Lucy Liu is a renowned actress, director, producer, and visual artist, born to Chinese immigrants Cecilia and Tom Liu in Queens, New York. Her mother, a biochemist from Beijing, and father, a civil engineer from Shanghai, instilled in her a strong cultural heritage. Raised in a bilingual household, Liu's early interest in the arts was initially balanced with a focus on academics.
After graduating from Stuyvesant High School in 1986, Liu began her undergraduate studies at NYU, later transferring to the University of Michigan, where she earned a degree in Asian Languages and Cultures. During her senior year, Liu's transformative experience in a campus production of Alice in Wonderland inspired her to pursue acting professionally.
Liu's persistence paid off with small roles on Beverly Hills, 90210, NYPD Blue, ER, and The X-Files. Her breakthrough performance as Ling Woo on Ally McBeal earned her a permanent spot on the cast and a 1999 Primetime Emmy nomination. She also appeared in Payback opposite Mel Gibson, Shanghai Noon alongside Jackie Chan, and Charlie's Angels as Alex Munday, solidifying her international stardom.
Throughout her career, Liu has starred in major box office hits, including Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Chicago, Set It Up, Kung Fu Panda, and Amazon's Red One. Her filmography has grossed over $3.7 billion worldwide. Beyond acting, Liu has made her mark as a director and producer, championing meaningful stories through projects like the documentaries Freedom's Fury and Redlight, and the Emmy-nominated VR experience The Pirate Queen.
As a passionate visual artist, Liu has exhibited her work in solo and group shows in the United States and abroad. Her art explores themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage through mixed media, painting, and sculpture. Liu is also a UNICEF Ambassador, advocating for children's rights and global health for over two decades.
In 2019, Liu became only the second Asian American woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment and beyond.
