Renee O'Connor

“The stunt work was intense, but it was also incredibly empowering.”

“I'm just a Texas girl at heart.”

“Creating your own work is incredibly fulfilling. You have a voice and a vision that you can share.”

“I think the show has so many layers and was so intelligent in the way it was written, that it has a different meaning for a lot of different people.”

“I've always been drawn to stories about strong women, and 'Xena' was the epitome of that.”

“Theater is my first love. It's so immediate and you have that direct connection with the audience.”

“Art has the power to heal and to bring people together.”

“Gabrielle was a character who was constantly evolving, and that was a dream to play as an actor.”

“It's a wonderful feeling to be a part of something that is a part of so many people's lives.”

“Directing was a natural progression for me. I love storytelling from all angles.”

“I think it's important to challenge yourself and to not be afraid to fail.”

“I'm a very private person, which is a little bit of a contradiction, being an actor.”

“I learned so much about myself playing Gabrielle. She taught me about courage and compassion.”

“Motherhood has changed my perspective on everything. It's the most challenging and rewarding role I've ever had.”

“Xena was a nice surprise. It was a job. I was looking for a job.”

“The friendship between Xena and Gabrielle was the heart of the show. It was about unconditional love.”

“Fan conventions are like a family reunion. It’s a chance to connect with the people who made the show a success.”

“It's about the journey, not the destination. That's something Gabrielle learned and I learned through her.”

“I try to find the truth in every character I play, no matter how different they are from me.”

“I feel very fortunate to have been on a show that has been a positive influence on so many people.”