To many a millennial, Lucy Liu is perhaps the closest thing to a real-life superhero. The American actress might have first entered the mainstream consciousness as Princess Pei Pei in Western comedy, Shanghai Noon, but it’s safe to say that it was her role in Charlie’s Angels that truly made an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Her pitch-perfect portrayal of expert martial artist and strategist, Alex Munday, opened doors to other equally nuanced roles within the action genre. Think bloodthirsty yakuza leader, O-Ren Ishii, in Kill Bill; the fiercely intelligent brothel owner, Madam Blossom, in The Man with the Iron Fists; and the power-hungry Kalypso in Shazam! Fury of the Gods. And that’s hardly the full extent of Lucy Liu’s range of work—of which spans a whopping 32 years.
If there is a common thread amongst Lucy’s roles, however, it is her inclination towards characters that can do it all. Womanhood stands at the forefront of each personality she chooses to convey; a masterful showcase of female rage and brutality that exists alongside femininity. She is savage, but nurturing. Vicious, but bursting with warmth and vitality. It comes as no surprise, then, that she is able to do all of the above while also sporting an impeccable head of hair and make-up. And so, there seems no better way to celebrate this than with a curation of the most stunning beauty moments from Lucy Liu’s varied portfolio. From campy to sultry, Vogue Singapore gathers the best of them, below.
1 / 7
Charlie's Angels
Who didn’t gasp upon Alex’s first face reveal? Everything about this look speaks volumes about Alex’s fun-loving personality—from her windswept curls to her sun-kissed complexion, with her freckles out in full force.
2 / 7
Charlie's Angels
Lest you forget, chopsticks in the hair were once considered mane du jour. In all fairness, Alex manages to keep the look from appearing like a hot mess by pairing it with clean, simplistic make-up.
3 / 7
Charlie's Angels
Legend has it that Charlie’s Angels is where the office siren aesthetic was first born. Spearheading the charge? Alex, of course.
4 / 7
Kill Bill
Talk about perfectly layered strands. This textural cut is a bold take on the long bob trend currently making waves amidst the celebrity circuit.
5 / 7
The Man with the Iron Fists
Film director, RZA, paid tribute to classic wuxia flicks by kitting Madam Blossom out in the traditional hanfu. To match, towering hairdo’s paired with just a hint of make-up.
6 / 7
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Nothing exudes regality quite like long, flowing locks. Villainess Kalypso tops off the look with a crown of braids and a severe headpiece.
7 / 7
Why Women Kill
The explosive perm and frosted pink lip is a tell-tale sign of the eighties. Simone Grove lives up to her socialite status by ensuring she keeps up with all the trends of the time period.
