Full Name: Lucy Alexis Liu
Date of Birth: December 2, 1968
Age: 55 (as of 2024)
Birthplace: Queens, New York City, USA
Nationality: American
Occupation: Actress, Director, Producer, Artist
Years Active: 1991–present
Children: 1 (Rockwell Lloyd Liu)
Early Life & Education
Lucy Liu was born to Chinese immigrant parents from Beijing and Shanghai. She grew up in Queens, New York, and was raised bilingual, speaking Mandarin and English. She attended New York University before transferring to the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a degree in Asian languages and cultures.
Acting Career & Breakthrough
Television Success
- Ally McBeal (1998–2002) – Gained fame as the sharp-tongued lawyer Ling Woo, earning her an Emmy nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
- Elementary (2012–2019) – Played Dr. Joan Watson, a modern reimagining of Sherlock Holmes’ companion, in the hit CBS series.
Major Film Roles
- Shanghai Noon (2000) – Starred alongside Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson.
- Charlie’s Angels (2000, 2003) – Played Alex Munday, one of the three Angels, alongside Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore.
- Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) – Played O-Ren Ishii, one of the most iconic villains in Quentin Tarantino’s action classic.
- Kung Fu Panda series (2008–present) – Voiced Master Viper in the popular animated franchise.
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) – Played the villain Kalypso in the DC superhero film.
Directing & Other Work
- Liu has directed episodes of Elementary, Luke Cage, and Why Women Kill.
- She is an accomplished artist, working in painting and photography, and has exhibited her work globally.
Awards & Achievements
- Screen Actors Guild Award (for Ally McBeal)
- Critics’ Choice Television Award (for Elementary)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2019) – First Asian-American actress to receive this honor in the TV category.
Personal Life & Philanthropy
Lucy Liu is a single mother to her son, Rockwell Lloyd Liu, born via gestational surrogate in 2015. She is actively involved in UNICEF and other humanitarian efforts, advocating for children’s rights and Asian representation in Hollywood.
Legacy & Impact
Liu is celebrated as a trailblazer for Asian representation in Hollywood. Her roles in action films, TV dramas, and comedies have cemented her as a versatile and influential actress.
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