Garth Lawless, often recognized for his connection to the famous New Zealand actress Lucy Lawless, made headlines when the couple divorced in 1995. Though not as prominent in the limelight as his ex-wife, Garth Lawless has left his own mark in the entertainment industry as a film producer and director.
The couple’s relationship began when they met as Lucy was 18 years old. They eventually married in 1988 and had a daughter named Daisy. Despite seven years of togetherness, Garth and Lucy decided to part ways, leading to their divorce in 1995. While Lucy retained the surname ‘Lawless’ and continued to build her acting career, Garth Lawless maintained a relatively low public profile.
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Early Life and Career
Beginnings in New Zealand
Garth Lawless was born and raised in New Zealand. His background and exact birth date remain uncertain, as he prefers to maintain a low profile. However, it is known that he belongs to a normal-class family in his home country.
Meanwhile, his then-wife Lucy Lawless was born Lucille Frances Ryan on 29 March 1968 in Auckland, New Zealand. Lucy, the daughter of Frank Ryan, grew up in Mount Albert, a suburb in Auckland. Prior to becoming an actress, she held various jobs and showed interest in theater.
Rise to Stardom with Xena
Garth’s life became more connected to the entertainment industry when he got married to Lucy Lawless in 1988. Shortly after their first year of marriage, Lucy started making a name for herself in the acting world. Her breakthrough role came in 1995 when she starred as Xena in the hit TV series, Xena: Warrior Princess. The show gained huge popularity and garnered devoted fans.
Before landing the role of Xena, Lucy had already appeared as a guest star on Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Her character proved to be so popular that it led to the creation of the spin-off series, Xena: Warrior Princess. This show ultimately contributed to the rising fame of both Lucy and, indirectly, Garth Lawless.
Sadly, Garth and Lucy’s marriage came to an end in 1995. Lucy would later marry producer Robert Tapert in 1998. The details of Garth’s life and career after his divorce remain largely unknown, as he continues to keep a low public profile.
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Garth Lawless, ex-husband of popular New Zealand actress Lucy Lawless, rose to fame after his marriage with the actress. The couple met when Lucy was 18 years old and eventually tied the knot in 1988 in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. However, their marriage did not last long, and they went through a divorce in 1995. Despite their separation, Lucy decided to keep Garth’s surname after the divorce and even after remarriage in 1998.
Together, Garth and Lucy Lawless had one daughter named Daisy Lawless. Further information about Garth’s relationships and personal life beyond his marriage to Lucy remains private. Meanwhile, Lucy Lawless went on to marry Robert Tapert, a film producer, and had two sons: Julius Robert Bay Tapert and Judah Miro Tapert.
Philanthropic Efforts
Though Garth has maintained a low-profile life after his divorce from Lucy, it is noteworthy to mention the charitable activities Lucy has been involved in throughout her career, as the ex-couple’s association with each other might have contributed to their shared values of giving back.
Lucy Lawless has actively participated in various philanthropic efforts, notably supporting two organizations – Starship Foundation and Greenpeace. As an advocate for the Starship Foundation, she has helped in raising funds to provide better healthcare services for children, while with Greenpeace, she has participated in several campaigns and even boarded the Rainbow Warrior to prevent deep-sea oil drilling. Though it is unclear if Garth shares the same passion for philanthropy, his past relationship with Lucy Lawless might suggest a probability of his connection to or support for such causes.
Film and Television Endeavors
Iconic Roles in TV Series
Lucy Lawless, born as Lucille Frances Ryan on March 29, 1968, is a New Zealand actress widely recognized for her roles in popular television series. She gained international fame for portraying the warrior princess Xena in the TV show Xena: Warrior Princess. Later, she played the character of D’Anna Biers in the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica series. Additionally, Lawless took on the role of Lucretia in the TV series Spartacus: Blood and Sand and its associated series.
Lawless continued her successful acting career in television with key roles in other well-known TV series, such as Salem, The X-Files, and Ash vs. Evil Dead, which is based on the Evil Dead franchise. Since 2019, she has been starring as Alexa in the television series My Life is Murder.
Ventures into Film and Stage
Apart from her various television roles, Lawless has ventured into feature films, as well. Some notable movies she has appeared in include Spider-Man (2002), Boogeyman (2005), Locusts (2005), and Vampire Bats (2005). Her range in acting skills can be seen in the diverse range of characters she has portrayed.
Not only has Lucy Lawless been successful in Hollywood, but she has also shown her theatrical prowess on stage. One of her most notable stage performances was in a Broadway production of the classic musical Grease, where she played the iconic character of Rizzo.
In addition to her acting career, Lawless has been associated with the production company Starship, showcasing her versatility and talent in the entertainment world.
Business and Cultural Impact
Producing and Directing
Garth Lawless’ ex-wife, Lucy Lawless, gained fame for her role as the lead character in the popular television show Xena: Warrior Princess, which was produced from 1995 to 2001. This series was produced under Renaissance Pictures, a company co-founded by Robert Tapert, Sam Raimi, and Bruce Campbell. Aside from producing Xena, Renaissance Pictures was also responsible for other successful productions, such as the spin-off series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and the Amazon series Ash vs Evil Dead.
During the production of Xena: Warrior Princess, Robert Tapert, also known as Rob Tapert, served as the show’s executive producer. He was instrumental in creating the show’s unique blend of action, adventure, and mythology, making Xena a cult classic and a significant part of television history. Tapert’s close involvement with the production allowed him to work alongside talented actors, including Lucy Lawless and Vanessa Angel.
Notable productions by Renaissance Pictures:
- Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)
- Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995-1999)
- Jack of All Trades (2000)
- Cleopatra 2525 (2000-2001)
- Ash vs Evil Dead (2015-2018)
Legacy and Honors
Xena: Warrior Princess left an indelible mark on popular culture, influencing several other productions and becoming a symbol of strong female characters. The show’s titular character, Xena, won praise for being a fierce and independent warrior who defied conventional norms for women in action roles. The show’s cultural impact prompted the Museum of American History to include the Xena costume in its collection, demonstrating the show’s lasting significance.
Many other distinguished honors have been awarded to those involved in the production of Xena. For instance, Lucy Lawless was awarded the prestigious New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the entertainment industry and philanthropy. Tapert, as a key figure in the success of Xena and other iconic television series, made a significant contribution to the business of Hollywood and the entertainment industry as a whole.