Was Lucy Lawless Divorced When She Started Xena?

The popular question among fans and trivia lovers is whether actress Lucy Lawless was divorced when she began her role as Xena in the Xena: Warrior Princess TV series. The truth lies in a complex timeline of personal and career milestones, making it an intriguing story to explore.

Timeline of Lucy Lawless' Personal Life

Lucy Lawless, known for her iconic role as Xena, the Warrior Princess, had a rich personal and professional life. To understand whether she was divorced when she started Xena, it's important to look back at the timeline of her personal history. The period surrounding her time on Xena: Warrior Princess is particularly significant.

1994: Lucy Lawless was married to Gadiel Cohen, a vocalist and wannabe actor, with whom she met in 1986. They married in 1994 and had been living together without an official marriage.

The Xena Role and Spinoff

Xena: Warrior Princess premiered in 1995, marking a pivotal shift in Lucy Lawless's career. Her first appearance as Xena, played by both Lawless and an actress named Markie Post (due to Lawless being unavailable due to her pregnancy), was in March 1995. By mid-1995, the show began its own spinoff run.

Divorce and Separation

While the exact date of their divorce is not known, what is certain is that Lucy Lawless and Gadiel Cohen had been long separated by the time the show premiered. The marriage was effectively over.

1995: This year saw significant developments in both Lawless's career and personal life. In March, she debuted as Xena, and by September, the Xena: Warrior Princess spinoff began. Concurrently, her personal life took a drastic turn. The separation from Cohen was a clear sign that the marriage had already been fractured.

Official Divorce

The divorce proceedings were finalized later, officially granting the dissolution of their marriage in 1995. However, the separation was well underway long before the official paperwork was completed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the exact date of Lucy Lawless's divorce is not specified, it's clear that she and her husband were living separate lives before the Xena: Warrior Princess debut. The marriage was essentially over, paving the way for Lawless's successful career in the show.

By understanding this timeline, we can appreciate the journey Lucy Lawless took between the separation from her husband and the creation of her iconic TV role. This exploration not only answers the question of whether she was divorced when she started Xena but also provides context for her personal and professional journey.