Lesley-Ann Brandt: Biography, Career, and Personal Life

Lesley-Ann Brandt: Biography, Career, and Personal Life

Lesley-Ann Brandt (born 2 December 1981) is a South African-born American actress best known for the role of Mazikeen on the television series Lucifer (2016–2021).

Lesley-Ann Brandt is a celebrated South African-born actress, best known for her captivating portrayal of Mazikeen in the hit TV series Lucifer. With her dynamic performances and diverse heritage, Brandt has become a prominent figure in Hollywood, showcasing her talent across various genres.

Early Life and Background

Born on December 2, 1981, in Cape Town, South Africa, Lesley-Ann Brandt grew up in a vibrant, multicultural environment. She is of Cape Coloured descent, with a rich ethnic background that includes African Khoisan, Indian, German, Dutch, San, Spanish, Portuguese, and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

Fluent in Afrikaans, Brandt was an active child, excelling in competitive field hockey and enjoying interests like yoga and baseball. In 1999, at the age of 17, she relocated to Auckland, New Zealand, with her parents, Gerald and Charmaine Brandt, and younger brother, Brian Brandt.

After graduating from Pinelands High School in Cape Town, Brandt pursued a degree in Dramatic Arts at the University of Cape Town. Initially working in retail and as an IT recruitment consultant in Auckland, she transitioned into modeling, appearing in New Zealand television advertisements. Her passion for acting led her to train in the Meisner technique in 2008, setting the stage for her remarkable career.

Age

Born on December 2, 1981, Lesley-Ann Brandt is currently 43 years old as of 2025. Her youthful energy and dynamic screen presence continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Ethnicity

Lesley-Ann Brandt proudly embraces her Cape Coloured heritage, a unique South African identity with a blend of African Khoisan, Indian, German, Dutch, San, Spanish, Portuguese, and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. This diverse background has often led to her being mistaken for other ethnicities, such as Polynesian in New Zealand or African-American and Latin-American in the U.S. She has a tattoo of the African continent with a dot marking Cape Town, symbolizing her roots.

Acting Career: Movies and TV Shows

Lesley-Ann Brandt’s acting journey began in New Zealand with her first significant role in the 2009 comedy series Diplomatic Immunity, where she played Princess Leilani. Her international breakthrough came with the role of Naevia in the Starz series Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010) and its prequel Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011), working alongside producers Steven S. DeKnight and Sam Raimi. Her portrayal of the resilient slave girl earned her widespread acclaim.

In 2015, Brandt landed her most iconic role as Mazikeen (Maze), a fierce, pansexual demon in Lucifer (2016–2021), initially aired on Fox and later on Netflix. Replacing actress Lina Esco after the first table read, Brandt’s performance as Maze became a fan favorite, contributing to the show’s record-breaking binge numbers, as noted by Forbes in 2021. She infused the character with her South African roots, notably speaking Afrikaans as the demon language “Lillum” in Season 4. Brandt also showcased her singing abilities in Lucifer’s musical episode, highlighting her versatility.

Beyond Lucifer, Brandt has an extensive resume, including:

• TV Shows:
  • Gotham (2014) as Larissa Diaz/Copperhead
  • The Librarians (2014) as Lamia
  • Single Ladies (2013) as Naomi Cox
  • CSI: NY (2011) as Camille Jordanson
  • Chuck (2011)
  • Legend of the Seeker (2010) as Sister Thea
  • The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (2024)
  • Captain Fall (2023, Netflix animated series) alongside Jason Ritter and Chris Meloni
• Movies:
  • Zombie Apocalypse (2011) as Cassie
  • Heartlock (2019) as Tera
  • Painkillers (2015) as Virginia Carver
  • Drift (2013)
  • A Beautiful Soul (2012)
  • The Cleansing Hour (2021, horror film)

Her ability to tackle diverse roles across comedy, drama, horror, and fantasy has solidified her reputation as a versatile actress.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Lesley-Ann Brandt’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million, with some sources suggesting it could be higher, up to $21 million. Her wealth stems from her successful acting career, particularly her long-running role in Lucifer, along with other TV and film projects and brand endorsements. Her annual salary is estimated at approximately $2 million, reflecting her status as a sought-after actress.

Personal Life: Husband and Children

Lesley-Ann Brandt is married to American actor Chris Payne Gilbert, known for his role in Lucifer. The couple began dating in 2012, got engaged in 2015, and tied the knot on September 5, 2015, in a scenic Vermont ceremony. They welcomed their son, Kingston Payne Brandt-Gilbert, on July 18, 2017. Brandt has shared that balancing her career and motherhood has been transformative, stating, “I’m a better mother when I’m doing what I love.”

The couple resides in Los Angeles, California, where Brandt became an American citizen in July 2023. She is an advocate for LGBTQIA rights, inspired by her role as the queer character Mazikeen, and is vocal about social justice issues, drawing from her experiences growing up during apartheid in South Africa.

Lesley-Ann Brandt and Halle Berry

Fans have frequently noted the striking resemblance between Lesley-Ann Brandt and Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry, sparking speculation about a familial connection. However, the two are not related. The similarity has led to fan campaigns suggesting Berry play Lilith, Mazikeen’s mother, in Lucifer, though L. Scott Caldwell portrayed the role in Season 5. Brandt has playfully engaged with the comparison, reposting an article on X suggesting they star together in a film inspired by The Dark Mirror.

Fun Facts

• Vegan Lifestyle: Brandt is a committed vegan, aligning with her values of health and sustainability.
• Singing Talent: She showcased her vocal skills in Lucifer’s musical episode, adding depth to Mazikeen’s character.
• Tattoo: Her African continent tattoo reflects her pride in her South African heritage.
• Fitness: Post-pregnancy, Brandt regained her physique through a rigorous training program while breastfeeding and filming Lucifer.

Social Media Presence

Lesley-Ann Brandt is active on social media, engaging with fans on Instagram (@lesleyannbrandt), Twitter, and Facebook. She often shares insights into her personal life, career updates, and advocacy work, including her support for the #SaveLucifer campaign that revived the show after its cancellation.

Conclusion

From her roots in Cape Town to her rise as a Hollywood star, Lesley-Ann Brandt has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry. Her iconic role as Mazikeen in Lucifer, combined with her diverse filmography and commitment to social causes, has made her a beloved figure. With a net worth of approximately $2 million, a loving family, and a global fanbase, Brandt continues to inspire as a talented actress and advocate.