Fierce AF
Women's Health South Africa|May 2019

Sa-Born Lesley-Ann Brandt, Star Of Netflix’s Lucifer, Is Butt-Kicking Proof That We Build ’Em Tough Here At The Tip Of Africa.

Wanita Nicol
Fierce AF
A badass demon in black leather pants walks into a bar. For the past three and a bit years, that’s pretty much summed up Lesley-Ann Brandt’s day job. Playing the demon Mazikeen (Maze to her friends) on cult fantasy series Lucifer, she’s unleashed her personal brand of hell on the small screen – a blade-wielding, sass-mouthing, pansexual brand that’s earned the Cape Town-born star a legion of fans around the world.

A LOT CAN HAPPEN IN A YEAR...

The demon part may be comic-book fantasy, but the badassery certainly is not. When she first appeared on the cover of WH just over a year ago, Lesley Ann was filming fight scenes by day, then going home to breastfeed her son Kingston – who was just six months old when the then-36-year-old revealed her washboard abs at our cover shoot.

Lesley-Ann was refreshingly un-smug about the transformation, stressing that new moms shouldn’t put undue pressure on themselves and that her rapid weight loss was necessary for work. Her work ethic certainly couldn’t be faulted, but showbiz is fickle. That same month, US TV network Fox cancelled Lucifer.

Just six weeks after her cover hit shelves, Lesley-Ann posted an emotional goodbye to her on-screen home and family on Instagram, reflecting on her personal journey with the show and thanking its loyal fans. Only, said fans were having none of it. #SaveLucifer trended on social media and three months later the show was picked up by Netflix for a fourth season. “It was a time of utter shock and gratitude to our incredible fans,” recalls Lesley-Ann. “Cancelled shows are part of doing this job. It happens. But shows being revived after an outpouring of love from fans, that’s an anomaly.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMEN'S HEALTH SOUTH AFRICAView all
Irreconcilable Differences?
Women's Health South Africa

Irreconcilable Differences?

You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Hot And Bothered
Women's Health South Africa

Hot And Bothered

Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2024
Self-esteem under the microscope
Women's Health South Africa

Self-esteem under the microscope

The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
the reset
Women's Health South Africa

the reset

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024
Mind Over Muscle
Women's Health South Africa

Mind Over Muscle

Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?

time-read
2 mins  |
July - August 2024
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Women's Health South Africa

ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE

Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
Women's Health South Africa

Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free

The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Women's Health South Africa

FUEL YOUR SKIN

Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
How To Be Decisive
Women's Health South Africa

How To Be Decisive

You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
Build A Strong Base
Women's Health South Africa

Build A Strong Base

You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024