Lucy Alexis Liu was born on December 2, 1968, in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City. Her parents, Cecilia and Tom Liu, were immigrants from Taiwan. Her father was a civil engineer, and her mother was a biochemist. Liu worked in a garment factory and as a waitress to help support her family during her childhood. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, English, and some Italian, Spanish, and Japanese. She attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Asian Languages and Cultures from the University of Michigan.
Liu’s acting career began with a minor role in a 1991 episode of “Beverly Hills, 90210.” She then appeared in several television shows, including “NYPD Blue,” “ER,” and “The X-Files.” Her early film roles included appearances in “Protozoa” (1993) and “Bang” (1995).
Liu’s breakthrough came with her role as Ling Woo in the television series “Ally McBeal” (1998-2002). Her portrayal of the assertive and often intimidating lawyer earned her critical acclaim and widespread recognition. This role led to more prominent film opportunities.
Liu achieved international stardom with her role as Alex Munday in “Charlie’s Angels” (2000) and “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” (2003). She has since starred in a variety of films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. These include action, comedy, and dramatic roles.