SHE was the raven-haired star of the hit 90s fantasy show Xena: Warrior Princess.

But actress Lucy Lawless, who played the kick-ass action hero, looked unrecognisable as she stepped out in New York on Wednesday with a trendy punk-inspired quiff.

5 Lucy Lawless played kick-ass action hero Xena: Warrior Princess in the 90s Credit: Online USA

The 48-year-old TV babe, from Auckland, New Zealand, showcased her jaw-dropping new ‘do while attending a promotional event for her new programme, Ash v Evil Dead.

Lucy let her striking new style take centre stage by wearing a plain, figure-hugging grey dress, a mustard-hued leather jacket and leopard print heels.

5 Xena spent her time battling monsters - and her inner demons Credit: Channel 5

The brunette debuted her new coif on Instagram last week with a photograph of herself looking shocked while sitting in a hairdresser’s chair.

Lucy was the pin-up for thousands of teen boys - and girls - thanks to her cleavage-revealing leather top and super-slender golden physique.

5 Lucy showcased her new quiffed hairdo at a promotional event in New York on Wednesday Credit: Getty Images - WireImage

The Amazonian warrior woman spent her time fighting monsters while battling inner demons based on sins from her warlord past.

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Xena, which aired in the UK on Channel 5, was a spin-off of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, with both shows sharing similar plot lines and themes.

When it wrapped in 2001, Lucy went to star in range of popular shows including Battlestar Galactica, The X-Files and Agents of Shield.

5 Lucy unveiled her daring new 'do on Instagram last week Credit: Getty Images - WireImage

5 Xena, whose show aired on Channel 5, had a penchant for beating up the bad guys Credit: Channel 5

She has also had guest roles in Curb Your Enthusiasm, The L Word and Veronica Mars.

Lucy, who has three children and is married to Robert Tapert, an American film producer, is a passionate charity campaigner who works with the likes of Greenpeace and Starship Children’s Health.