Lexa Doig’s magnetic presence on screen was undeniable from the moment she stepped into the role of Andromeda Ascendant. As the sentient starship’s avatar, she became the beating heart of the series, drawing viewers into the vast universe of “Andromeda.”
But her journey didn’t stop there. The Canadian gem swiftly became a staple in the world of science fiction, gracing our screens in iconic shows like “Stargate SG-1,” where she portrayed the enigmatic Dr. Carolyn Lam, and “V,” delving into the heart of an alien invasion.
Beyond these roles, Doig’s career has been marked by a series of evolutions, each more intriguing than the last. From her early days in the sci-fi realm to her recent ventures into drama, comedy, and even behind-the-scenes work, Lexa Doig has proven time and again that she’s not just a sci-fi darling, but a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore the multifaceted career of Lexa Doig, shedding light on her lesser-known roles, her off-screen endeavors, and what the future holds for this ever-evolving star. Join us as we traverse the galaxies of her career, celebrating the achievements of a true sci-fi queen.
Background info
Born June 8, 1973 to an engineer and nurse, Doig grew up in Toronto. As a kid, she enjoyed learning American Sign Language and participated in rhythmic gymnastics before developing an interest in the theater.
In high school, she also began modeling, but she really wanted to pursue the art of acting. As a result, she dropped out of school, leveraging the attention she had received from modeling to secure her first acting gigs.
Early career
Doig worked regularly in theater productions as she sought out acting roles in film and television. Her first big break came with a stint on the popular Canadian game show Video & Arcade Top 10.
This opportunity opened the door for Doig’s first official acting role in The Hidden Room.
The very next year, she was cast as Cowgirl in a television adaptation of William Shatner’s sci-fi series TekWar, which tells the story of a private investigator working to stop the proliferation of a popular drug called tek.
After five episodes of TekWar and two television films in the same universe, the floodgates opened for Doig’s acting career.
She began showing up in tons of Canadian tv shows including F/X: The Series, Flash Gordon, Ready or Not, and Taking the Falls. In 1996, she got her first role outside of Canada in the British crime series CI5: The Professionals.
Doig Ascendant
With her career taking off, Doig followed up CI5 with another recurring role, this time in the final season of the Canadian drama series Traders.
Being well-established, she was ready to take her career to the next step. In 2000, she was hired as the main protagonist opposite one of history’s most terrifying villains, Jason Voorhees, in Jason X.
Doig played Rowan, a worker on a spaceship transporting the cryogenically-frozen serial killer. When Jason thaws out, it is up to Rowan to save the day.
Doig serves up final girl determination effortlessly, and this was the turning point of her career into the mainstream.
Andromeda
While battling Jason gave Doig more screen time, it was her career-defining turn in the sci-fi hit show Andromeda that propelled her into the spotlight.
The series followed the adventures of the captain and crew of the ship Andromeda Ascendant as they attempt to bring peace to their universe 300 years after the collapse of the Systems Commonwealth.
This AI manifests in the form of an android, affectionately referred to as “Rommie” by Andromeda’s crew, that takes Doig’s appearance.
Defined by her bravery, super-strength, and intelligence, Rommie’s often repeats the line “I am a warship. I don’t like running from a fight.” This line encapsulates the fortitude and resolve of many of Doig’s characters throughout her career!
Andromeda ran for five seasons, and Doig appeared in all but one of its 110 episodes.
Later Career
While many remember her for her iconic role as the Andromeda Ascendant in “Andromeda,” her contributions to the sci-fi world extend far beyond that.
Stargate SG-1
In “Stargate SG-1,” Lexa took on the role of Dr. Carolyn Lam, the Chief Medical Officer of Stargate Command. Introduced in the show’s ninth season, Dr. Lam was the daughter of General Hank Landry, the new commander of the SGC, she had to navigate the challenges of working in a high-stakes environment while managing a strained relationship with her father.
Continuum
Transitioning from the vastness of space to the intricacies of time, Lexa then graced the series “Continuum.” Here, she played Sonya Valentine, a passionate and determined member of the terrorist group Liber8.
Sent back in time from 2077 to the present day, Sonya and her group aimed to change the future by altering the course of events in the past. As Sonya Valentine, Lexa showcased a character torn between her ideals and the realities of her actions.
What is Lexa Doig Doing Now?
Lexa Doig is still very active as an actress. Her most recent role was in the heartwarming series “Virgin River,” where she portrays the character Paige Lassiter, captivating audiences over 15 episodes.
2023 also saw her step into the role of Dr. Natasha Bulan in the TV series “The Power.” Fans of mystery dramas would recognize her as Sally Allison from the “Aurora Teagarden Mysteries,” where she appeared from 2019 to 2022.
Additionally, in 2021, she ventured into the horror genre, playing Bree Wheeler in the chilling TV series “Chucky.” Not to forget, her portrayal of the enigmatic Talia al Ghul in the popular “Arrow” series from 2017 to 2020.
Aside from acting, Doig is very passionate about a number of social justice issues. She publicly supports Black Lives Matter, highlights clean water initiatives, advocates for the rights of women, minority groups, and indigenous communities, boosts anti-racism work, calls for an end to war in Ukraine, and champions economic restoration in Lebanon.
Together with her husband, she also donates her time fundraising for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
In 2003, Doig married fellow actor Michael Shanks after meeting on the set of Andromeda. Since then, they have worked together multiple times including two seasons of Stargate SG-1, the romantic series Virgin River, and the 2011 thriller Tactical Force.
They have three children, Mia, Samuel and Tatiana, and Lexa frequently posts cute photos of her cat Hicks! They currently live in Vancouver.
In addition to her family life, Doig continues acting and is a huge Dungeons and Dragons fan!
Leave a Reply