What Happened to ‘Xena’ Star Lucy Lawless Nearly 25 Years After the Series Ended?

Lucy Lawless captivated audiences worldwide with her portrayal of Xena a fierce and heroic warrior, in the hit TV series “Xena: Warrior Princess.” The show, which aired from 1995 to 2001, made Lawless a household name and a cultural icon.

Since the series ended, Lawless has explored various roles and pursued new passions. With her bold spirit and passion for adventure, her life story is as thrilling as any film. She’s had some daring experiences that landed her in the headlines for reasons beyond her acting. This article takes a closer look at the fascinating life of Lucy Lawless post-Xena.

Peak of Fame

Lawless’s journey to stardom began when she landed the role of Xena in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” in 1995. Her powerful performance in the three-story arc captivated audiences, leading to the creation of the spin-off show, “Xena: Warrior Princess.”

The show, which aired from 1995 to 2001, ran for six successful seasons and turned Lawless into a cult television star. At the height of her fame, Lawless made several notable public appearances that cemented her status as an iconic figure.

In October 1996, during the fifth season of “Xena,” she made a memorable entrance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Having suffered injuries earlier in October, she was carried in by two men in costumes.

Her charismatic personality and strong screen presence made her a favorite on talk shows and at public events. She returned to “The Tonight Show” in 1997, during the show’s sixth season, continuing to charm audiences with her wit and humor.

Lawless was also known for her activism during her peak years. In 1999, she attended a rally for women’s rights in Afghanistan at the DGA Theatre in Los Angeles. Her involvement in such causes showcased her commitment to using her platform for advocacy, even at the height of her entertainment career.

Despite the intense spotlight, Lawless remained grounded and committed to her craft. Her success on “Xena: Warrior Princess” not only defined her career but also opened doors to diverse opportunities in the entertainment industry. However, as the series came to an end, fans were left wondering what path Lawless would take next.

Life After Xena

When “Xena: Warrior Princess” ended in 2001, Lawless faced the challenge of moving beyond her iconic role. Initially, she continued to make public appearances. She was seen attending the American Comedy Awards at Universal Studios. However, it was her diverse acting roles that showcased her versatility and helped her carve out a post-Xena career.

In 2006, she participated in all nine episodes of the Fox reality TV show “Celebrity Duets.” In this series, professional singers teamed up with non-singing celebrities to perform duets.

Lawless showcased her vocal talents and finished as the runner-up. This venture allowed her fans to see a different side of her, further proving her multifaceted talent.

One of Lawless’s significant roles came between 2012 and 2014 when she joined the cast of the popular TV series “Parks and Recreation.” She played Diane Lewis, a love interest for the beloved character Ron Swanson, portrayed by Nick Offerman.

This role was different from her “Xena” persona and allowed her to explore a more down-to-earth character. Lawless expressed her excitement about this role, noting that it felt closer to her real self than any character she had previously played.

During a 2012 interview, Lawless discussed her feelings about being typecast due to her role as Xena. She acknowledged that while branding as a “tough woman” had its challenges, it also brought opportunities.

Lawless appreciated the chance to explore different facets of her personality through diverse roles, even those as minor as her character in “Flight of the Conchords.” This willingness to embrace varied roles underscored her dedication to her craft and her desire to grow as an artist.

Despite her efforts to diversify her roles, Lawless’s connection to Xena remained strong. In a 2016 interview, she reflected on her biggest regret from the series—the decision to kill off Xena in the final episode.

She admitted that the ending, though intended to be strong, did not account for the deep emotional attachment fans had to the character. Lawless has since expressed her desire to imagine an alternative ending, inviting fans to “pretend that never happened.”

Personal Life and Family

Beyond her acting career, Lawless has always placed a high value on her family. She is married to producer Rob Tapert, and together they have built a life in New Zealand.

The couple has two sons, Julius Robert Bay Tapert and Judah Miro Tapert, both born in New Zealand. Lawless also has a daughter, Daisy Lawless, from her first marriage to Garth Lawless. The actress has managed to keep her family life relatively private and grounded.

In 2012, Lawless shared insights into her family dynamics, particularly how her children perceived her career. She mentioned that her daughter, Daisy, could watch “Xena” when she was younger.

Her sons were too young at the time and showed little interest in their mother’s stardom. “You know, I might as well work in a bank, for all they care,” she joked, highlighting the egocentric nature of children and their focus on their own lives.

Lawless’s approach to motherhood reflects her desire to balance her career with family responsibilities. As her children grew older and began to leave the nest, she faced the typical parental challenge of letting go.

Her sons, Julius and Judah, are now university students in the United States, studying science. Daisy, now in her mid-30s, works in the film industry, following in her mother’s footsteps to some extent.

Lawless has often spoken about the influence of her mother, Julie Ryan, on her own approach to life and parenting. Ryan, a self-starter who continues to pursue creative projects like writing poetry and crafting, serves as a role model for Lawless.

This inspiration has encouraged Lawless to embrace new experiences and hobbies, such as line dancing, even in middle age. The transition from active motherhood to a phase where her children have left home has been a significant adjustment for Lawless.

She admitted it wasn’t easy when they first left and felt quite upset. However, her mother’s advice to ensure she had her own pursuits paid off. Lawless found that as her children became independent, she regained her “brainpower” and could focus more on her interests and passions.

Adventurous Spirit and Environmental Activism

Lawless is not just a talented actress and devoted mother. She is also a passionate advocate for environmental causes. Her adventurous spirit has led her to take bold actions in support of sustainability, even if it meant risking her own safety and freedom.

One of the most notable instances of Lawless’s activism occurred in February 2012. She participated in a high-profile protest against Arctic oil drilling, organized by Greenpeace.

Lawless, along with seven other activists, climbed to the top of an oil drilling ship and occupied it for three days. This daring act was intended to draw attention to the dangers of drilling in the fragile Arctic environment and to urge companies to halt their exploration activities.

Reflecting on the experience, Lawless admitted that she initially thought they would be stopped before they could board the ship. However, as the moments passed and they found themselves on top of the vessel, she felt a mix of shock and determination.

The protest garnered significant media attention, especially because Lawless and her fellow activists were later arrested. In June 2012, they pleaded guilty to charges of trespassing.

Despite the legal consequences, Lawless remained unrepentant. She viewed the protest as a necessary action to raise awareness about climate change and environmental protection. Her involvement in such direct action showed her willingness to use her celebrity status for a cause she deeply believes in.

Lawless’s commitment to the environment extends beyond high-profile protests. She has been involved in various initiatives and campaigns aimed at promoting sustainability and combating climate change.

Her activism has taken her to international forums, such as the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil. In these forums, she has engaged with politicians and non-governmental organizations to advocate for better environmental policies.

In addition to her public activism, Lawless practices what she preaches in her personal life. She has been working on a rural North Island property, where she has planted hundreds of trees and focused on creating a sustainable living environment.

She spends time planting trees and maintaining her rural North Island property, embracing a hands-on approach to sustainability. Her efforts in tree planting involve hours of labor. She spends hours trimming, weeding, and nurturing the young trees.

Lawless’s activism and adventurous spirit have earned her respect and admiration. Her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and take risks for the greater good showcases her as a true warrior, not just on screen but in real life as well.

She has also remained a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry. She consistently takes on roles that showcase her versatility and talent.

Recent Work and Continued Success

Since 2001, she has ensured that her career continues to thrive. Her career has spanned television, film, and even voice acting, further expanding her repertoire. One of her notable recent roles is that of Alexa Crowe in the TV series “My Life is Murder.”

The show, which started in 2019 and continued through 2024, features Lawless as a brassy ex-cop turned private investigator. Her portrayal has been praised for its depth and charisma.

The character allowed Lawless to blend her trademark toughness with a new level of complexity, earning her accolades from both fans and critics.

In addition to “My Life is Murder,” Lawless has lent her voice to various animated movies, series, and video games. Her ability to adapt to different mediums and genres highlights her lasting appeal and versatility as an actress.

While her professional life remains busy, Lawless also finds time to engage in personal projects that bring her joy. She has also taken on producing roles, leveraging her experience and industry knowledge to bring new stories to life.

Lawless’s commitment to growth and artistic exploration has kept her career vibrant and diverse. Although she has achieved success in many areas of her life, many fans still remember her as Xena. They appreciate the natural changes in her appearance over the years.

Embracing Change and Public Perception

At 56, Lawless has embraced the natural process of aging with grace and confidence. Over the years, fans and observers have praised her for aging naturally and staying true to herself.

Internet users have often commented on how well Lawless has aged. They’ve noted that she looks just as beautiful, if not more so than she did during her “Xena” days.

Commenting on her appearance seven years ago, one fan remarked, “Looks even prettier at 48. More natural, relaxed.” Others defended her against a headline suggesting she was almost unrecognizable, with one saying, “It’s called aging naturally. You’ve probably never heard of it.”

Lawless has also changed her iconic dark hair to a lighter shade, a transformation that has been met with positive feedback. “She looks very much herself, but with lighter hair and older. Rather lovely, I’d say,” one fan commented.

For instance, she recently took up line dancing with friends, inspired by her mother’s adventurous spirit. “We did square dancing at school when I was about 13 and that was fun, but I’ve never tried line dancing before,” she shared.

For Lawless, middle age has been a time of exploration and growth. She attributes much of her willingness to try new things to her mother. In interviews, Lawless often reflects on how she feels more at ease with herself now than ever before.

“For 55 to have been the best year of my life, that’s cool. I’m really surprised and delighted,” she said. This positive outlook on aging underscores her philosophy of living life to the fullest and finding joy in every stage.

Life Now: Fulfillment in New Ventures

Lawless has found a sense of fulfillment and joy in her current lifestyle. Balancing her professional projects with personal pursuits brings her happiness. Her life now is a blend of creative endeavors, environmental stewardship, and a return to simpler, more hands-on activities.

Living in a “tiny” rural house, Lawless enjoys the simplicity and tranquility of her surroundings. Her large German shepherd, Dino, often keeps her company while she works on her property.

Although her husband, Tapert, isn’t as enthusiastic about the small home, Lawless cherishes the peace and satisfaction it brings her. Wielding a chainsaw and getting her hands dirty, she finds joy in the physical labor and the connection to nature.

Lawless continues to pursue her passion for acting. She is currently involved in new television projects and hopes to get another documentary and two drama series off the ground.

Despite the demands of her projects and activism, Lawless finds time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. She treasures moments of relaxation, such as watching “MasterChef” and spending weekends mooching around her Auckland home.

Lawless also remains active in her charitable efforts, using her platform to support various causes. Her participation in initiatives like Greenpeace’s Save the Arctic campaign highlights her dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Lawless’s activism and advocacy are integral parts of her identity, reflecting her deep-seated values and concerns for the planet.