Takeaways:
- Lucy Liu says she still believes in the magic of filmmaking after more than three decades in Hollywood.
- The actress credits excitement, gratitude, and staying true to her path as keys to a long career.
- She reflects on working with Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore and shares advice from Helen Mirren that continues to inspire her.
Lucy Liu Still Believes in the Magic of Filmmaking
Lucy Liu is still powered by the same excitement she felt when she first entered the entertainment industry. Even after years in Hollywood, the Charlie’s Angels star says her passion for filmmaking hasn’t faded.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 56-year-old actress opened up about maintaining her love for storytelling, even as the industry evolves.
“It’s better to come from a place of excitement… just because there’s so much broken in the system, it doesn’t have to change your belief in the magic of filmmaking.”
Liu shared that filmmaking was both an escape and a way to understand the world when she first got started. That early momentum, she said, is part of what shaped her career.
She added:
“That momentum that I had as a 19- or 20-year-old when I started… that combustion of starting out is the beauty of it. You don’t want it to be tainted too soon.”
Why Lucy Liu Never Stepped Away from Hollywood
Many of Liu’s peers have taken breaks from on-camera work, but Liu shared that she never felt the urge to walk away.
“I’ll never lose that magic. I never retired. I never strayed from this business because I love it so much.”
Liu starred alongside Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore in the 2000 hit Charlie’s Angels. While both actresses later branched into new creative paths, Liu said she has always stayed focused on acting and filmmaking.
She praised her former co-stars for their choices:
- Cameron Diaz, who stepped back from acting for several years, is someone Liu describes as able to “light up a room like nobody else.”
- Drew Barrymore, now the host of a highly successful talk show, has always been a “people person,” Liu said.
Despite their different journeys, Liu explained that she remained on her chosen path:
“People go in different directions… but I’ve just stayed on this path. This is the path that I choose.”
The Best Advice Lucy Liu Ever Received—From Helen Mirren
Liu also shared the most impactful advice she’s ever been given, and it came from none other than Dame Helen Mirren.
Mirren’s words stuck with her:
“Stay exactly who you are, fired up and ready to go.”
Liu described the Oscar-winning actress as a “wonderful, magical person,” adding that the two remain in touch and still text each other.
Why Lucy Liu’s Perspective Matters Today
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve—with shifts in streaming, technology, and production—Liu’s mindset serves as a reminder of why many filmmakers and performers start their journey: creativity, purpose, and passion. Her continued excitement for storytelling is something many aspiring actors and creators can learn from.
