Lucy Lawless, MNZM (born Lucille Frances Ryan; 29 March 1968) is a New Zealand actress and singer. She is best known for playing the title character of the internationally successful television series Xena: Warrior Princess which ran from 1995 to 2001. She is also known for the role of D'anna Biers (Number Three) on the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica. Most recently she appeared on the television series Spartacus: Blood and Sand as Lucretia, Batiatus' wife.Lawless is a member of the board of trustees of the StarShip Foundation, the charity arm of the Starship Children's Health (hospital) which is part of the Auckland District Health Board.[12] It is set up to provide additional equipment, support and help to staff, patients and families.[13] She devotes much time and energy to fundraising for the organization. She recently sat for the New Zealand television series The Sitting, [14] an arts series where celebrity portraits are produced during an interview session with the portraits later auctioned for charity. Lucy attended the auction where her portrait fetched the top price, with the whole event raising $39,000 for Starship. Lawless has often raised money for concerts and events, donates part of her salary in favor of the institution, and has sold some Xena costumes to contribute funds. Friday 21 September is "Lucy Lawless Feel the Love Day."[15] The day, organised by the Official Lucy Lawless Fan Club, begins a week of charitable acts and donations by fans in honor and support of Lucy.In May of 2009, Lucy Lawless became a 'climate ambassador' for the Greenpeace 'Sign On' campaign.[16]
Renée O'Connor (born Evelyn Renée O'Connor; February 15, 1971) is an American actress, producer and director best known for playing the role of Gabrielle on the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess from 1995 to 2001.O'Connor is an active supporter of the Alissa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, working each year at the Southern California Firefighters Burn Relay which benefits the Foundation. She set up The Renée O'Connor Outreach Fund which is designed to raise money for families in need and to support families whose medical bills have become too overwhelming due to serious illness. Renée also works with the Richstone Family Center which was founded to treat child abuse, to strengthen families, and to prevent violence in families, schools and communities. Incorporated in 1974 in Hawthorne, CA by 1977 Richstone served thirty-five families in one program on one site. In 2004, Richstone served over 4,500 children and their families in 13 different programs based at five sites.