LUCY SUBSITES: INTERVIEWS 

AUSXIP Interviews Lucy Lawless
Interviewed by MaryD
- 27 May 2010

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Exclusive Interview with Xena & Spartacus Blood and Sand Star Lucy Lawless
 

AUSXIP Interviews Lucy Lawless, star of Xena Warrior Princess, Battlestar Galactica and now the Domina of the Ludus, Lucretia on Spartacus Blood and Sand.  We conducted our first interview with Lucy in 2008 while she was preparing for her London concert debut and whilst working on the Adam Sandler movie "Bedtime Stories". In this interview Lucy talks about Xena, what her fans have taught her, working on Spartacus and her fellow cast mates, her involvement with Greenpeace and why that is so important to her. Does she has future in politics, childhood memories and more.

It's been 10 years since the end of Xena. Instead of dying on the vine like a lot of shows that fade from memory, this show seems to pick up new fans through re-runs and the DVDs. What do you think makes Xena so special that the Xena fan base gets new fans every year?

I have no idea. I'd like to bottle it.


Your fans have learnt a great deal from you over the years, what have you learnt from them?

Really? That's weird. well, I have learned to respect my fan base. With few exceptions, they are decent, hardworking, fun people and in the case of my fans, they are often skilled professionals. I am grateful for their support over these many years. Actors disregard fans at their peril. After all, who put you up there? Isn't it funny that actors seem to think they did it all on their own? writers put the words in their mouths, someone dressed them, brushed their hair, drove them to work and then editors cut out all their crap work and jazzed up their action scenes. And now we are all airbrushed in post. Then, the fans made it worth everyone's while. We've got a lot of people to thank.
 


Spartacus Blood and Sand is a huge hit; was it a case of déjà vu going back and working with some of the cast and crew of Xena? What was it like for you?

No, not really. SPARTY is so completely different tonally, the words, the manner of delivery, The crew were recognisable but not the same, meaning they are all ten years older and more accomplished. Everyone was light-years ahead of where I left them. It was wonderful to be working with them again.

 



Did you know a lot about your fellow cast members like Viva Bianca, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Andy Whitfield and John Hannah before being cast on Spartacus?

No, never met any of them. They are fantastic actors and colleagues. I couldn't have had a better partner in crime than John Hannah who played my husband, Batiatus. Take a look at this guy's range. A tremendous actor. They are all stellar in these roles. They blow me away.

 

 

We've heard a lot about the nudity and the violence of Spartacus but, in your opinion, what do most interviewers / reviewers overlook about the series?

What hold and grows an audience is brilliant storytelling.

What are some of the funniest moments on the Spartacus set for you?

John Hannah is a scream. he is always cracking up the crew and Viva is my bestest buddy on set. She is wickedly good fun and a terrific collaborator.

 

You've been involved in Starship, World Vision and other charities but in 2009 you took up the mantle of activist with Greenpeace with their Sign On Campaign and now Anti-Mining. Is it something you have been wanting to get involved in for some time?

No, it just came up. I hate that we have to protect our own national icon from our own government. Dozens of unique, native species are threatened by mining plans. And for what? To make a bit of quick cash? Mining for dirty coal is bad for our forests, our atmosphere and our national identity. We sell everything off our 100%Pure brand. I wonder how effective a 67%Pure NZ brand will serve us?


How do you feel when politicians and others dismiss you and other actors who want to get involved in promoting campaigns such as Sign On and anti-mining?


They can say what they like. I know how effective we are in getting compelling ideas out there. They WISH they could dismiss us!


You have previously stated you wouldn't be interested in politics, is that still the case?

No interest whatsoever.


If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say to them?

I'm drawing a blank.


What's the habit you're proudest of breaking?

Sugar. I stopped eating anything with white sugar in it and I was shocked how much it smoothed out my cravings for all things. That high/Low blood sugar spike makes you vulnerable to all sorts of poor eating.


If you could travel to anytime, past or future, when would it be and which person would you like to talk to?

I would go back to Pune, India and listen to the conferences held by Fr Anthony de Mello. Look it up.

 

You come from a large Irish Catholic family, what's your fondest childhood memory of your siblings?

Dad would take us down the Westhaven Marina and we would all jump off the piers into the water. Kids love diving off high things.



What's the best class you've ever taken?

Italian101


Is there anything that you'd be too scared to try?

Heroin


If they told you tomorrow that it was your last day in show business, what role would you like to undertake just for that last day?

Lady Macbeth


What's next for Lucy Lawless?

Dinner.

Many thanks to Lucy for taking the time out from her busy schedule for this interview. I hope you all enjoyed the interview.

In June, Lucy is preparing to go to Monte Carlo where she is nominated for a Best Actress award for her portrayal of Lucretia in Spartacus Blood and Sand. In August Lucy will go back in front of the cameras to begin filming the still yet unnamed Spartacus prequel - a 6 episode mini-series that will focus on Lucretia and Batiatus.  That will be followed by Season 2 of Spartacus: Vengeance.


Photo Credits:

▪ Photo from Starship are courtesy of the Starship Foundation
▪ Photo from the Venice Mangazine Photoshoot - Photographer Blake Little
▪ Photos from Greenpeace Anti-Mining Campaign courtesy of Greenpeace New Zealand
▪ Photo from PAW Justice courtesy of PAW Justice
▪ Photos of Lucretia from Spartacus Blood and Sand are courtesy of Starz Entertainment.
 

Important Links

Official Lucy Lawless Fan Club - Lawless Ink
Official Spartacus Blood and Sand Site
Starship Children's Health
AUSXIP Spartacus Blood and Sand
AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Anti-Mining Campaign Page
AUSXIP Lucy Lawless Sign On Campaign Page
AUSXIP Lucy Lawless
AUSXIP Network