Actress Lucy Liu recently engaged in a post-screening discussion for her film, Rosemead, at an upper Manhattan cinema. During the event, she reflected on her extensive career in Hollywood and the complexities of her identity in the industry.
Lucy Liu’s Evolving Career
Lucy Liu’s filmography showcases her impressive versatility as an artist. From her breakout role on Ally McBeal in the late 1990s, she has navigated genres like action, drama, and romance. Notable works include:
- Charlie’s Angels series
- Kill Bill films
- Elementary, a network whodunit
- Netflix’s Set It Up
In 2000, Liu made history as the first Asian woman to host Saturday Night Live. Nearly two decades later, she became the second Asian American actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, following pioneering actress Anna May Wong.
Mental Health and Motherhood in Rosemead
Rosemead, which Liu also produced, highlights the nuanced struggles of a single Taiwanese American mother named Irene. The film, inspired by a 2017 column in the Los Angeles Times, focuses on Irene’s cancer treatment journey while caring for her son, Joe, who has recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia. During the film’s opening weekend, Rosemead earned over $50,000 from a single theater, marking one of the year’s best per-theater openings.
Challenging Hollywood’s Labels
As a prominent Asian figure in Hollywood, Liu expressed her desire to move beyond identity labels. She noted, “I would love to get rid of the hyphenates. I find it very limiting.” Liu remarked that such titles often feel like confines rather than descriptions, reflecting on the broader implications of labeling artists in a diverse industry.
At 57, Liu acknowledges her pride in her identity but emphasizes the importance of being recognized simply as an artist. Her poignant reflections bring attention to the ongoing conversation about representation and the need for more inclusive narratives in Hollywood.
