Lucy Lawless

Lucy Lawless Biography

On March 29, 1968 in Mt. Albert, Auckland, New Zealand, Lucy Lawless, best known for her role as Xena on Xena: Warrior Princess, was born as Lucille Frances Ryan. Lucy often played rough and rode horses with her five brothers and one sister. Despite this, her lack of co-ordination gained her the nickname "Unco". Her father Frank Ryan, formerly the mayor of Mount Albert, is now the Chairman of Finance for Auckland City. Her Mother, Julie, is a homemaker and an active volunteer in their community. Lucy's jobs prior to acting include grape picking, gold mining and hosting a travel show.

Her remarkable acting talents are enhanced by her striking appearance, grace, humility and charm. She has naturally dark blond hair, which was dyed jet black for the role of Xena. Her piercing blue eyes and striking physique have not been unrecognized. Lucy was crowned Miss New Zealand in 1989, and in 1997 People magazine chose her as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. Despite mastering an American accent for her depiction of Xena, in person Lucy has a Kiwi accent. She also speaks German, French and some Italian.

Lucy has one daughter, Daisy (born on July 15, 1988), from her previous marriage to ex-husband Garth Lawless. They married in 1987, and divorced in June of 1995. Lucy remarried on March 28, 1998, to Rob Tapert (born in 1955), the executive producer of Xena. Three hundred and forty guests attended her wedding reception in the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, including the cast and crew of Xena, an Elvis impersonator, and a 15 piece band. Lucy and Rob were proud to welcome a new son into the family, Julius Robert Bay, on October 16, 1999, and another boy, Judah Miro, on May 7, 2002.

Lucy continued to amaze fans each week for six seasons with her portrayal of Xena. She has since appeared on The X-Files, The Bernie Mac Show, Just Shoot Me and Spiderman. She has done extensive charity work in support of breast cancer research, the prevention of child abuse, the acceptance of breast feeding, and the Starship Hospital Foundation, of which she is a board member. Recently, she retuned to her singing roots and embarked on a New Zealand performance tour with musician David Dobbyn. Future plans include hosting a five part series on warrior women.

Lucy says :
'I have five brothers and one sister. We're this big, sprawling Irish Catholic family. I don't live that far from any of them.'

Fans sending gifts to her -
'I'm grateful, but I make a healthy living so I beg people to keep their hard-earned cash for themselves and their families - or donate it to charity.'


Posing Nude for Playboy
'I've been asked - but I believe they ask every woman in show business.'