Decades have passed since the final battle cry echoed across the rugged landscapes of New Zealand. Xena: Warrior Princess changed television fantasy when it premiered in 1995, transforming a villainous side-character from Hercules: The Legendary Journeys into a cultural powerhouse. Fans often wonder what happened to the actors who brought the ancient Greek world to life. While some stars maintaned massive mainstream careers, others shifted focus to independent projects, stage work, or entirely new professions.
Lucy Lawless as Xena
Lucy Lawless owned the leather armor and chakram as the titular warrior queen, anchoring the series with physical grit and emotional depth. After the show wrapped in 2001, Lawless didn't slow down. She transitioned smoothly into major television projects, including recurring roles on Battlestar Galactica, Spartacus, and Parks and Recreation.
Beyond acting, she leaned heavily into her musical talents, performing in stage productions like Grease and Chicago. She also starred in and executive produced the Australian mystery series My Life Is Murder. Lawless married the show's co-creator, Robert Tapert, and made her directorial debut with the documentary Never Look Away. She embraces her legacy as a strong female lead while actively expanding her footprint behind the camera.
Renée O'Connor as Gabrielle
Gabrielle evolved from a naive, bookish farm girl into a fierce Amazon queen and equal combatant by the series finale. Renée O'Connor brought a grounded warmth to the show that balanced out Xena's darker impulses.
After Xena, O'Connor largely stepped away from blockbuster Hollywood machinery to focus on independent film and theater. She launched her own production company, directing and starring in indie films like Beyond the Fates and All Souls Day. She also embraced the stage, tackling classic theatrical roles and frequently reuniting with Lucy Lawless on screen, including a guest spot on My Life Is Murder. Outside of entertainment, she pours energy into painting and visual arts.
Ted Raimi as Joxer
As the self-proclaimed "mighty warrior" who lacked coordination, Ted Raimi provided much of the show's slapstick comic relief. Coming from a prominent filmmaking family—his brother is director Sam Raimi—Ted remained a reliable fixture in genre television and film.
Raimi's post-Xena career includes notable turns in the Spider-Man trilogy, Twin Peaks, and his brother's horror-comedy series Ash vs Evil Dead, where he reunited with several Xena alumni. He continues to pop up in guest-starring roles across television, utilizing his distinct comedic timing and dramatic versatility.
Hudson Leick as Callisto
Callisto stood out as Xena's most terrifying and psychologically complex nemesis, driven mad by the destruction of her village. Hudson Leick delivered a haunting performance that left a lasting mark on fans.
While Leick continued acting for a period with guest roles on shows like Nip/Tuck and CSI, she eventually shifted her life's trajectory away from Hollywood. She became a certified yoga instructor, founding Healing Heart Yoga. Today, she focuses primarily on teaching wellness and mindfulness, though she occasionally makes convention appearances to connect with nostalgic fantasy fans.
Karl Urban as Julius Caesar
Before he became a blockbuster fixture, Karl Urban played several roles in the Xenaverse, most notably the ambitious and ruthless Julius Caesar, whose betrayal set Xena on her dark path.
Urban leveraged his early fantasy roots into an extraordinarily successful film and television career. He played Éomer in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the rebooted Star Trek films, and Skurge in Thor: Ragnarok. He anchors Prime Video's hit series The Boys as the foul-mouthed vigilante Billy Butcher, proving to be one of the breakout stars of the entire franchise.
Kevin Smith as Ares
Kevin Smith played the God of War with an effortless blend of menace and wry charm, making Ares a fan-favorite foil for both Xena and Hercules.
Tragically, Smith's career was cut short in February 2002. While visiting a film set in China, he suffered a fatal fall from a prop tower. His untimely death at age 38 was a devastating loss to the international fantasy community and his colleagues, who frequently honor his memory and immense talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lucy Lawless and Renée O'Connor still friends?
Yes. The two lead actors have maintained a close personal friendship over the decades. They frequently appear together at pop culture conventions, support each other's creative endeavors, and have collaborated on screen years after the show ended.
Where was Xena: Warrior Princess filmed?
The series was filmed entirely on location across New Zealand, utilizing the country's dramatic forests, volcanic regions, and coastline to mimic ancient Greece. This production choice paved the way for New Zealand to become a major hub for international fantasy and sci-fi television.
Will there ever be a Xena reboot?
Development on a reboot at NBC stalled out years ago due to creative differences and difficulties capturing the magic of the original. While fans occasionally push for a revival, original star Lucy Lawless has noted that a direct reboot hasn't materialized, though she remains supportive of the original's enduring fandom.
Did the actors do their own stunts?
While major action sequences and dangerous falls relied on professional stunt doubles, both Lucy Lawless and Renée O'Connor underwent extensive physical training in martial arts, staff handling, and swordplay to perform a high percentage of their own choreography.
