Lucy Liu has been a standout name in Hollywood for over two decades, bringing charisma, strength, and versatility to every role she takes on. Whether she’s solving crimes in a detective series or leading action-packed films, her presence on screen is hard to ignore. Fans love her for her wit, her intensity, and her ability to switch seamlessly between drama, comedy, and action. If you’re looking for a list of Lucy Liu movies and TV shows that highlight her best work, you’ve come to the right place.

From her early days on television to her breakthrough in blockbuster films, Lucy Liu has built a career that spans genres and generations. She’s not just a pretty face—she’s a powerhouse performer who’s taken on complex roles and made them unforgettable. Her name pops up often in search queries like “Lucy Liu movies and TV shows” for a reason: people want to know where they can catch her best performances.

So whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering her work, this guide covers the highlights of her filmography and television roles. We’ll take a look at her most memorable characters, the films that made her a household name, and the TV series that kept audiences coming back for more.

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Table of Contents

• Biography
• Early Career
• Breakthrough Roles
• Notable Movies
• TV Shows
• Awards and Recognition
• Lucy Liu and Pop Culture
• FAQ

Biography

Born on December 2, 1968, in Queens, New York, Lucy Liu is an American actress, director, and artist who has made a lasting impact on both film and television. With a career that began in the early 90s, she has become one of the most recognizable Asian-American performers in Hollywood.

Early Career

Lucy Liu got her start with small roles on TV shows like “Law & Order” and “Murder One.” Her early performances were brief but impactful, hinting at the talent that would soon make her a star. In 1997, she joined the cast of “Ally McBeal,” playing the sharp and sarcastic Ling Woo. That role earned her a lot of attention and showed she could hold her own in a competitive and often cutthroat TV landscape.

So even before her big break in movies, Lucy Liu was already making waves on television. Her ability to blend humor with serious moments made her a fan favorite, and it was clear she was going places.

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Breakthrough Roles

One of her most iconic early roles came in the 2000 film Charlie’s Angels, where she played the fierce and stylish Alex Munday. The movie was a hit, and it helped cement her as a leading lady in Hollywood. Her performance was so well received that she returned for the sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, in 2003.

Another major turning point in her film career was her role in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) as O-Ren Ishii, a deadly and elegant assassin. Her performance was so memorable that she became a symbol of powerful female characters in action films. It’s no surprise that “Lucy Liu movies and TV shows” searches often lead fans to this film first.

Notable Movies

Over the years, Lucy Liu has appeared in a wide range of films, from comedies to dramas to action thrillers. Some of her most notable movies include:

• Chicago (2002) – as Go-to-Hell Kitty
• Domino (2005) – as the title character Domino Harvey
• Shazam! (2019) – as Dr. Thaddeus Sivana’s sister, Darla
• Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002) – as the deadly Sever
• Southland Tales (2006) – in a supporting role

Each of these roles showed a different side of her acting range, proving that she’s not just a one-type performer. She can be funny, fierce, or deeply emotional—often all in the same film.

TV Shows

While her film roles are legendary, Lucy Liu has also been a major presence on television. One of her longest and most acclaimed roles came in the CBS series Elementary, where she played Dr. Joan Watson alongside Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock Holmes. The show ran for seven seasons, from 2012 to 2019, and helped redefine the classic character for modern audiences.

Before that, she starred in the short-lived but critically praised series St. Joan (2006), where she played a modern-day Joan of Arc. She also lent her voice to the animated series Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, playing Master Shifu’s sister, Mei Mei.

Her work in TV has been praised for its depth and consistency, making her a go-to actress for complex female leads. If you’re searching for “Lucy Liu movies and TV shows,” her work on Elementary is definitely worth checking out.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Lucy Liu has received numerous awards and nominations. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in Ally McBeal and won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in Charlie’s Angels. She’s also been recognized for her humanitarian work and her contributions to the arts.

Her ability to balance commercial success with critical acclaim is one reason she remains a popular figure in entertainment. When people search for “Lucy Liu movies and TV shows,” they’re often looking for a mix of excitement, drama, and strong female characters—and she delivers all of that.

Lucy Liu and Pop Culture

Lucy Liu’s influence extends beyond just her roles—she’s become a symbol of empowerment and representation in Hollywood. As an Asian-American woman, she’s broken barriers and opened doors for others in the industry. Her roles have inspired a generation of fans who see themselves reflected on screen.

Her performance in Kill Bill is still referenced in pop culture today, and her style and presence are often imitated but never matched. She’s a true original in a world that sometimes plays it safe. If you're looking for “Lucy Liu movies and TV shows” to watch, you’re not just getting entertainment—you’re getting a piece of film and television history.

FAQ

What are Lucy Liu’s most famous movies?

Some of Lucy Liu’s most famous movies include Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill: Volume 1, Chicago, and Domino. These films helped establish her as a versatile and powerful presence in Hollywood.

Has Lucy Liu won any awards?

Yes, Lucy Liu has won a Screen Actors Guild Award and has been nominated for Golden Globes. She’s also received recognition for her work in television and her humanitarian efforts.

What TV shows has Lucy Liu been in?

Lucy Liu has appeared in shows like Ally McBeal, St. Joan, and Elementary. Her role as Dr. Joan Watson in Elementary was especially well received and ran for seven seasons.

So whether you're just getting into her work or revisiting old favorites, there's a lot to explore when it comes to Lucy Liu’s film and TV career. For more info on her latest projects, check out her IMDb page or follow her on social media. If you enjoyed this list, you might also want to read more about and how she’s influenced other actors in the industry.