As one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood, Lucy Liu has had roles both in front of and behind the camera. She has credits as a director, producer and visual artist on her iconic resume. Born in Queens to Taiwanese immigrant parents, Liu grew up immersed in arts and culture in a multicultural New York neighborhood. This only fed her desire to tell stories and become a visual shapeshifter. This hunger and natural talent led to iconic roles like Ling Woo on “Ally McBeal,” O‑Ren Ishii in “Kill Bill: Volume 1,” and Joan Watson in “Elementary.”
Liu has not only broken barriers for Asian American representation in Hollywood, but also garnered awards, critical acclaim and a legacy that spans all creative avenues. Liu’s story is one of multi-hyphenate success. She’s a model turned actress, award-winning director, and a philanthropist. To top it off, she’s doing all of this as a proud single mother. Here’s a closer look at her journey and how she built her net worth.
Lucy Liu Before Fame
With her mother a biochemist and her father a civil engineer, Liu’s interest in creative arts was unexpected. Raised in Jackson Heights and educated at Stuyvesant High School, Liu pursued Asian languages at the University of Michigan, landing the lead in a campus production of “Alice in Wonderland.” This was where the true depth of her passion bloomed. Discovered at 19 while modeling in a subway, she soon took up dance, martial arts and small stage roles around New York. Her early ambition reflected a master blend of creativity and grit, traits that would later define her breakthrough journey.
How Did Lucy Liu Become Famous?
Liu’s television breakthrough came with 1998’s “Ally McBeal,” where she played the sharp-tongued lawyer, Ling Woo. This role won her a Primetime Emmy nod and Screen Actors Guild accolades. Taking her talents to the big screen, she went on to land roles in 1999’s “Payback,” the iconic “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Kill Bill.” Each of these roles defined her legacy, affirming her range as both a comedic and action star. She also earned a few credits in voice acting, first as Viper in the “Kung Fu Panda” franchise, then as Silvermist in the “Tinker Bell” series. Cementing her status as a mainstream star, her greatest achievement was paving the way for greater Asian representation in media.
Business Endeavors
Liu’s creative reach extends far beyond acting. As a director and producer, she was the genius behind the 2014 film “Meena,” a documentary about sex trafficking in India. This aligns with her role as a UNICEF Ambassador since 2004, playing an active roles in supporting anti–human trafficking.
Having studied fine arts, she also expresses herself through that avenue. In fact, her paintings have been exhibited globally and published in a 72-image collection. As a certified “it girl,” she’s also collected some major checks through doing campaign work for brands, like Revlon and Bruno Magli.
What Is Lucy Liu’s Net Worth?
Adding up everything she’s accomplished, Liu’s net worth sits at an estimated $16 million. She has reported earnings of $130,000 per television episode. Beyond that, her wealth stems from acting in major films, voiceover roles, residuals and royalties, directorial work, as well as endorsements and art sales. Venturing into real estate as well, she’s profited from her NYC townhouse and Studio City property sales.
How Many Times Has Lucy Liu Married?
Liu has never tied the knot with another person. She maintains a veil of privacy across her long-term relationships, including her engagement with writer-director Zac Helm. She’s also had rumored flings with George Clooney and Wladimir Klitschko. When asked in 2021 why she never married, her response was simple.
“I do what I want according to how I feel,” she said. “I don’t have to fall into a social norm of ‘Now you’re going to get married.’ No.”
Who Did Lucy Liu Have a Child With?
Continuing to honor the untraditional route, Liu welcomed her son Rockwell Lloyd via gestational surrogate in August 2015. Basking in this new chapter of motherhood, she’s raising him as a single mom in New York City. She has not publicly disclosed Rockwell’s biological paternal identity, sharing with Vanity Fair that her focus is on parenting intentionally and freely. Allowing her to fulfill her soul’s yearning for parenthood, Rockwell has become the centerpiece of her life.
Why Did Lucy Liu Leave ‘Ally McBeal’?
Liu joined the show “Ally McBeal” in 1998 during its second season. She played the role of Ling Woo. The writers on the show originally wrote her role as a guest spot. However, her performance was an instant fan favorite, marking her as a full-time cast member.
Liu exited the series before its fifth and final season, largely due to creative shifts and more film opportunities. By 2001, Liu was being offered major film roles, like “Charlie’s Angels” and “Kill Bill: Volume 1.” These only elevated her global stardom. Beyond that, her character arc on the show had started to narrow, and Liu expressed interest in expanding her range beyond Ling Woo.
What Exactly Did Bill Murray Say to Lucy Liu?
The alleged conflict between Lucy Liu and actor Bill Murray occurred on the set of “Charlie’s Angels” in 2000. According to Liu, Murray began insulting her acting abilities during rehearsal, in front of cast and crew. She noted during her appearance on the “Asian Enough” podcast in 2021 that his “language was inexcusable and unacceptable. I stood up for myself, and I don’t regret it.”
While Murray has never publicly clarified what he said, coinciding reports from crew members later confirmed the exchange involved Murray criticizing Liu’s performance, prompting her to stand her ground and speak up. The incident only speaks to Liu’s strength, being brave enough to challenge a Hollywood veteran in a male-dominated environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lucy Liu Chinese or Korean? Liu’s parents originally came from Beijing and Shanghai. They immigrated to Taiwan as adults before meeting in New York.
Does Lucy Liu actually speak Japanese? With an impressive rolodex of languages under her belt, Liu fluently speaks Mandarin Chinese, English, Japanese and Italian.