My Asian Persuasion: Lucy Liu

The second of my Asian Pursuasion series brings to you Lucy Alexi Liu. Yes, she's smart, she's sexy, she's Asian, she's savvy and she can totally kick your ass before you can ask 'who's your momma?'

Liu was born in Queens, New Your to Chinese immigrants. Most might know her from her role in Ally McBeal which ran from 1998 - 2002 however, she very likely is best known for her roles in "Kill Bill" and both "Charlie's Angels" movies.

If I were to choose the role I preferred her in it would be the 'Angels' movies; love those. I especially liked the kick-ass built in with the precise humor.

In as much as "The Cleaner" was not a raving box office hit, I rather enjoyed that as well. She and Cedric were the perfect odd couple.

Did I mention somewhere before that the woman is damn sexy?

And did I mention that she is hot!

And desirable?

Huh? Did I? And isn't she just the cutest thing too?

Lucy has this quiet sophistication about her that's kinda hard to explain but not easy to miss.

Yet, there's that look in her eyes that seem to warn you not to get too comfortable with this because there's some fire burning beneath the surface of it all.

In her early career she made appearances on "NYPD Blue" (1993), "ER" (1994), and "The X Files" (1993).

Her first big screen appearance was in "Jerry Maguire" (1996) where she played an ex-girlfriend.

Since then she has had major roles in Jackie Chan's western "Shanghai Noon" (2000), "Charlie's Angels" (2000), Chicago (2002), "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" (2003) and "Domino" (2005)to name a few.

Upcoming Movies:

Charlie Chan (2009)
Kung Fu Panda (2008) which is in post-production she will provide the voice of Master Viper. The Year of Getting to Know Us (2008) Jimmy Fallon and Sharon Stone also star.

Her hobbies include practicing the martial art of Kali-Eskrima-Silat (knife-and-stick fighting), skiing, rock climbing, riding horses and playing the accordion.

Accomplishments:
Graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor with a degree in Asian languages and cultures.

Graduated from New York's prestigious Stuyvesant High School (1986).

Her mother is a biochemist, her father works as a civil engineer.

Was the first Asian-American female to host "Saturday Night Live" (1975).
Is an initiated sister of Chi Omega Sorority.

Is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, English, Italian, Spanish and a little Japanese.
Has had gallery exhibitions, showing her collage, paintings and photography.
Was named a U.S. Fund for UNICEF Ambassador (2005).

Personal Quotes:
I'm so proud of my heritage, but yes, I think there's always a danger when people put you on a pedestal. Especially when you're just trying to live your life and pursue your dreams. The intention is not to represent Asian Americans, but to be an Asian American who is working as an actress. People often confuse the two. When you are "representing," you have the burden of some people projecting their hopes onto you. This can eventually lead to a certain amount of disappointment. I strive to not deny myself experiences that open up to me. I hope to live without looking back in regret. If people want to join me on the ride, then I'm happy to have them along.

Martial arts are art forms and require a great deal of discipline and dedication. I so admire people who focus their lives on it, because it's not an easy thing to do.

*So did I mention that this woman is fucking smart? If I didn't, the above is proof positive wouldn't you say?*

AWARDS:

1999 SAG - Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for "Ally McBeal" (1997) (shared with cast)

2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Award - Favorite Action Team for "Charlie's Angels" (2000) along with Drew Barrymore Cameron Diaz

2001 Blockbuster Entertainment Award - Favorite Supporting Actress for: "Shanghai Noon" (2000)

2003 Critics Choice Award Best Acting Ensemble for "Chicago" (2002) (shared with other cast members)

2003 Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) - Outstanding Performance by the Cast of a Theatrical Motion Picture for "Chicago" (2002)

2003 Young Hollywood Award - "Adrenaline Rush"

2004 MTV Movie Award - Best Villain for "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" (2003)