Lucy Liu is an American actor, writer and producer who has appeared in films and television alike. She has won a Satellite Award for Outstanding Comedy Series and has also been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Her screenplays have been featured in some of the best movies of the decade including Bridget Jones Diary, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Mulan, Kung Mangai, Finding Nemo, The Informers, The Perfect Storm, Edward Scissorhands, Get Shorty, Planes, Trains, and The Informers. She was also a contestant on Hollywood Burnout. In fact, her role as Jeannie Potts in Mulan was her first Broadway appearance.
Lucy Liu has since grown into one of the most prolific and respected stand-up comedians in the United States, traveling the world and playing in various popular venues. Her first successful comedy series was featured on Logo TV’s reality series Chopped, where she competed against other popular chefs. She later went on to appear in the film Edward Scissorhands, where she again faced off against Scissorhands, but this time was outclassed by director Wes Ball.
Lucy Liu returned to her short film career with the release of her second feature, the crime drama Code Names: The Butterfly Effect. This time, the actress plays an FBI agent working to crack a series of murders that took place within the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The movie went on to become the third highest grossing comedy of the year, behind Obama’s winning Obama’s Movie, and the Rise of the Fourth Reich. The movie was a box office smash, receiving over $700 million at the international box office. It was also picked up for a second season on Starz, where it was canceled after three episodes.
Another of Lucy Liu’s starring roles was in the action/adventure film No Ordinary Family, opposite Bill Murray. This time around, she plays a mother involved in her own domestic abuse scenario, with a history of being abused by her stepfather. The movie garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised its emphasis on family-driven conflict and its focus on the familial dynamic. It was also rewarded with an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. There are many different characters throughout the film, with some featuring supporting characters who share their thoughts and emotions, and others filling-out the starring roles. For example, in the closing credits, Murray’s character provides a history of his family and how he grew up in a single parent home.
Lucy Liu is also no stranger to receiving smaller than usual roles in television shows, having previously appeared in less-noticeable supporting roles in comedies such as Mr. Nobody and Hung Junk. However, with her impressive resume and critical acclaim, she has found herself with bigger and better roles in movies, including ensemble casts in the last two Chinese film franchise installments: Tai Chi House and The Mermaid. In addition, Liu received the first Chinese Leading Female Award at the 2021 Academy Awards, for her performance as Miss Tao in Mulan, a remake of the old Chinese fairy tale. Her second award came at the Golden Globe Awards, where she played the role of Joy in the comedy-thriller Crazy Heart.
It seems as though Lucy Liu can do it all, playing different characters, and playing different types of roles in different genres. Her unique ability to play different characters, and come across as completely different people is what helps her to be so versatile. Whether she is seen playing a sexy Chinese maid in fantasy films such as Old McDonald or a sweet, loving Chinese housewife in Mulan, or the mother of three children in Love Actually, it seems as though her lovable nature and strong love of the Chinese culture will continue to bring audiences back for more. We can only hope that we see more of these in the future.
