Can a demon truly find redemption, or is damnation an inescapable destiny? In the captivating world of "Lucifer," the complexities of morality are masterfully explored, and no character embodies this struggle more than Mazikeen, a demon whose loyalty and rage both know no bounds.
The name "Mazikeen" itself conjures images of darkness and intrigue, and for fans of the series, the character's journey, portrayed with captivating depth by Lesley-Ann Brandt, has been nothing short of mesmerizing. From her initial introduction as Lucifer's fiercely loyal right-hand demon to her eventual grappling with self-discovery and the search for a soul, Maze's evolution has been a cornerstone of the show's narrative. Her story is one of loyalty, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of identity. But the actress behind the character is equally compelling.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lesley-Ann Brandt |
| Date of Birth | November 17, 1981 (age 42 as of November 2023) |
| Place of Birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African, New Zealander |
| Ethnicity | East Indian, German, Dutch and Spanish descent |
| Height | Approx. 5' 6" (1.68 m) |
| Spouse | Chris Payne Gilbert (Married 2016) |
| Children | One son, born in 2017 |
| Education | Studied acting and trained in various acting techniques. |
| Career Highlights | Lucifer (as Mazikeen), Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena |
| Known For | Portraying the demon Mazikeen (Maze) in the television series "Lucifer" |
| Other Roles | Numerous television roles in New Zealand. |
| Filmography | Multiple roles across film and television. |
| Social Media | Instagram (@lesleyannbrandt) |
| Reference | IMDB |
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Lesley-Ann Brandt's journey to international recognition is a testament to her determination and talent. She immigrated to Auckland, New Zealand, with her family in her late teens. It was in New Zealand that she began to cultivate her acting skills and build her resume. Soon, she found herself in front of local casting directors, taking on roles that would pave the way for her eventual breakthrough.
Her big break arrived with a role in the hit Starz series "Spartacus: Blood and Sand" and "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," where she played the character of Naevia. These roles showcased her ability to handle physically demanding roles, a skill that would later serve her well. These roles helped her gain recognition in the industry.
However, it was her portrayal of Mazikeen in "Lucifer" that catapulted her to global fame. As Maze, Brandt brought a fierce intensity and vulnerability to the character that captivated audiences. She flawlessly embraced Maze's unique fighting style. The demon's evolving relationship with Lucifer (played by Tom Ellis) and the other characters formed the heart of the show. Brandt's commitment to the role, including the complex fight choreography, contributed significantly to the show's success.
The character of Maze is, at her core, a demon with immense loyalty, and her journey throughout the series is one of self-discovery. Initially, she is Lucifer's devoted servant, but as the show progresses, she struggles with her identity and seeks to understand her place in the world. She explores the complexities of human emotions, and this exploration forms a compelling narrative arc that resonated with viewers.
Brandt has embraced her character's iconic status, and she is active on social media, particularly on Instagram, where she can be found posting under the handle @lesleyannbrandt. Her feed is filled with glimpses of her personal life, showcasing her with her husband, Chris Payne Gilbert, and sharing moments from her career. It is a testament to the impact of "Lucifer" and Brandt's ability to connect with her audience that fan favourite Maze can be found posting, keeping up with fans of the show.
Maze's story is one of constant evolution, and her journey has not been without its challenges. She grapples with a longing for belonging, often feeling lost between the realms of good and evil. The show masterfully explores these themes, making her a relatable and deeply human character despite her demonic origins. She finds herself caught between her loyalty to Lucifer and her desire for independence. This conflict creates a compelling character arc and keeps viewers engaged in the show.
Beyond "Lucifer," Brandt has a rich filmography that includes various roles in New Zealand television shows. She is poised to continue her success, and has a diverse background and experience across multiple genres, from her time on "Spartacus" to her ongoing projects.
Brandt's next venture promises to be a powerful story, with her set to produce and star in the upcoming drama series "Hanover Street." Set in Cape Town, South Africa, the series will explore the history of District Six during the apartheid era. This project highlights her dedication to telling compelling and impactful stories, and will allow her to explore deeper themes.
The show is set to be directed by Tara Nicole Weyr. The series promises to be a compelling drama, touching on the social and political landscape of South Africa during the apartheid. It will specifically center around District Six, an area with a vibrant cultural history.
In the realm of comic books, the character of Mazikeen predates her television adaptation. In the DC Comics universe, Mazikeen is one of the Lilim, the children of Lilith. She first appeared in "The Sandman" (Vol. 2) #22 (December 1990), and was created by Neil Gaiman and Kelley Jones. In the comics, she is a demon servant of Lucifer, mirroring her role in the television series.
The French version of events shows a different side of Maze. The story is based on Lucifer, as he prepares to leave the creation of Yahweh forever, transfers a part of his power to Mazikeen. This act of power is the same as that given to Lucifer at the beginning by Yahweh. However, this makes Mazikeen angry, who sees in this gesture an escape of Lucifer from all his responsibilities.
As "Lucifer" concluded its run, the cast and crew, including Brandt, bid farewell to the show that had become a significant part of their lives. In an emotional goodbye, the actress spoke of missing the cast and crew, acknowledging the show's impact on her career and personal life. The series finale left the audience with one more major cliffhanger, a fitting conclusion for a show known for its twists and turns.
While we're happy to know that Maze is safe, the series left audiences on another major cliffhanger. Maze heads to Canada to get more out of life, but Chloe suspects she's being deceived by a conman.
Lesley-Ann Brandt, as Maze in "Lucifer," delivered a nuanced and memorable performance, transforming the character into a fan favourite. Her portrayal has left a lasting impact, and fans eagerly await her future projects.
