Renee O’Connor captivated audiences worldwide as Gabrielle, the loyal and evolving companion to Xena in Xena: Warrior Princess. But what happened after the credits rolled for the final time? While many remember her for the iconic role, Renee O’Connor’s journey has been a rich tapestry of stage performances, independent film production, directing roles, and, most importantly, family life. This hub provides a comprehensive look at Renee’s vibrant career and personal life after Xena, proving she’s much more than just an Amazon princess.
From Amazon to Stage: Embracing Theatrical Roles
After spending six seasons filming Xena in New Zealand, far from her Texas roots, Renee embraced new creative challenges, including a return to the stage. This allowed her to explore classic roles and connect with audiences in a more intimate setting.
Shakespearean Endeavors: She tackled some of Shakespeare’s most demanding female characters, showcasing her range and depth as an actress. Audiences witnessed her powerful portrayals in productions like Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew, demonstrating that her skillset transcended fantasy television.
Lady Macbeth and Family Collaboration: A particularly noteworthy role she took on multiple times was Lady Macbeth, one instance even featuring her husband, Jed Sura. This collaboration highlights her passion for theater’s collaborative process and the joy of sharing the stage with loved ones.
Modern Plays: Further expanding her theatrical repertoire, Renee also appeared in contemporary plays such as Dinner with Friends and On Clover Road at Little Fish Theatre, proving her adaptability and commitment to diverse roles.
We even saw her behind the scenes, directing a production of Romeo and Juliet, revealing an interest in shaping narratives from a directorial perspective. Her passion for theater shines through, demonstrating it’s been more than just a hobby - it’s an integral part of her post-Xena life.
Family First: Balancing Career and Personal Life
While fiercely pursuing her acting and directing dreams, Renee has always prioritized her family. Managing a career while raising children presents unique challenges, but she appears to have struck a beautiful balance.
Children and Their Acting Credits: Renee is a proud mother of two: Miles, born in 2001, and Iris, born in 2006. Notably, both her children have acting credits, suggesting a family appreciation for the performing arts.
Marriages and Stability: Renee has navigated the complexities of marriage, finding lasting love and stability with her current husband, Jed Sura, whom she married in 2017. Her commitment to family is evident in her decision to settle in Texas to provide a nurturing and grounded environment for her children. Though she separated from her first husband, Steve Muir, in 2005, she built a foundation for her family and career.
Attending Conventions: Despite wanting to be there for her children, Renee still continues to attend conventions and fan events with Lucy Lawless. This allows her to continue to connect with fans and friends alike. This also makes her a prominent face within the queer community.
Renee proves that a successful career and a fulfilling family life are not mutually exclusive. She shows that with dedication and careful planning, one can pursue their artistic passions while remaining a devoted parent and partner.
From Gabrielle to Director: Behind-the-Camera Ventures
Renee’s creativity isn’t limited to acting. She has also ventured into directing and producing, showcasing her talent for storytelling from a different vantage point.
ROC Productions: In 2003, Renee established ROC Productions, her own production company. This venture gave her the creative control to produce and star in independent films, including Rock N’ Roll Cop and Diamonds and Guns. Fun fact: Renee used money from her painting sales to fund Diamonds and Guns.
Directorial Acclaim: Her directing skills have been recognized with awards, including for her short film “Words Unspoken,” which won Best Short Film and Best Actress at the prestigious West Hollywood International Film Festival.
Feature Film Production: ROC Productions continued to flourish, culminating in the production of the feature film Watch the Sky in 2017. She enjoys collaborating with talents such as Dawn Higginbotham, Randy Crowder, Jed Sura, and Andrew Pinon. Directing and producing allows Renee to tell stories that resonate with her, and to support other talented individuals in the process.
House of Bards: Creating a Theatrical Home
Renee’s dedication to the arts extends beyond her own career, as she founded the non-profit theater company, House of Bards, in San Pedro, CA.
Community Focus: House of Bards, co-founded with her husband Jed Sura, aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for artists and audiences alike.
Inaugural Production: Macbeth: The company’s first production was, fittingly, Macbeth in 2019, starring both Renee and Jed Sura. This marked a meaningful return to the stage and a powerful statement about their shared artistic vision.
Renee’s creation of House of Bards exemplifies her commitment to giving back to the artistic community and providing a platform for emerging and established talents.
Renee O’Connor’s journey after Xena is a testament to her versatility, drive, and unwavering passion for the arts. From tackling complex theatrical roles to creating her own production company and theater, she continues to inspire with her commitment to creative expression and family. Her story reminds us that life after a defining role can be just as exciting, fulfilling, and impactful. As she continues to explore new artistic avenues and nurture her family, we can expect even more inspiring works from Renee O’Connor in the years to come. This is only the beginning!