Kelly Hu is a multi-talented American actress, voice artist, and former beauty queen who has built an impressive career in Hollywood. Best known for her roles in films such as The Scorpion King and X2, as well as TV series like Arrow and The Vampire Diaries, Kelly Hu has carved a path as a versatile performer. This article dives into her biography, covering her age, height, education, family history, career, net worth, success story, and personal life.
Biography
Kelly Ann Hu was born on February 13, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. Her upbringing in a multicultural environment profoundly shaped her identity. Kelly Hu’s heritage is of Chinese, Hawaiian, and English descent, a unique mix that has contributed to her exotic looks and distinct presence in the entertainment industry.
From a young age, Kelly Hu was drawn to performing arts, showing an interest in both modeling and acting. However, it wasn’t until she pursued pageantry that she first gained national attention.
Age and Height
Born in 1968, Kelly Hu is currently 56 years old as of 2024. She stands at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall, which complements her graceful demeanor and poised screen presence. Her youthful appearance and athletic build have allowed her to continue taking on physically demanding roles in action-packed films and series even into her 50s.
Education
Kelly Hu’s education journey began in Honolulu, where she attended Maʻemaʻe Elementary School and later went on to graduate from Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii. This prestigious school is known for fostering the talents of students with Native Hawaiian ancestry. After high school, Hu moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in modeling and acting, marking the start of her future in the entertainment industry. Though she didn’t follow a conventional academic route, her early success in pageants and modeling opened doors that accelerated her acting career.
Family History
Kelly Hu comes from a supportive and close-knit family. Her father, Herbert Hu, was a salesman, and her mother, Juanita Perez, was an engineering draftsman. Her brother, Glenn Hu, served in the U.S. Army, and Kelly has often spoken about how her family’s work ethic and discipline shaped her own approach to life.
Though her parents divorced when she was young, Hu’s relationship with both sides of her family remained strong, and she often credits her multicultural background for giving her a well-rounded perspective on life. Her Chinese, Hawaiian, and British roots reflect the cultural diversity that has always been a part of her personal identity and professional appeal.
Career
Kelly Hu’s career began when she won the Miss Teen USA title in 1985, becoming the first Asian-American to hold the title. This victory catapulted her into the public eye and led to opportunities in modeling, acting, and even television commercials. Soon after, Hu moved to Los Angeles to fully dive into the entertainment world.
Her first major acting gig was on the popular TV show Growing Pains in 1987. From there, she appeared in various television series such as 21 Jump Street, Melrose Place, and Nash Bridges. However, it wasn’t until her role as the sorceress Cassandra in The Scorpion King (2002) opposite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson that she gained widespread recognition.
Following her breakout role, Kelly Hu went on to star in X2 (2003), where she played the mutant Yuriko Oyama, also known as Lady Deathstrike. This role, which required intense physical preparation, established her as a prominent figure in action films.
In addition to her film career, Hu has had recurring roles in several TV shows, including The Vampire Diaries, Hawaii Five-0, Arrow, and Warehouse 13. Beyond acting, she has lent her voice to numerous animated series and video games, including Phineas and Ferb, Batman: Arkham Origins, and Mortal Kombat X.
Net Worth
Kelly Hu’s long-standing career in Hollywood has led her to amass an impressive net worth. As of 2024, her estimated net worth is around $10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her roles in blockbuster movies, TV shows, voice acting, and modeling. Hu’s successful transition from beauty queen to actress and her ability to remain relevant in the industry for decades have contributed to her financial success.
Success Story
Kelly Hu’s journey to success is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite facing racial stereotypes in Hollywood as an Asian-American actress, she never let that limit her career choices. Her win as Miss Teen USA broke barriers, but instead of being typecast in roles due to her ethnicity, she actively sought a diverse range of characters to portray.
Her career took off with her portrayal of strong, empowered women, which set her apart from her peers. Over time, Hu became known for her ability to balance beauty with fierce, action-oriented roles—a combination that made her a standout in genres like action, science fiction, and fantasy.
Kelly Hu’s success story is also notable because she remained consistent in her work. Whether through small TV roles or blockbuster films, Hu has built a portfolio that speaks to her adaptability and dedication. Her work ethic, coupled with her passion for the craft, allowed her to evolve with the changing dynamics of Hollywood.
Personal Affairs
Kelly Hu has always maintained a level of privacy regarding her personal life, choosing to focus public attention on her career rather than her relationships. Despite her fame, she has managed to keep much of her personal affairs out of the limelight.
There have been a few known relationships in the past, but as of now, Kelly Hu is believed to be single. She is highly involved in various charitable activities and is an advocate for numerous causes, including environmental conservation and animal rights.
Outside of her acting career, Hu is passionate about martial arts, a skill she often showcases in her roles. She is also known for her love of poker and has competed in celebrity poker tournaments.
Conclusion
Kelly Hu’s career is a prime example of how talent, determination, and versatility can break through barriers. From her early days as a beauty queen to her rise as a prominent actress in both film and television, she has proven that hard work and resilience are key to long-term success in Hollywood. Her continued involvement in various facets of the entertainment industry, as well as her advocacy for important causes, showcases the multifaceted individual that Kelly Hu is. With her career still flourishing, Kelly Hu remains a role model for aspiring actors, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
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