Success has been a long time coming for Cape Town born, LA-based actress Lesley-Ann Brandt, who first caught everyone’s eye as the slave girl Naevia in Spartacus in 2011. But, thanks to her role as the devil’s demon BFF on the cult supernatural detective series Lucifer, you can bet her star is only going to shine brighter.
With the second season of Lucifer kicking off on September 18 in the States, Lesley couldn’t be more thrilled to embody her alter-ego Mazikeen (aka Maze), she tells Grazia, “It’s the most fun I’d had playing a character to be honest. She’s, complicated, tough, loyal, fierce, strong and, surprisingly, quite sensitive.”
Being a demon (albeit in human form) Maze also has a knack for dropping eye-brow raising one-liners, something Lesley doesn’t shy from, “It takes a lot to make me blush! Mazikeen and I share a dirty sense of humour.”
There are big things in store for Maze this time round too, “She is exploring life, and Los Angeles for that matter, separate and free of any vow she has to Lucifer. I think it’s a good thing. The writers have done a wonderful job this year of taking this really complicated supernatural character and throwing her into the most human situations and experiences. It’s hilarious and heart-breaking all at the same time.”
After tying the knot with her long-time boyfriend, actor Chris Payne Gilbert in his home state of Vermont, at the beginning of last year, Lesley-Ann happily calls LA home, “People have different experiences with Los Angeles. I love it. It’s tough but the key to living in Hollywood is surrounding yourself with a good tribe of friends.”
When it comes to making in Hollywood as a South African actor, Lesley advises to not get too caught up in the hype, “Work on an American accent but don’t try and be someone or something you’re not. Your life, your country, your world view, is unique and it will serve you well in the US.”
//Images: Supplied