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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Net-A-Porter The Edit: Lucy Liu

I've never known what to think of actress Lucy Liu? I've never been able to figure her out. Never any scandals. Always private. She would temporarily be in the spotlight and then she would suddenly disappear. She's been in movies (Charlie's Angels, Kill Bill), television shows (Ally McBeal, Sex and The City, Ugly Betty) and has done voice character work for movies (Mulan, Kung Fu Panda). But the question always remained! Who IS she? I never judge a book by it's cover, but I always detected sadness, frustration, anger and discontent as it relates to her career & personal life.

Well, I came across a photo shoot for Net-A-Porter and found her interview to be very enlightening. On how she wants to be viewed,  “I wish people wouldn't just see me as the Asian girl who beats everyone up, or the Asian girl with no emotion. People see Julia Roberts or Sandra Bullock in a romantic comedy, but not me...You're not Asian enough and then you're not American enough, so it gets really frustrating.” On dating (in 2010, she was linked to billionaire financier Noam Gottesman), “It's a giant question mark for me, as well. I wish I could answer – I wish I knew the answer myself!” She also talks about her parents struggles and non-support of her entering the acting field.

Liu, at 44, looks awesome in these designer gowns. However, when I look in her eyes I still see what I saw years ago: sadness, frustration, anger and discontent. To be in the business for almost 25 years and not achieve what you desire professionally or personally would be frustrating for anyone. She seems so unfulfilled. I'm not saying she's not thankful for what she has accomplished, but she doesn't seem to be where she wants to be in life. I think we've all had times like this (maybe even now). When I feel that way, I try to think about how bad things could be. Then my life doesn't look so bad :) Maybe, just appreciate what is now and know there's a reason why some of your wants or desires go unanswered. It's not to say, they still won't come true. What are your thoughts?


 Interview: Net-A-Porter, May 9 2013
Photographer: Mariano Vivanco 
Stylist: Tracy Taylor
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51 comments

  1. Seriously great you have picked up on this - I have always felt exactly the same about Lucy Liu - almost unable to figure her out. Is she happy, is she a sourpuss , is she what she portrays in her roles. Very difficult to nail it with her: - beautiful >yes, talented > yes, happy > ?, sad > ? , does she live her dream ?
    Hopefully she is happy and content - always hope that for every person.
    Have a great day my friend - :)
    Ax

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  2. I've always liked her since her hilarious turn as herself in Sex and The City. But I agree she seems frustrated in that interview with how her career has gone and that's sad - I can't remember the last thing I saw her in but I hope I see her on screen soon.

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  3. Great post because she is an actress I always wanted to know more about. Literally the only thing I know her from was Charlie's Angels. I think she looks fab but I can understand some of her frustrations for sure.

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  4. You are very observant. I suppose at 44, she wishes she was more successful like her peers in the movie business, huh? But dang, if she doesn't look gorgeous!

    Trendy Teal

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  5. Until recently, I didn't really know anything about Lucy Liu - however, I've come to really admire her for her work in the show Elementary. She is very talented, but, unfortunately, was probably about twenty years too early to really get the parts she was after in spite of her talent... Hollywood, as she is quick to point out, is very exclusionist and even now it seems unlikely that in spite of the depth of her talent, she would be chosen over Julia Roberts for a romantic lead. If I were her, I think I would feel frustration and discontent, too. She has, after all, spent most of her careering repeatedly walking into a proverbial brick wall.
    xox,
    Cee

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  6. She does sound unhappy ,she shouldn't be though I adore her and sometimes you have to own your "brand" and work with that.

    Meghan Silva's Blog

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  7. I've always liked her. I think she's played some tv characters that have pissed me off, but that's a great actor to me. I love her in Elementary, she's really good. I do think you don't always see a lot of emotion from her, but I still love her. I think she deserves some bigger roles too :) She's a stunning stunning woman!! Hope you are well doll & have a great day xx

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  8. Oh I love Lucy Liu. She always looks so elegant and composed :-)

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  9. Love her <3
    Beautiful Post!

    big Hugs :)

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  10. i wonder what you see when you look into my eyes kim :) hope not frustration sadness or anger :) i love lucy liu... but i wonder where she is now or what happened to her career just like my curiosity about what happened to lady gaga these days... anyhow, thanks for sharing these photos.. she's 44 and gorgeous.

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  11. I love her style..so chic !
    Nicky
    www.mywishstyle.com

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  12. Hm, I don't know much about her, except yeah -- she is "the Asian girl who beats everyone up, or the Asian girl with no emotion". I mean, she chose to do those roles right? And I'm sure they were pretty well-paying ones, even if they weren't particularly refined or erudite; I think she should be happy where she is on her journey, as should we all. Most of us are way more blessed than we think or appreciate -- we need to get rid of the negative, complainy, "poor me" mindset!

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  13. It's strange as from my point of view, she is immensely successful! I mean she is a real star, everyone knows who she is. I guess though we always seem to judge ourselves harshly. It's a shame she sounded so unhappy in the interview - it is difficult when things don't go the way you want.

    Away From Blue

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  14. She's gorgeous, owns a timeless presence and is very talented. I love the fact that she is 44 and better than ever! :) T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com

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  15. Kim, I carefully read your thoughts and I agree with you. Love her as actress from Kill Bill, she was just amazing there! But as you, I read the same in her eyes. Your words are very wise dear, I think all of us go through moments like that..just stop and appreciate what we achieved that could always be lost, nothing is for granted!:) Kisses! xo

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  16. I really like your take on what you see from her. I'll be honest, I haven't thought much about it- but after reading her words it all makes sense. I do find her though to be one of the most beautiful actresses there are. And wow, these dresses are amazing.

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  17. I have your same sensation about her. On the other hand, I think she's one of the most fascinating women I've ever seen.
    xoxo
    Coco et La vie en rose
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  18. Well, as a Russian living in a foreign country, I do understand her frustration. On the other hand, if I was talking to her, I'd assure Lucy that she absolutely doesn't need to pay attention to all this nonsense! As far as I am concerned, she is fabulous, stunning and adorable at the same time. And intelligent, too. She also got this amazing skin and beautiful rose petal lips like no other actress. As for the movies... You didn't mention Cashmere mafia and Lucky number Slevin - she was wonderful in both.
    x

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  19. P.S. It's funny that the bag I chose to today's post is also called "Lucy" :D

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  20. I agree that Lucy Liu definitely seems mysterious and she's not one of those celebs that it seems we know much about. I never thought she seemed sad but after reading her words from the interview, it does seem like she's dissatisfied in her acting career.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Target Giveaway!

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  21. She looks fantastic for her age-- Had no idea that she was 44! But yeah, she appears to be a very private person. I've just always thought of her as the quiet type, which you rarely see in Hollywood. Hopefully some great things are on the horizon for her!
    xx Corinne

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  22. OMG Lucy is awesome, I really like her as an actress but also as woman!
    What baout following each other? Just let me know!
    Xxx

    Carolina

    www.the-world-c.blogspot.com

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  23. Great minds think alike! I also saw this interview and felt sad that she didn't seem content. But she has still had amazing opportunities and can wear Lanvin so she did a few things right!


    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  24. She is beautiful & talented- hopefully, she fulfills her dreams soon!

    always, koru kate

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  25. LOVE this post. I absolutely adore Lucy Liu. Ever since Charlies Angels, haha. I love Tarrentino flicks so her in Kill Bill was definitely a treat. I will say, she doesn't do much for me on Elementary, although I've seen a performance that I can appreciate from her.

    She looks absolutely stunning!! Looking good for 44!

    Thanks for posting this!

    -B

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  26. I think that is why I loved her in Charlie's Angels, because I felt she was on the same page as the other two girls in the film. I like that she is Watson on Elementary, I hope that she gets some romance in the show, Watson did end up getting married!

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  27. Lucy Liu! I hadn't actually paid too much attention or hadn't noticed her until she started on Elementary. And then I saw her on a Sex and the City episode (as herself) and her red carpet looks on Fashion Police. She's gorgeous! I think she's doing ok on keeping her private life, private, not many celebrities can do that. I hope she is able to go after anything she wants; it sounds so awful.
    xoxo Aimee
    bowsandbeau-ties.blogspot.com

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  28. Interestingly enough I haven't give her much regard either. She is magnificently gorgeous but yet I don't seek her out like I do Jennifer Aniston or even Amy Adams. Yet when I do see her, I enjoy her. Great post Kim, thanks. Oh and thanks for the nice comment to me re my grandies! :D

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  29. She looks gorgeous in this editorial. At least she is back in the spotlight being on that show Elementary, which seems to be doing well. Perhaps she's on her way to getting to where she wants to be, even if it's years later than what she had hoped!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  30. I've never really been a fan of hers. I think part of her problem is that she seems to resent being Asian herself instead of just owning it and being proud. And while there is a certain perception of Asians in Hollywood, she's the one who's made her own career choices so I don't see what good blaming the industry will do. Interestingly, by Eastern beauty standards, she is not considered attractive at all.

    Thanks for your sweet comment Kim! I heart my new specs :)

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  31. She looks absolutely stunning. What a beautiful woman. It's a little disheartening to hear about her professional struggles because I think she's a great actress!

    Fizz and Frosting

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  32. gosh she's 44??? i can't believe it.. she looks so young and still look the same in charlie's angels movies! i think she's great actress..

    xoxo,Meg of Sweet Gala's

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  33. Great post! Lucy is beautiful <3

    I have a nice giveaway up on the blog (Vogue T-shirt)
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  34. She looks beautiful and I love the clothes she is wearing!

    -Vogue&Heels
    www.vogueandheels.com

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  35. I think she is gorgeous and never really seen the side to her that you have picked up on. Maybe the fact that her parents weren't supportive she felt she always had something to prove. I see her as something of an enigma and I like the fact she's not splashed across every celebrity magazine; makes her more appealing (plus I know my Hubs has a secret crush on her ;-)

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  36. I hope she finds peace and fulfillment in her life.

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  37. Oh lala Lucy! She looks incredible, the best I have ever seen her, and how amazing is her figure in the Herve Leger dress. I had no idea about her personal life and struggles before this.

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  38. Hi Kim, I always think that she is just fierce looking. She is a very talented actress. I guess it is difficult to overcome or meet some of those Hollywood expectations. But she looks gorgeous in this feature with The Edit. I enjoy reading that magazine.

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  39. ive always been a fan of her!! she looks BEAUTIFUL!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  40. wow never thought I could relate to her, not American enough or not Asian enough. She is great and looks fantastic at 44

    Delightful Ideas

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  41. I suppose it's true, she's been around for so long, but never quite reached that mega star status. And is rarely found in gossip mags or the like. But I've always enjoyed her performances and she is certainly stunning here!
    Chic on the Cheap

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  42. i've always liked her, but you raise good questions - i never really thought about this other than the fact that her life seems quite private. guess i do see a bit of sadness not that you mention it.

    [oomph.]
    Sunglasses Giveaway!

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  43. i have always liked her..i have seen her in many shows/movies..i never saw her as someone who has reached the professional heights though. maybe she is frustrated with how she may be stereotyped but she is a damn good actress.

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  44. I wouldn't say Lucy Liu is sweet but she definitely have a strong character. In my opinion, maybe she's happy with where she is. Fame can be quite mean to people who aren't too careful in the world of Hollywood though. There's one Asian actress which I think fits into the place which you just described about Lucy Liu and she's Bai Ling.

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  45. i agree. shes gorgeous but u never really hear to much of her or about her..

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  46. I think she is a great actress. Her parents not supporting her profession of choice...that's hard especially if you've been in the industry for a long time and not achieving your highest potential. I admire her a LOT and I watch her in Elementary and i think she's really good at what she does. She should be fulfilled, because she's given a lot of Asian women confidence to be American :)

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  47. You know, I have the exact same feeling as you about Lucy Liu. She is almost enigmatic and we do not really know much about her. For a start, I didn't even know she is 44! Wow... She really looks the same as when she started out.

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  48. I like Lucy Liu, find her gorgeous and talented but she is a mysterious and private gal -
    I guess sometimes we can think that because someone is succesful they have it all, but she is just another earthling like us trying to figure her life out.

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