Long before Antony Starr terrorized the world as the unhinged superhero Homelander in The Boys, and years before Lucy Lawless cemented her icon status on Xena: Warrior Princess, their paths crossed in the burgeoning television landscape of New Zealand. Both performers emerged from the tight-knit Kiwi acting community to achieve major international success. Their professional relationship began in the mid-1990s on the sets of Renaissance Pictures productions, serving as an early milestone in what would become two powerhouse careers in global television.
The connection between Starr and Lawless anchors itself in the foundational era of New Zealand's screen boom. While Lawless led the charge as the legendary warrior princess, a young Starr was cutting his teeth as a bit-part player and guest actor on the very same soundstages in Auckland. This shared ecosystem highlights how New Zealand's localized production industry acted as an incubator for future Hollywood heavyweights.
The Early Days on the Xena Soundstages
In the mid-1990s, Renaissance Pictures transformed Auckland into a hub for mythic fantasy television. For local actors like Starr, landing a role on Xena: Warrior Princess or Hercules: The Legendary Journeys offered a vital rite of passage. Starr appeared in multiple minor roles across the franchise before he became a household name.
One of his most memorable early turns involved playing a centaur named Mesas in the second-season episode "Hooves and Harlots". In a sequence that required him to wear uncomfortable green-screen gear and mimic a galloping horse, Starr shared indirect screen space with Lawless's title character. He later returned to the franchise to play David in a retelling of the David and Goliath story.
Working on these physically demanding, fast-paced sets provided a rigorous education in television production. Starr has often spoken about observing how seasoned leads managed the intense pressures of long-running series. Lawless, carrying the physical and emotional weight of a global hit show, set a benchmark for professionalism that resonated with the younger generation of local actors.
Parallel Trajectories in Kiwi Television
After their early encounters on fantasy sets, both actors pursued distinct paths that eventually redefined television drama in different ways. Lawless expanded her resume with acclaimed dramatic work, starring in Spartacus, Salem, and later headlining the murder mystery series My Life Is Murder. Her ability to transition across genres while maintaining a commanding screen presence made her a pioneer for New Zealand talent breaking into the American market.
Starr took a parallel route, building a reputation in gritty domestic dramas before making the international leap. He earned widespread domestic acclaim for playing the dual roles of Jethro and Van West in the hit New Zealand comedy-drama Outrageous Fortune. That performance showcased his range, allowing him to transition smoothly to American television. He went on to anchor the Cinemax action series Banshee as Lucas Hood, establishing his capability as a gritty, magnetic lead before landing his career-defining role on The Boys.
Shared Cultural Roots and Industry Impact
The connection between Lawless and Starr stretches beyond a couple of shared guest spots on a 1990s fantasy series. It represents the maturation of the New Zealand screen industry. When Lawless and Starr began working, Kiwi productions rarely commanded global audiences. By the time both actors reached international prominence, they helped prove that New Zealand actors could anchor major American and global franchises without losing their distinctive artistic roots.
Their careers share several notable parallels:
- The Studio System Foundation: Both cut their teeth within the practical, high-output environment of Auckland-based television production houses.
- Genre Versatility: Each demonstrated an ability to move fluidly between action, high drama, and dark comedy.
- International Breakthroughs: Both actors found their biggest global recognition by portraying complex, morally ambiguous, or larger-than-life characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Antony Starr and Lucy Lawless star together in any major shows?
They didn't share a starring vehicle together, but Starr appeared in guest roles on Xena: Warrior Princess, where Lawless played the lead character.
What was Antony Starr's first role on Xena?
Starr first appeared as a centaur named Mesas in the second-season episode titled "Hooves and Harlots". He later returned to play the biblical figure David.
How did the New Zealand acting scene influence their careers?
The local industry provided a supportive staging ground where emerging talent could gain practical experience on international co-productions filmed in Auckland, preparing them for Hollywood casting directors.
Are Antony Starr and Lucy Lawless currently working on any projects together?
As of now, they have not announced any future joint projects, though both remain active in international television and film production.
