Lucy Liu Speaks Out on More AAPI Representation in Hollywood Despite 'Moving the Needle'

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Actress Lucy Liu recently opened up about her experience being "othered" as an Asian American actress and playing roles that perpetuate dangerous stereotypes in Hollywood.

In an op-ed published in the Washington Post on April 29, Liu, 52, reveals that while she feels "fortunate to have 'moved the needle' a little with some mainstream success," she said that there is "still much more to go" and that "it'll take more to end 200 years of Asian stereotypes."

She spoke about the sparse representation of AAPI actors and actresses on-screen and recalled that her hero as a child was Anne Miyamoto from the Calgon fabric softener commercial. Even though Liu is an award-winning actress that broke the mold for the Asian American community, she said it's still not enough.

Liu wrote, “Asians in America have made incredible contributions, yet we’re still thought of as Other. We are still categorized and viewed as dragon ladies or new iterations of delicate, domestic geishas — modern toile. These stereotypes can be not only constricting but also deadly.”

She also revealed that she had been a fan of "Charlie's Angels" as a child, but never dreamed she would one day star in the franchise.

"It's one of the reasons 'Charlie's Angels' was so important to me," Liu stated. "As part of something so iconic, my character Alex Munday normalized Asian identity for a mainstream audience and made a piece of Americana a little more inclusive."

Not only is Lucy Liu fighting to break stereotypes in Hollywood, but will also be fighting in her first superhero film.

Liu will be playing the villain Kalypso in "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," which is set to be released on June 2, 2023.

Featured Image via Getty

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

‘Mortal Kombat’ Star Lewis Tan Lands Lead Role in Series Adaptation of ‘Quantum Spy’

'This is OUR Movie': Simu Liu Celebrates All-Asian Cast as 'Shang-Chi' Wraps Filming

Jay Park Sparks Debate After Calling Himself ‘Historic’ Next to Bong Joon Ho and BTS

Ripped South Korean Actress Lee Si-young Knocks Everyone’s Heart Out in Netflix's ‘Sweet Home’