Who played Faith Lehane in Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Actress's career and notable projects explored

Buffy the Vampire Slayer introduced fans to several unforgettable characters during its seven-season run.

Among them was Faith Lehana, who became a fan favorite. Faith was portrayed by actress Eliza Dushka, who was just finishing high school when she got the part.

What started as a minor appearance turned into something much bigger. Eliza Dushku created a character that fans still mention when talking about the series.

Her acting helped define what it meant to be an intense version of a hero. The chemistry between Faith and the ensemble cast added refreshing layers to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Here is a detailed look at Dushku's career and how she became a household name.

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Eliza Dushku in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Eliza Dushku was a young actress when she auditioned for the role of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Her agent made her submit a video audition for the series.

The role was initially designed and created for just three episodes. However, the character became so well-recognized that she stayed for the entire third season.

Also See: Who is Peter Palandjian? Networth and all about Eliza Dushku’s husband as retired actress graduates with master’s degree

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Her memorable acting

Faith Lehane came to Sunnydale with a chaotic past and no background support. She was meant to be the opposite of Buffy Summers. While Buffy had family and friends, Faith was isolated.

This made her unpredictable and vulnerable. Eliza Dushku brought nuance to a character who could have been just an antagonist. Faith's loneliness made her even more sympathetic despite the difficult choices she had to make.

The relationship between the Mayor and Faith displayed her need for connection. Buffy the Vampire Slayer explains themes of redemption through Faith's actions. She appeared in 26 episodes across the series and its spinoff, Angel.

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Her other acting projects

After Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Eliza Dushku featured in several notable productions. She played Missy in the comedy Bring It On and also featured in the horror movie Wrong Turn.

That same year, she landed the lead role in the show True Calling, where she played Tru Daviers, a medical student with the power to relive days. Eliza Dushku reunited with Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon for the science fiction show Dollhouse.

Additionally, she both starred and produced in the show as Echo. Her movie work also includes City by the Sea with Robert De Niro, The New Guy and Soul Survivors.

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Eliza Dushku's current life

Eliza Dushku made a big career change in recent years. She took a break from acting after her last roles in The Saint and the show Bull. Dushku has since dedicated herself to the field of mental health.

She completed her undergraduate degree and earned a degree in Mental Health Counselling. She is now a certified therapist and describes this as her true calling and actual purpose. She married businessman Peter Palandijan and is now a mother to two boys.