has been starring as Alexa Crowe in the mystery series “My Life Is Murder.” In 2023, she co-wrote and directed the film “Never Look Away,” based on the life of photojournalist Margaret Moth.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
