Born in New Zealand, Lucille Frances "Lucy" Lawless is an actress and musician best known for playing the titular character in the internationally acclaimed television series "Xena: Warrior Princess."

Lawless is also popular for her portrayal of Number Three in "Battlestar Galactica" series and Lucretia in "Spartacus: Blood and Sand," its prequel "Spartacus: Vengeance," and its sequel "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena."

On the fifth and sixth season of NBC's sitcom "Parks and Recreation," Lawless had the recurring role of Diane Lewis, a single mother who falls in love with Ron Swanson (portrayed by Nick Offerman).

Recently, she had a recurring role in WGN America series "Salem" as Countess Palatine Ingrid von Marburg. She is also one of the leading characters in Starz's ongoing comedy horror series "Ash vs Evil Dead."

Lawless made her television debut as a cast member of "Funny Business," a New Zealand sketch comedy series. She subsequently went on to study drama at Vancouver's William Davis Centre for Actors Study.

Lawless first played Xena in the television series "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys." In the initial episodes, her role was of a villainous warrior princess. However, in the subsequent episodes, Xena's character took a good, heroic turn.

As the actress celebrates her 48th birthday, here are some rare photos from her Instagram and Twitter handles:

 

 As you can see, me & #brucecampbell are very excited getting ready for Colbert @thelateshow with #StephenColbert

A photo posted by Lucy lawless (@reallucylawless) on Nov 10, 2015 at 2:49pm PST

 

A photo posted by Lucy lawless (@reallucylawless) on Oct 20, 2015 at 8:12pm PDT

 

#TheCriticsAssn As Jack Lemmon said, "Always be sellin'" Me and @groovybruce @STARZ @ASHvsEvilDead A photo posted by Lucy lawless (@reallucylawless) on Jul 31, 2015 at 5:05pm PDT

 

 Xena tattoo

A photo posted by Lucy lawless (@reallucylawless) on Jun 24, 2015 at 9:37pm PDT