Lucy Liu, born on December 2, 1968, in Queens, New York, is an American actress and director of Chinese descent who rose to fame through a diverse and dynamic career.

Best known for her role as Ling Woo on Ally McBeal (1998–2002), she also starred in the Charlie’s Angels films (2000, 2003) and played Joan Watson in the crime drama Elementary (2012–2019). Her film credits include Payback (1999), Shanghai Noon (2002), Chicago (2003), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), Lucky Number Slevin (2006), Watching the Detectives (2007), The Man with the Iron Fists (2012), and Set It Up (2018). Liu has also made her mark in voice acting, lending her voice to Master Viper in the Kung Fu Panda series, Silvermist in the Tinker Bell films, Maya in Maya & Miguel (2004–2007), and in Mulan II (2004). Most recently, she portrayed Calypso in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and directed the Disney+ series American Born Chinese. Throughout her career, she has received multiple accolades, including a Critics’ Choice Television Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Seoul International Drama Award.