The legendary fantasy series Xena: Warrior Princess, which ran from 1995 to 2001, remains a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its groundbreaking portrayal of female strength and a complex central relationship. More than two decades after the final Chakram spin, the cast members have not only continued their careers but have cemented their status in Hollywood, with several landing major roles in current blockbuster franchises and critically acclaimed projects. This deep dive, updated for December 2025, reveals the surprising and diverse professional and personal journeys of the stars who brought Ancient Greece’s most formidable hero and her companions to life, from directing documentaries to starring in superhero satires.
From the fierce warrior princess herself to the beloved bard and the unforgettable villains, the actors of Xena have maintained a significant presence in the entertainment world. The series, a spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, was a launching pad for many careers, blending mythology, action, and drama in a way that captivated a global audience. Here is the most current information on the main cast, detailing their careers and major milestones right up to the end of 2025.
The Main Cast: Biography and Current Projects (2025 Update)
Lucy Lawless (Xena)
- Full Name: Lucille Frances Lawless (née Ryan)
- Born: March 29, 1968 (Age 57 as of 2025)
- Role in Xena: Xena, the titular Warrior Princess, a former warlord seeking redemption.
- Current Status: Highly active as an actress, director, and activist.
- 2025/2024 Projects:
- Directorial Debut: Lawless made her feature-length directorial debut with the documentary *Never Look Away*, which premiered at SXSW 2024. The film is a powerful profile of New Zealand war photographer Margaret Moth.
- Television: She continues to star as the lead detective Alexa Crowe in the popular mystery series *My Life is Murder*, which was ongoing in 2024.
- Activism: Lawless is a vocal environmental activist, notably involved with Greenpeace.
Renée O'Connor (Gabrielle)
- Full Name: Evelyn Renée O'Connor
- Born: February 15, 1971 (Age 54 as of 2025)
- Role in Xena: Gabrielle, the Amazon Queen and Xena's best friend, moral compass, and soulmate.
- Current Status: Actress, producer, director, and visual artist.
- 2025/2024 Projects:
- Directing: O'Connor has announced plans to direct a production of Shakespeare's *Romeo & Juliet*.
- Academia: In a surprising turn, O'Connor was a second-year graduate student in 2024, with plans to work in higher education after graduation.
- Art & Conventions: She maintains a presence in the fan community, attending conventions and showcasing her visual art.
Karl Urban (Julius Caesar, Cupid, Kor)
- Full Name: Karl-Heinz Urban
- Born: June 7, 1972 (Age 53 as of 2025)
- Role in Xena: Played multiple recurring roles, most famously Julius Caesar and the god Cupid, before rocketing to stardom.
- Current Status: A major Hollywood star, known for action and sci-fi franchises.
- 2025/2024 Projects:
- Television: He continues to star as Billy Butcher in the critically acclaimed Amazon Prime Video series *The Boys*, with Season 4 premiering in June 2024.
- Film: Urban joined the cast of the upcoming action-adventure film *The Bluff* in March 2024, which is set to be distributed by Amazon MGM Studios.
- Legacy Roles: He is also known for playing Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the *Star Trek* reboot films and Skurge in *Thor: Ragnarok*.
Ted Raimi (Joxer, Jace, and others)
- Full Name: Theodore Raimi
- Born: December 14, 1965 (Age 60 as of 2025)
- Role in Xena: Joxer, the well-meaning but incompetent wannabe warrior, and various other comic and dramatic roles.
- Current Status: Character actor, director, and writer, heavily involved in the horror and convention circuits.
- 2025/2024 Projects:
- Conventions: Raimi was a featured guest at several fan conventions in 2024, including Nightmare Weekend Miami and Frightmare in the Falls, where he discussed his extensive career.
- Voice/MoCap Work: In June 2024, there were reports of Raimi taking on a new motion capture and voice acting role for a video game, continuing his work in the interactive entertainment space.
- Horror Legacy: He remains a staple in the horror genre due to his collaborations with his brother, director Sam Raimi, including the *Evil Dead* franchise.
The Pantheon of Villains and Allies: Where Are They Now?
The success of Xena: Warrior Princess was not solely dependent on the dynamic duo of Xena and Gabrielle; it was amplified by a powerful roster of recurring characters, from the most terrifying villains to the most loyal family members. Their careers have diversified significantly, moving into voice acting, directing, and even wellness coaching, proving the lasting impact of the show’s talented ensemble.
Hudson Leick (Callisto)
As the terrifying, unhinged foil to Xena, Hudson Leick’s portrayal of Callisto created one of the most memorable villains in television history. Since the show, Leick has shifted her focus significantly. While she continues to engage with the fan base, attending Xena conventions in 2024 and beyond, her primary professional path is now in the field of wellness. She is a certified yoga instructor and runs various spiritual and yoga retreats, with a major retreat announced for 2026. Her work focuses on holistic healing, a stark contrast to the destructive nature of her most famous character. This pivot from acting to a career dedicated to inner peace is a powerful example of the cast’s personal evolution.
Adrienne Wilkinson (Eve / Livia)
Adrienne Wilkinson played Eve, Xena’s daughter, who was initially the ruthless Roman conqueror Livia. Her character was central to the final seasons, dealing with themes of legacy and redemption. Wilkinson has built a prolific career, especially in the realm of voice acting and interactive media. In 2024, she was featured in the highly anticipated video game *Final Fantasy VII Rebirth*, showcasing her versatile voice talent. She also continued to attend various film festivals and fan events throughout 2024, highlighting her ongoing commitment to the industry and her fans. Her work in both live-action and voice roles keeps her a constant presence in the fantasy and sci-fi genres.
Kevin Smith (Ares) - A Tragic Legacy
The charismatic and complex God of War, Ares, was played by the late Kevin Smith. Smith’s portrayal of Ares—a recurring antagonist and love interest for Xena—was a fan favorite, known for his incredible screen presence. Tragically, Smith passed away in 2002 after an accident on a film set in China. His death deeply affected the cast and the fan community. Today, his work is remembered as a cornerstone of the *Xena* universe, and his legacy is often honored at fan conventions, where his contributions to the fantasy series are celebrated. The enduring power of his performance as the God of War, a character who embodied both menace and vulnerability, speaks to his talent.
The Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority of Xena
The lasting impact of *Xena: Warrior Princess* goes far beyond a simple fantasy series; it established a topical authority in television for strong female leads and subtextual relationships. The show’s influence is evident in modern series that feature powerful female duos and complex moral narratives. The relationship between Xena and Gabrielle, often cited as one of the most important queer relationships in television history, continues to be a subject of academic study and fan celebration, ensuring the show’s cultural relevance remains high.
The cast members themselves are aware of this profound legacy. Lucy Lawless frequently speaks about the show's impact on female representation and the LGBTQ+ community. The continued high-profile careers of actors like Karl Urban, who transitioned from playing minor gods and historical figures in a fantasy setting to leading roles in major franchises like *The Boys* and *Star Trek*, is a testament to the talent fostered by the series. The show also provided a rich tapestry of mythology, frequently featuring entities like Hades, Callisto, and Hercules, cementing its place in the pantheon of 90s television.
The continued activity of the core cast—from Lawless’s directorial debut to O'Connor's new path in directing and education—demonstrates that the *Xena* alumni are not resting on their laurels. They are actively defining new chapters in their careers, showing the same warrior spirit that made the original series so compelling. Whether through acting, directing, or wellness, their current projects prove the enduring power of the *Xena* cast to captivate audiences around the globe.
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