The talented actress Lu made a significant mark in Hollywood during the early 1960s, standing out as one of the few Chinese performers to land leading roles in American films at that time. Lu brought elegance and strength to her performances, capturing audience attention with her compelling screen presence. One of her most notable roles came when she starred alongside James Stewart in the war adventure film The Mountain Road (1960), where Lu held her own in a high-profile production. She continued to build momentum with major appearances in Rider on a Dead Horse and Woman Hunt, both released in 1962, further showcasing her range and versatility as an actress.
Beyond the big screen, Lu also made her way into television, stepping into a unique opportunity on the popular series Have Gun Will Travel. When actor Kam Tong temporarily left his role as the character known as “Hey Boy,” the producers introduced a fresh twist—Lu stepped in as the “Hey Girl.” In this recurring role, Lu played a clever and resourceful messenger who delivered missions each week to the show’s iconic gunslinger, Paladin, portrayed by Richard Boone. Her portrayal added a new dynamic to the series and highlighted Lu’s ability to adapt across genres. All in all, Lu’s contributions during this era helped pave the way for greater representation, and her work remains a memorable part of classic American cinema and TV history. Lu truly left a lasting impression.
Lisa Lu’s most acclaimed film to date is Hollywood Chinese, which came out in 2007 and received widespread praise. On the other hand, her least favorably reviewed movie is Dim Sum Funeral, released the following year in 2008. While Lisa Lu has had a diverse and impressive career, these two films represent the high and low points in terms of critical reception.