Darien Takle

Darien Ruth Takle is a New Zealand actor, playwright and teacher. Takle is best known for playing Cyrene, Xena's mother in Xena: Warrior Princess. In 2021, Takle was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the performing arts.

Early life and education

Takle was in Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School's first intake in 1970, and graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. She also earned a Diploma of Fine Arts at Auckland University’s Elam School of Fine Arts, specialising in sculpture, and two diplomas at Unitec Institute of Technology. She is married to musician Matthew Brown, and they have written several comedy shows together.

Career Takle's professional debut was at the Mercury Theatre in 1973. Takle's television credits include Xena's mother Cyrene in Xena: Warrior Princess, and roles in Shortland Street, Marlin Bay, and Burying Brian. Film credits include the Headmistress in Heavenly Creatures, Marge in The Ugly, and Ruth Scarry in The Lost Tribe. At the 2003 New Zealand Film Awards, she won Best Performance in a Digital Feature for her role in Gregory King's Christmas.