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Virginia Hey
Virginia Hey
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Virginia Hey (born 19 June 1952) is an Australian actress, best known for her role as Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan in Farscape. She also played the Warrior Woman in the film Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. She has various roles in television series, such as lawyer Jennifer St James in E Street.[1]

Key Information

Career

[edit]

Hey began her career as a fashion model after being discovered at a bus stop by POL magazine editor Wendy Adnam.[2] She appeared on several magazine covers and started her acting career in television advertisements (57 in all), television dramas and films in Australia and the United Kingdom.

In 1979, Hey appeared in live TV performances with The Buggles for their song "Video Killed the Radio Star", including on the BBC's Top of the Pops and on German television.[3][4] She appeared in the music video for the Mama's Boys song "Needle in the Groove" in 1985.

Hey's film and television credits include the Warrior Woman in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior and General Pushkin's girlfriend, Rubavitch, in the James Bond film The Living Daylights. In 1999 she was cast in a leading role in the science fiction television series Farscape, playing the blue-skinned alien priestess Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan. For her role as Zhaan, Hey was nominated for Best Supporting Actress on Television by the Saturn Awards.[citation needed] She left the show early in the third season for health reasons: the prosthetic makeup worn over her head and chest to achieve Zhaan's appearance and the stress of the long filming days caused her kidneys to bleed, subsequently leading to a decline in her health. She also grew tired of shaving her head and eyebrows for the role.[5][6]

Hey has also appeared in various Australian soap operas, including Prisoner (Cell Block H) as Leigh Templar, Neighbours as Beth Travers, E Street as Jennifer St. James, and Pacific Drive as Margaux Hayes.

Personal life

[edit]

Hey teaches meditation across the United States and United Kingdom, and is certified in natural therapy.[7] She currently resides in the United Kingdom.[8] In 2022, Hey was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.[9]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1981 Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior The Warrior Woman
1982 Norman Loves Rose The Girlfriend
The Return of Captain Invincible Beautician
1986 Castaway Janice
1987 The Living Daylights Rubavitch
1988 Pathos – Segreta inquietudine Diane aka A Taste for Fear
Italian film
1994 Signal One Toni aka Bullet Down Under
1999 Game Room Dr. Greta Davis
2011 Alien Armageddon Ute

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1979 Top of the Pops Herself - The Buggles 1 episode
1982 The Don Lane Show Herself 1 episode
The Daryl Somers Show Herself 1 episode
1984 Prisoner Leigh Templar 14 episodes
1985 Timeslip Jenny
Big Deal Ticket officer Episode: "Popping Across the Pond"
Mussolini: The Untold Story Young Woman TV miniseries
1 episode
1986 Neighbours Beth Travers 8 episodes
1987 Vietnam Journalist TV miniseries
1 episode
Network 7 Chablis 1 episode
1989 Mission: Impossible Danielle Episode: "The Killer"
Dolphin Cove Alison Mitchell 8 episodes
1989–1990 E Street Jennifer St. James 56 episodes
1990–1993 Tonight Live with Steve Vizard Herself 5 episodes
1992 Street Stories Herself 1 episode
1993 Ernie and Denise Herself 1 episode
A Current Affair Herself 2 episodes
1993–1997 Ray Martin at Midday Herself 2 episodes
1993 Paradise Beach Val Sterling
1994 Signal One: Behind The Scenes Herself TV special
1994–1998 Good Morning Australia Herself 6 episodes
1994 Love Rules Herself 1 episode
Hello: Home Shopping Herself TV infomercial
Live It Up Herself 1 episode
Midday with Derryn Hinch Herself 1 episode
1996 Pacific Drive Margeaux Hayes
Flipper Adams Episode: "The Pearl Maker"
1997 Monday to Friday Herself 1 episode
Home and Away Gillian 3 episodes
Roar Queen Una Episode: "Pilot"
Midday With Kerri-Anne Herself 1 episode
Sex and Beyond: 25 Years Of Cleo Herself TV special
1998 All Saints Joanna Travers Episode: "Yesterday's News"
1999–2002 Farscape Regular roles: Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan / Dr. Jane Komenski 50 episodes
2012 FedCon XXI Herself German film documentary
2014 Ckds at the Cons: Chippenham 2014 Herself TV documentary
Rick and Morty Gazorpian (voice) Episode: "Raising Gazorpazorp"
2014–2016 From the Mouths of Babes Herself 4 episodes
2015 Kosmos Lead role: Diana Lord 5 episodes
2024 Gracemarch Mary March TV movie

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
2002 Farscape: The Game Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan (voice)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Virginia Hey (born 19 June 1952) is an Australian actress, model, and fragrance designer best known for her roles as the Warrior Woman in the film Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981), Rubavitch in the film (1987), and the Delvian priestess Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan in the television series (1999–2002). Born in Coogee, a suburb of , , she divided her childhood and education between and . Hey began her career as a high-fashion model in and the , where her striking appearance led to work in advertising and television commercials; she appeared in 57 Australian TV ads and featured in 17 commercial television series during the 1970s and 1980s. Transitioning to , she gained international recognition with her breakout role as the fierce Warrior Woman in George Miller's post-apocalyptic action film [Mad Max 2](/page/Mad Max 2): The Road Warrior, a performance that highlighted her physicality and screen presence in the iconic chase sequences. She followed this with supporting parts in films such as (1983) and a memorable cameo as the KGB agent Rubavitch in , where she shared scenes with Timothy Dalton's . In the late 1990s, Hey achieved widespread acclaim for her portrayal of the wise, blue-skinned alien Zhaan on Farscape, a role that required extensive prosthetic makeup and earned her a dedicated fanbase at science fiction conventions; she appeared in 48 episodes across the first three seasons (the first four episodes of season 3) before departing the series in 2001. Beyond acting, Hey worked as a fashion editor and, starting around 2000, developed her own line of perfumes and soaps through her company White Flower Lei, producing scents such as rei.Kii and Czar, which she sold directly to fans. She has also pursued interests in health and wellness, including meditation, and in 2024 was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, which she has been battling into 2025 while making limited convention appearances and residing in London, UK.

Early life

Childhood and family

Virginia Hey was born on 19 June 1952 in Coogee, a suburb of , , , to Australian parents. Hey has three brothers and one sister. Her childhood was divided between and due to her family's relocations aimed at enhancing the children's educational opportunities. Her parents moved the entire family to , where she spent many years, alternating school terms by spending six months in and six months in each year. Family dynamics played a key role in shaping her early creative inclinations, with her mother fostering an appreciation for art, , and from a young age. Hey has credited these parental influences for sparking her lifelong interest in , which later informed her pursuits in and wellness.

Education

Virginia Hey attended private Catholic convent schools in both , , and , , during her formative years. She also spent one year at a in as part of her . This schooling, divided between and the , exposed her to multicultural environments that shaped her early development.

Modeling and early career

Discovery as a model

Virginia Hey's entry into the modeling world occurred in the early 1970s when she was discovered at a in by POL magazine editor Adnam, who recognized her striking height of nearly six feet and poised features. This chance encounter launched her career as a high-fashion model while she was still pursuing a fine diploma, where her training in contributed to the graceful poise that became a hallmark of her work. Her initial successes unfolded in , where she quickly secured photoshoots for prominent magazines and runway appearances that showcased her as one of Australia's emerging supermodels. These opportunities highlighted her versatility in capturing the era's bold fashion aesthetics, leading to features on covers of prominent publications. Her growing profile also opened doors to international gigs, providing relocation opportunities to , where she expanded her portfolio amid Europe's vibrant fashion scene. A significant commercial breakthrough came through television advertisements, in which Hey appeared in 57 spots across and , demonstrating her on-camera charisma and ability to embody product elegance. These endorsements solidified her status in the industry and built valuable connections among advertisers and stylists. Complementing her modeling, she briefly served as a , honing her eye for trends and fostering networks that enriched her early professional foundation.

Transition to acting

After establishing herself as a prominent fashion model in and during the , Virginia Hey leveraged her visibility and poise in front of the camera to pivot toward . Her modeling career provided significant exposure, attracting the attention of casting directors who recognized her potential for on-screen work, leading to initial opportunities in television commercials and advertisements in . This visibility from modeling directly contributed to her acting debut as the Warrior Woman in the 1981 film Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. She soon secured guest appearances in popular soaps, such as Leigh Templar in Prisoner: Cell Block H in 1984, Beth Travers in Neighbours in 1986, and Jennifer St. James in E Street from 1989 to 1990, which allowed her to develop a versatile acting profile within the domestic industry. These early television parts emphasized her ability to portray strong, multifaceted women, gradually shifting perceptions from her modeling background to a serious performer. As her career progressed, Hey pursued international opportunities, drawing on her prior experiences dividing time between and during her youth and education, which eased her relocation to the for projects in the late . This move expanded her scope beyond Australian television, though she later relocated to in the early 2000s to access Hollywood productions. As a newcomer to , she faced challenges including based on her modeling history, often being pigeonholed into glamorous or visually striking roles, which she found limiting and sought to overcome by pursuing more substantive characters.

Acting career

Breakthrough roles

Virginia Hey's breakthrough in film came with her portrayal of the Warrior Woman in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981), directed by George Miller, marking her debut on the big screen after a successful modeling career that enhanced her poised, striking presence in the role. The character, a resilient member of a tribe defending a vital , initially views the protagonist Max () with suspicion, embodying the film's themes of survival and wary alliances amid post-apocalyptic chaos. Hey featured prominently in the movie's high-octane action sequences, including chases and confrontations that highlighted the production's innovative practical stunts, with over 200 performed across the film, though supported by doubles for the most hazardous elements. Notably, the Warrior Woman was originally scripted as a male character, a change that allowed Hey to bring a layer of fierce independence to the part. The role's leather-armored, enigmatic depiction has since achieved iconic status within the franchise, symbolizing empowered female figures in dystopian action cinema. This performance garnered Hey early international recognition, propelling her career forward and providing financial support for her studies in , , and . Building on this momentum, she took on the role of Rubavitch, the alluring mistress of Soviet general Leonid Pushkin, in the James Bond installment (1987), directed by John Glen, which represented her entry into major Hollywood-backed productions. In a tense sequence set in a hotel, Rubavitch witnesses James Bond () staging Pushkin's apparent assassination to unravel a plot, her composed reaction adding intrigue to the espionage thriller. Hey prepared for the physically oriented scenes by drawing on her modeling-honed fitness, ensuring she conveyed the character's blend of vulnerability and resilience. These early film roles significantly elevated Hey's profile, establishing her as a go-to actress for strong, captivating women in action-driven narratives and paving the way for further genre work.

Farscape and major television work

Virginia Hey was cast as Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan, a Delvian priestess and one of the main characters in the series , which aired from 1999 to 2002. She portrayed the blue-skinned, bald alien sage across 50 episodes spanning the first three seasons, serving as a spiritual guide and healer aboard the living ship Moya. Hey drew upon her personal interest in to inform Zhaan's meditative and empathetic qualities, channeling her own knowledge of spiritual practices to embody the character's role as a level-10 Pa'u priestess capable of profound and occasional darker impulses. In developing Zhaan, Hey infused the performance with elements of her own meditative experiences, portraying the character as a calming maternal influence amid the crew's conflicts while exploring themes of redemption from Zhaan's past as a murderer. This depth contributed to Zhaan's evolution from a serene advisor to a figure grappling with her violent history, particularly in episodes involving her Delvian heritage and abilities. Prior to Farscape, Hey appeared in the American-Australian series (1988), playing the role of in the episode "The Killer," where she portrayed a mysterious operative entangled in an plot. She also made notable guest appearances in Australian television, including as prisoner Leigh Templar in Prisoner: Cell Block H (1980–1981), Beth Travers in (1985), and Jennifer St. James in E Street (1989–1993), roles that showcased her versatility in drama and formats. Hey departed during the third season due to the physical toll of the role, including kidney strain from the prosthetics, heavy makeup, and contact lenses, compounded by the demanding 14–16-hour filming schedule that left little time for recovery. She had requested a reduced schedule of six to eight episodes per season to allow her body to heal, but ultimately chose to exit to prioritize her health, viewing the experience as a spiritual discipline despite its challenges. Hey's portrayal of Zhaan received strong critical acclaim for its nuanced blend of serenity and complexity, with reviewers highlighting how it added subversive depth to the series' ensemble dynamics and elevated 's exploration of spirituality and morality. Fans regarded Zhaan as the "soul" of the show, mourning her departure as a loss of the crew's emotional anchor, and Hey's convention appearances often featured enthusiastic tributes to the character's enduring impact on the sci-fi community.

Later projects and voice work

Following the conclusion of Farscape in 2002, Virginia Hey took on selective acting roles, primarily in science fiction and genre projects, while incorporating voice work. Her first post-Farscape credit was voicing the character Zotoh Zhaan in the Farscape: The Game, a adventure that reprised elements from the series. In 2011, Hey appeared in the low-budget Alien Armageddon, portraying the character Ute in a story about extraterrestrial invasion and human resistance. Two years later, she contributed to the animated series , lending her voice to a Gazorpian character in an episode that parodied interspecies family dynamics. Hey filmed a role as Mara Molloy in the Australian fantasy movie Gracemarch (2024), a project central to themes of legacy and intrigue that remains unreleased as of November 2025. This selective approach reflects a career evolution toward genre-specific, impactful appearances rather than prolific output, influenced by health challenges including a 2022 diagnosis of Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin's . In recent years, Hey has remained active in the fan community through convention appearances when health permits, engaging with enthusiasts and discussing her iconic roles.

Other professional pursuits

Meditation and wellness teaching

Virginia Hey pursued certifications in and natural therapies as part of her commitment to wellness practices. In 1998, she became certified in both Basic and Advanced under Barbara McGregor, a master teacher in Usui Shiki Ryoho . Earlier, in 1992, she earned a triple diploma in , , and from the Australasian College of Natural Therapies, following a one-year full-time course; she also completed certification in massage therapy in 1989. Since the 1990s, Hey has taught workshops in , where she developed a lifelong passion for the practice, formalized through three years of study in visualization starting in 1985. Upon relocating to the , she expanded her teaching to two-hour workshops there, focusing on accessible techniques for personal growth. Her instruction emphasizes practical benefits such as stress reduction and emotional balance, drawing from over two decades of experience in the field. Hey developed guided visualization techniques tailored for healing, relaxation, and enhancing inner beauty and peace, which she presents in structured sessions without complex terminology. One notable example is her 90-minute Guided Visualization workshop at Pensacola Comic Con in February 2016, where participants lay comfortably while she led them through soothing exercises to lower , boost immunity, and foster well-being. These methods integrate seamlessly into her personal routine, providing daily support, and have occasionally inspired her acting, such as maintaining an intense meditative state to embody the spiritual Delvian priestess Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan on , where meditation also aided stress relief amid the role's physical demands.

Perfume design and business ventures

In 2002, following her departure from the television series in 2001, Virginia Hey founded White Flower Lei as a creative outlet amid challenges in the acting industry, including in . The venture allowed her to channel her artistic talents into , drawing on her early career as a model where she developed an appreciation for scents and aesthetics. Hey's inspiration for the business stemmed from compliments on her personal perfumes received from fans at science fiction conventions in the United States, prompting her to create her own line of luxury scented products. As a certified natural therapist, she incorporated her knowledge of and holistic therapies into the formulations, emphasizing aroma-therapy benefits for mind, body, and soul. Signature fragrances, such as the scent featuring notes of , , and white florals, reflect her personal wellness philosophy by evoking calming and rejuvenating qualities. Other products include handmade white glycerine soaps and, for a period, perfumed organic soy wax candles, all designed to promote beauty and relaxation. White Flower Lei operated with Hey personally designing the products and packaging, utilizing high-end, extravagant ingredients sourced for their quality. Initially launched in at the upscale retailer Fred Segal, the business shifted to UK-based production after Hey relocated to southwest , where she handcrafted items in her home studio. Sales were conducted primarily online through platforms like her website and , enabling global reach for her couture line of perfumes, soaps, and related natural products. The business operated for approximately 19 years until her retirement around 2021. As of 2025, Hey has retired from these professional pursuits following a cancer diagnosis.

Personal life

Residences

Virginia Hey spent her formative years dividing her time between , —where she was born on June 19, 1952—and London, England, as part of her early education and family experiences. After establishing her career in modeling and acting in during the 1970s and 1980s, Hey relocated to in 2001, following the success of her role in , to capitalize on Hollywood opportunities; she settled in the upscale Bel Air neighborhood. This transition broadened her professional networks within the American film and television industry, facilitating auditions and collaborations during her time there until 2012. In 2012, Hey returned to the , initially basing herself in Troon, a seaside town in , , after a serendipitous visit during a convention appearance that highlighted the area's appeal for a quieter lifestyle. She later moved to in around 2013, residing there for approximately 18 months, where the location's centrality enhanced her connections to UK-based friends, business interests, and event opportunities. Hey continued to shift within the , spending time in and over the following years, before returning to in late 2019. As of 2025, she maintains her primary residence in a garden apartment in , a setting that supports her and ongoing engagements in wellness teaching and convention appearances, while sustaining ties to European professional circles.

Health challenges

Virginia Hey experienced significant physical strain from the prosthetics and makeup required for her role as Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan on , which led to her departure from the series after season 3 in 2002. The elaborate blue body paint and prosthetics caused severe health issues, including kidney problems that began after three months into the first season and persisted for nearly three years. Hey stated, "The make-up made me really ill. My kidneys were suffering," and she requested to leave because "the make-up was making me very sick." To cope with the physical toll, she incorporated intensive daily healing practices, including . In June 2022, Hey was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, an aggressive form that had advanced to the point where oncologists estimated she had 6 to 15 months to live. She underwent chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, followed by immunotherapy starting in June 2024, which reduced the cancer by 75 percent and made her right leg cancer-free. By late 2024, the cancer had spread to her left leg, chest, lower back, hip, and thigh, but she reported being out of a wheelchair, using crutches, and attending exercise classes, stating, "I’m still here and making terrific progress." Immunotherapy treatments continued into 2025. As of mid-2025, Hey reported remaining positive and undergoing new treatments while actively participating in convention appearances. Hey has long incorporated and natural therapies into her health management, having been certified in in 1998 and natural therapy. During her Farscape challenges, she relied on for daily healing, and amid her cancer battle, she has maintained an interest in natural therapies, emphasizing , , and as vital supports, noting, "Laughter gets me through this." These practices have complemented her conventional treatments and helped sustain her positive outlook. Hey has shared updates on her health publicly through media interviews and appearances, including a recent exclusive with New Idea magazine and attendance at London's Comic Con in 2024. She remains active in fan engagements, with scheduled appearances at conventions such as Live Birmingham in March 2025 and Film & Comic Con in July 2025, demonstrating her ongoing ability to participate despite her health challenges. Fans have followed her journey closely, often discussing her resilience and progress in online communities.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRole
1981Mad Max 2: The Road WarriorWarrior Woman
1982Norman Loves RoseGirlfriend
1983Beautician
1986Janice
1987Rubavitch
1987Obsession: A Taste for FearDiane
1994Signal OneToni
1999Dr. Greta Davis
2011Alien ArmageddonUte
2016Devil's DandruffLynda Cook
2024GracemarchMara Molloy

Television

Virginia Hey began her television career in the late 1970s with guest appearances on music and variety programs, transitioning to dramatic roles in Australian soap operas and throughout the and . Her breakthrough in serialized television came with recurring roles in popular Australian series, showcasing her versatility in both supporting and lead capacities. By the late , she achieved international recognition through , followed by select voice and guest work in the 2010s. The following table details her television acting credits chronologically, including series titles, years, character names, and episode counts where applicable.
Year(s)SeriesRoleEpisodes
1979Herself1
1984Prisoner: Cell Block HLeigh TemplarRecurring (17 episodes)
1985Mussolini: The Untold StoryYoung Woman1
1986Beth TraversGuest (several episodes)
1987Vietnam (miniseries)Journalist1
1988Danielle1 ("The Killer")
1989Dolphin CoveAlison Mitchell8
1989–1990E StreetJennifer St. James56
1993–1994Val SterlingRecurring
1996FlipperAdams1 ("The Pearl Maker")
1996–1997Pacific DriveMargeaux HayesRecurring (approx. 50)
1997Gillian3
1997RoarQueen Una1 ("Pilot")
1998All SaintsJoanna Travers1 ("Yesterday's News")
1999–2002Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan50
2014Gazorpian (voice)1 ("")
2015KosmosDiana Lord5

Video games

Virginia Hey's involvement in video games is limited to a single notable role, reprising her iconic portrayal of the Delvian priestess Pa'u Zotoh Zhaan in : The Game (2002). This action-adventure title, developed by Red Lemon Studios and published by Interactive, extends the narrative of the television series, allowing players to control various crew members aboard the living ship Moya while engaging in combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration across alien worlds. Hey's voice work as Zhaan provides spiritual guidance and diplomatic insight to the ensemble cast, voiced by other series alumni including and , enhancing the game's immersive tie-in to the sci-fi franchise. The game was released exclusively for Microsoft Windows on August 8, 2002, in , receiving mixed reviews for its ambitious scope but technical limitations on PC hardware of the era. No additional video game credits for Hey have been documented beyond this project.

References

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