DeKnight and Robert Tapert focused on structuring the events of Spartacus' obscure early life leading up to the beginning of historical records. The fiction series was inspired by the historical figure of Spartacus, a Thracian gladiator who from 73 to 71 BC led a major slave uprising against the Roman Republic departing from Capua. She played the recurring character of 'Diane Lewis' on NBC's Parks and Recreation (2009), and 'Velma Kelly' in the Auckland Theatre Company's adaptation of 'Chicago: The Musical,' the latter from November 1-24, 2013.Spartacus is an American television series produced in New Zealand that premiered on Starz on January 22, 2010, and concluded on April 12, 2013. X' and also appeared in the prequel to Spartacus (2010), Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011) and 'Spartacus Vengeance' as 'Lucretia.' Her most recent role was 'Caroline Platt' in Jane Campion's Top of the Lake (2013), a BBC Mini-Series in New Zealand, with Holly Hunter and Elisabeth Moss. During 2011, Lucy appeared in the 'No Ordinary Family' as the mysterious 'Mrs. She also lent her voice to the straight-to-video movies: Justice League: The New Frontier (2008) and Dragonlance: Dragons of Autumn Twilight (2008). Lucy was also in several made-for-TV movies including: Locusts (2005) and Vampire Bats (2005). Whilst she has been primarily known for her role on 'Xena: Warrior Princess,' Lucy has also appeared in the classic TV series, Battlestar Galactica (2004), in the semi-regular role of 'D'anna Biers,' among her other many and varied roles, including the hit Adam Sandler movie, Bedtime Stories (2008).

In 1995, Lucy landed the role of 'Xena: Warrior Princess' in the show, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (1995), in a three-story arc, that led to her own spin-off show, Xena: Warrior Princess (1995), for six seasons. She was awarded the Order of Merit for services to entertainment and the community.

Lucy, whose role as 'Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess' made her a cult television star, has been involved with the Starship Foundation and has held a role on its board of trustees. She was awarded an Order of Merit in the New Zealand Queen's Birthday Honor List in June 2004. Lucy was born Lucille Frances Ryan in Mount Albert, Auckland, to Julie, a teacher, and Frank Ryan, a banker and the city's mayor. Lucy also has a daughter, Daisy Lawless, from her first marriage to Garth Lawless. They have two sons, Julius Robert Bay Tapert and Judah Miro Tapert, who were both born in New Zealand. New Zealand icon Lucy Lawless is most known for her role as 'Xena the Warrior Princess.' Lucy is married to producer Rob Tapert (Robert Gerard Tapert) and resides in New Zealand.

Spartacus television show