Lesley-Ann Brandt has become a familiar face on TV screens in recent years. The South African-born actress migrated to New Zealand at an early age where she began her acting career. Her big break came a decade ago when she starred in the historical drama series Spartacus: Blood and Sand.
Brandt started out as a model before moving to commercials and finally to professional acting. She has a preference for TV shows over movies. The actress has only appeared in 6 movies in her career, compared to her numerous TV roles. According to IMDb, these are her best roles thus far.
The Hopes & Dreams of Gazza Snell (2010) - 7.0
The Hopes & Dreams of Gazza Snell told the tragic story of a man named Gaza. Obsessed with the sport of Karting, he invested all his money into it, much to the dismay of his wife. He also had high hopes of his teenage sons becoming stars in the sport. But his hopes were shattered when his sons collided on the track.
Lesley-Ann Brandt had a supporting role as a woman named Sharon in The Hopes & Dreams of Gazza Snell. This was also Brandt's first-ever appearance in a feature-length movie.
The Librarians (2014 to 2018) - 7.3
The TNT series was about four people who had just been recruited into an organization known as The Library. The organization was tasked with keeping some of the rarest relics in the world. After four seasons, the series was canceled by TNT. Dean Devlin revealed that he tried to shop it to other networks but was unsuccessful.
In The Librarians, Brandt was Lamia, a high-ranking member of the Serpent Brotherhood. She was loyal to the leader but then he betrayed her and took her life.
Being Mary Jane (2014 to 2019) - 7.5
Being Mary Jane was a drama series that followed the personal and professional life of a successful TV news anchor named Mary Jane Paul (Gabrielle Union). Several stars appeared in the series at various stages, including Morris Chestnut, Cardi B, Tamar Braxton, Kelly Rowland, and Ludacris.
Brandt appeared briefly in the first season as Mary Jane's friend Tamiko Roberts. The character was mentioned a couple in future seasons but never reappeared.
Diplomatic Immunity (2009) - 7.6
The comedy series was one of Brandt's first major acting roles. Events revolved around a disgraced diplomat sent to the embassy of the Fe'ausi nation to stop its devious ambassador.
Lesley-Ann Brandt was an outspoken diplomat named Leilani Fa'auigaese in Diplomatic Immunity. She led the male population of Fe'ausi but her popularity with them made the women hate her. She was thus deported and forced to stay with her father but he didn't want her either because she could ruin his chances of becoming king.
Legend Of The Seeker (2008 to 2010) - 7.6
Legend of the Seeker was adapted from Terry Goodkind's novels. However, the plot of the series was much different from that of the books. Characters and locations remained the same. The series focussed on a Seeker of Truth, a Wizard, and a Mord-Smith as they defended their territory against tyranny.
The series was produced in New Zealand, and through it, Brandt managed to land one of her earliest roles. Brandt portrayed sister Thea in Legend of the Seeker.
This Is Not My Life (2010) - 7.8
Set in the future, This Is Not My Life revolved around Alec Ross, a man who woke up one morning to a shocking discovery. He could no longer recognize his family. The story was set in the fictional town of Waimoana.
Brandt portrayed a Waimoan field reporter named Hine in the series. She only appeared in a few episodes of the series but her performance was unforgettable. The series was produced in New Zealand and it was recently announced that ABC was developing an American version.
Gotham (2014 to 2019) - 7.8
Gotham was all about the rise of most of the popular Batman villains that the world has come to known. Their background stories were explored in detail. The rise of Bruce Wayne was explored too before he became the Dark Knight. The series was met with critical acclaim during its run.
In Gotham, Brandt was Larissa Diaz, an assassin who was hired to eliminate specific people in the city. She was so good at her job that she managed to sneak into Batman's childhood home: the Wayne Manor.
Chuck (2007 to 2012) - 8.2
In Chuck, a computer wizard downloaded crucial government secrets into his brain cells. This forced the CIA and the NSA to assign two of their agents to offer him security and make use of the knowledge. The computer wizard named Chuck was thus forced to live a new and chaotic life that he never envisioned.
In the series, Brandt portrayed Fatima Tazi, a terrorist agent who kidnapped CIA agent Roan Montgomery at a Morocco bar after drugging him. Ron's colleagues then made efforts to save him.
Lucifer (2016 to present) - 8.2
Lucifer is all about the devil but in a fun way, not a scary one. The series follows Satan aka Lucifer Moningster who abandons the boring hell for Los Angeles. There, he sets up a nightclub. FOX canceled the show after three seasons but Netflix stepped in and renewed it for two more.
In 2015, Brandt was cast as Maze in Lucifer after the first-choice actress Lina Esco was released before production began. Brandt had been among the several actresses who had auditioned for the role.
Spartacus (2010 to 2013) - 8.5
The Starz series tells the real-life story of Spartacus, a Thracian soldier who was captured by a Roman commander and sentenced to death for mutiny. However, he survived his execution at the arena and was purchased by a slave master to be trained by a gladiator. Years later, he escaped and led fellow slaves in a rebellion against the Roman Empire.
Brandt portrayed a slave girl named Naevia in the series. Naevia was also the lover of Spartacus' gladiatorial rival and future friend Crixus. Spartacus was highly popular with fans.