Lucy Liu, an iconic figure in Hollywood, has always trusted her instincts throughout her career. Known for her roles in major blockbusters such as “Charlie’s Angels” and its sequel, as well as Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill Vols 1 & 2,” Liu has carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. Despite her achievements, she attributes much of her success to those who paved the way before her, particularly Asian American actors. As she gears up for her return to the big screen in Steven Soderbergh’s “Presence,” Liu reflects on her journey and the challenges she has faced, particularly during the 90s, a period rife with challenges for young female actors.
“If I was, it would have been a much easier road. But because I’ve never been that person, we had to find a way.”
Liu's career began with a breakthrough role in the TV series "Ally McBeal," where she quickly became a household name. Her versatility as an actress was evident as she transitioned from television to film and even Broadway, showcasing her range and dedication to her craft. In the hit TV show "Elementary," Liu shared top billing as a female Watson, breaking gender norms and redefining iconic roles.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Liu remains humble about her journey in Hollywood. She acknowledges that her path was not self-made but rather built upon the foundation laid by others.
“I would never take credit. My career has not been paved by myself.”
In "Presence," Liu portrays a mother of two teenagers, a role that allows her to explore the complexity of familial relationships. The film delves into the tensions within the family, particularly highlighting how her character favors her son over her daughter. Liu finds it refreshing to play a character unafraid to express emotions, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
“I think having that sense of self saved me from a lot of probably bad situations of either being taken advantage of, or what people would think is quid pro quo.”
Throughout her career, Liu has relied on her instincts to navigate the often precarious landscape of Hollywood. She recalls instances where her intuition protected her from potentially harmful situations.
“I really didn’t think about it. I would have done that in any situation. I think when I sense something is not right, I am going to protect myself.”
As an Asian American actor, Liu has faced unique challenges in an industry that has not always embraced diversity. The rise of anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic has been a source of concern for Liu, who believes that education and understanding are essential to combatting division and fear.
“It’s complicated, and I’m quite miffed by the whole thing. That’s a very light word, by the way.”
“I think there’s going to be generational damage, and I think in the world as a whole, there’s a lot of division and fear, and I think fear fuels extreme choices.”
Despite these challenges, Liu remains passionate about her work and optimistic about the future.
“I don’t know, I was so excited and it’s not different from how I feel now, because I have such a passion for what I do.”