Kelly Hu has undoubtedly made her mark as one of the most successful Asian-American actresses in Hollywood, carving out a unique niche for herself in genre-driven storytelling. Over the years, Kelly Hu has become particularly known for her standout roles in fantasy, action, and horror projects—genres where she truly shines. Her journey began when Kelly Hu made history as the first Asian-American to win Miss Teen USA, a milestone that opened doors to the entertainment industry. From there, Kelly Hu transitioned into acting with guest appearances on sitcoms and landed her first film role in “Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan” back in 1989.
It wasn’t long before television became a major platform for Kelly Hu’s rising career. Thanks to her athleticism and commanding screen presence, Kelly Hu gained recognition playing tough, martial arts-savvy characters—most notably as a skilled policewoman on popular series like “Nash Bridges” (CBS, 1996–2001) and later on “Martial Law” (CBS, 1998–2000). These roles not only boosted her visibility but also paved the way for more high-profile opportunities in film. Kelly Hu brought depth and intensity to larger-than-life characters, such as the psychic queen in the 2002 adventure epic “The Scorpion King,” and, perhaps most memorably, as the fierce and steel-clawed villain Lady Deathstrike in “X2: X-Men United” (2003), a performance that cemented her status in pop culture.
Beyond live-action roles, Kelly Hu expanded her repertoire with a growing list of voiceover credits, showcasing her versatility. She continued to appear in prominent TV dramas and procedurals, including recurring roles on “Army Wives” (Lifetime, 2007–13), “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS, 2009– ), “The Vampire Diaries” (The CW, 2009–17), and “Hawaii Five-0” (CBS, 2010– ). While challenges like the lack of colorblind casting in Hollywood may have affected the range of roles available to her, Kelly Hu has remained a consistent and resilient presence in the industry. With an extensive résumé built over decades, Kelly Hu’s body of work stands as a testament to her talent, dedication, and enduring impact.
When it comes to Kelly Hu’s career highlights, one standout moment definitely comes from her role in Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021), which turned out to be her highest rated film to date. Fans and critics alike praised the animation and storytelling, and Kelly Hu’s performance added a strong layer of depth to the project. Over the years, she’s taken on a variety of roles, but this one really allowed her talents to shine. On the other end of the spectrum, Dim Sum Funeral (2008) received more mixed reactions, making it Kelly Hu’s lowest rated movie so far. While the film had its moments and explored some heartfelt themes, it didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers. Still, Kelly Hu brought her usual dedication to the role, proving once again why she remains a respected figure in the industry. Overall, looking at Kelly Hu’s filmography, it’s clear that she continues to make impactful choices, with Batman: Soul of the Dragon standing tall as her most acclaimed work.