Xena star goes behind

The TV series Xena: Warrior Princess," with its brazen beauties, captured the attention of viewers in the late 1990s and has maintained a cult following since its final broadcast in 2001.

At the forefront were Xena, portrayed by Lucy Lawless, and her blond-haired, blue-eyed, faithful sidekick Gabrielle, played by Manhattan Beach resident Renee O'Connor.

Born in the small town of Katy, Texas, O'Connor moved to Los Angeles after high school like so many other Hollywood hopefuls. She booked a multitude of projects, but it was landing the role of Gabrielle in 1995 that gave her the chance to expand her career.

"My most beloved character that I have played is Gabrielle," O'Connor said.

"I worked in New Zealand for six years on the show and it stills holds a great place in my heart," she said. "What was important about working (on `Xena') is that it offered me the opportunity to grow as a person and actress. ... (It helped me to understand) my place in the world and also allowed me to observe all of the directors that came in over the years and learn their skills and tools. That's part of the reason that I wanted to write and direct in my own project."

O'Connor, a wife and mother of two, has kept true to her ambitions, and will showcase her second directorial project at the Method Fest film festival. The festival opens Thursday and continues through March 31, with screenings and events in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Woodland Hills.

"I think everyone's got [a merkin] just for fun," she told Uinterview.com. "Mine, I haven't had to break it out yet. Though [laughs] next season, maybe! Yeah, wait for it!"

(A merkin is a pubic wig, FYI.)

SLIDESHOW: Lawless Lovelies. ('Lawless' - get it?)

And for the guys? Prosthetic privates!

"A couple are stapled to the wall," Lawless said. "I'm not sure if they've used them yet. Nobody's telling!"

While reknowned for her buff bod on , Lawless said she's been able to be more natural on "Spartacus."

"My character is not supposed to be ripped. She's a woman. It's Ancient Rome. It's not like they were popping off to the gym every two seconds, but they were very image conscious, that's for sure."

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