In 2000, Lucy Liu made a powerful impression as Alex Munday in the action-packed reboot of Charlie’s Angels—a role that showcased her martial arts skills and sleek, standout style.
Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore strike a fierce pose as Alex Munday, Natalie Cook, and Dylan Sanders, dazzling in shimmering heels and bold early-2000s outfits that perfectly capture their Charlie’s Angels personas (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
From combat boots to curve-hugging leather suits, Liu’s fashion-forward looks made her a trailblazing icon among early-2000s action heroines. She reprised the role in the 2003 sequel, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, continuing to turn heads with her fierce on-screen presence and wardrobe choices.
Casting Choices: The Road to Playing Alex Munday
Angelina Jolie and Jada Pinkett Smith were offered the role of Alex Munday, but both actresses reportedly refused to play the part. Thandiwe Newton was initially cast for the role but had to pull out as Mission: Impossible II did not finish filming in time.
Unequal Pay in Hollywood: Liu’s Salary Compared to Co-Stars
For the first film, her payment was a paltry $1 million. Drew Barrymore reportedly received a whopping $9 million, while Cameron Diaz got a paycheck of $12 million. Lucy Liu has an estimated net worth of $16 million as of 2024.
Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz, and Drew Barrymore gear up in sleek black scuba suits for an undercover ocean mission in Charlie’s Angels, blending action-ready functionality with fierce, form-fitting style (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
When her first Charlie’s Angels movie was released on November 3, 2000, Lucy Liu was 31 years old. She celebrated her 32nd birthday on December 2, 2000.
On-Set Tensions: The Feud Between Bill Murray and Lucy Liu
During filming, Bill Murray reportedly insulted Lucy Liu, who portrayed John Bosley. He allegedly said, “I get why you’re here (Drew Barrymore), and you’ve got talent (Cameron Diaz)… but what in the hell are you doing here? You can’t act!”
Liu started throwing punches at Bill Murray, and they had to be physically pulled apart. “You know, if you confront me, I will attack and that’s exactly what happened because it was unjust and it was uncalled for and some of the language was inexcusable and unacceptable, and I was not going to just sit there and take it,” Liu said during an interview with L.A. Times’ Asian Enough podcast.
Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore, and Cameron Diaz portray three women working in a private detective agency, and Bill Murray stars as their boss John Bosley (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
“So, yes, I stood up for myself, and I don’t regret it. Because no matter how low on the totem pole you may be or wherever you came from, there’s no need to condescend or to put other people down. And I would not stand down, and nor should I have and nor did I.”
Murray has blamed script problems as the reason for the feud. He explained: “We began rehearsing this scene and I said, ‘Lucy, how can you want to say these lines? These are so crazy’. She got furious with me because she thought it was a personal assault, but the reality is she hated these lines as much as I did. I feel very warmly for her now.”
For the sequel, Lucy Liu was paid $3 million. Her female co-stars, Barrymore and Diaz, received $14 and $20 million each.
Lucy Liu, Drew Barrymore, and Cameron Diaz showcased their distinct early-2000s style at the Charlie’s Angels New York City premiere—Liu in sheer black with a studded suede coat, Barrymore in satin pants and layered pearls, and Diaz rocking a bold denim-on-denim look with a statement belt on October 24, 2000, at Ziegfeld Theater in New York City (Credit: Startraksphoto)
Lucy’s Reflections: Facing Challenges and Growth
In a 2020 interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, Lucy Liu reflected on her younger years, describing herself as feeling “bulletproof” in her 20s, indifferent to life or death. The loss of her father made her realize the significance of his protective role in her life, likening him to a roof that had suddenly been removed.
“In my 20s, I felt very bulletproof and … I didn’t really care if I lived or died. And I lost my father a few years ago, and I didn’t really recognize the levels that we have in our lives. He was a place in my life that was always a roof, and so suddenly you feel like the roof has been torn off,” Liu said.
Height, Heels, and Red Carpet Flair: Cameron Diaz Towers Over Her Co-Stars
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches (172.7 cm), Cameron Diaz often towered over her Charlie’s Angels co-stars—Lucy Liu, who stands at just 5 feet 1 ½ inches (156.2 cm), and Drew Barrymore, who is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm).
Their contrasting statures added visual flair to red carpet appearances, especially when paired with bold footwear choices and playful styling. At the New York premiere of Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, the trio’s fashion sensibilities were on full display—from Diaz’s sky-high heels to Barrymore’s edgy leather pants and cheeky tee.
At the 2003 New York premiere of Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Lucy Liu dazzled in a black beaded cocktail dress and pointed pumps, Cameron Diaz stunned in a one-shoulder mini dress paired with silver chain-embellished heels, and Drew Barrymore kept it casual in leather pants and a cheeky graphic tee (Credit: Dave Allocca / Startraksphoto)
Now, as a single parent to her son, Rockwell Lloyd Liu, born in 2015, she recognizes that she must take on that protective role, which she finds both empowering and terrifying.
“And then you recognize, ‘Oh, I am now the roof.’ And I happen to have a child, so I guess I’m the roof to that child. So now I really have to understand that I have to shelter him, and I have a responsibility, and it’s a very powerful thing. It’s also terrifying,” she said about being a single parent. Her son, Rockwell Lloyd Liu, was born in 2015.
Years after her success in Charlie’s Angels, Lucy Liu continued to command attention, not just on screen but also on red carpets.
Lucy Liu Stuns in Carolina Herrera at the 2014 Couture Council Luncheon
Lucy Liu dazzles in a sparkling navy blue Carolina Herrera dress at the 2014 Couture Council Awards Annual Benefit Luncheon in New York City on September 3, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
In September 2014, Lucy Liu joined Renée Zellweger at the 2014 Couture Council Award Luncheon Benefit at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Lucy Liu in a sparkling chiffon layered short-sleeved dress from Carolina Herrera’s Resort 2015 collection featuring silver embellishments (Credit: WENN)
The then-45-year-old actress, model, and artist donned a sparkling chiffon layered short-sleeved dress with silver embellishments from Carolina Herrera’s Resort 2015 collection.
She styled the navy dress with the black Saint Laurent “Jane” ankle-strap sandals we spotted on Jessie J earlier that week at the 2014 GQ Men of the Year Awards. The minimalist stilettos boosted her petite 5-foot-1½ frame, complementing her sleek silhouette—Liu wears a US shoe size 6.
Lucy Liu highlights her flawless feet in sleek black Saint Laurent “Jane” ankle-strap sandals, a minimalist stiletto style favored by countless A-listers for its timeless sophistication (Credit: WENN)
How do you like this look on Lucy Liu? We’ve previously featured numerous celebrities wearing the Jane sandals, including Chloë Grace Moretz, Chrissy Teigen, Jessie J, Khloé Kardashian, Ashley Madekwe, Bella Thorne, Miley Cyrus, and Angelina Jolie.
Black Studded Saint Laurent “Jane” Sandals
Blue Saint Laurent ‘Jane’ Ankle Strap Leather Sandal
Saint Laurent Black Jane Chain-Embellished Patent-Leather Sandals
Lucy Liu’s Iconic Fashion Moments: Petite Power Meets Red Carpet Glam
Lucy Liu consistently delivers unforgettable fashion statements from bold red lace to sleek tuxedo-inspired gowns. Explore some of her most memorable style moments:
Vivienne Westwood Elegance at the 2014 Tony Awards
- Event: 68th Annual Tony Awards, New York City
- Outfit: Lucy Liu dazzled in a black-and-ivory strapless tuxedo-inspired gown by Vivienne Westwood, exuding elegance and red carpet glamour.
- Footwear: She paired the gown with Swarovski-embellished Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, adding a touch of sparkle to her ensemble.
- Read more: Lucy Liu’s stunning look at the 2014 Tony Awards
Chic in Self-Portrait at the ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ Premiere
- Event: ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ Premiere, Hollywood
- Outfit: Lucy Liu wore a long-sleeved, high-neck lace dress from Self-Portrait, featuring a tiered lace skirt that showcased her sophisticated style.
- Footwear: She completed the look with black T-bar pumps and a bold red clutch, adding a pop of color to her ensemble.
- Discover more: Lucy Liu’s Self-Portrait dress at the ‘Kung Fu Panda 3’ premiere
Lucy Liu Makes a Bold Statement in Bruno Magli Heels and Red Embellishments
Known for her sophisticated style, Lucy Liu added a dramatic twist to classic glamour with this striking red-and-black ensemble.
Lucy Liu turned heads in a black tulle cocktail dress with bold red appliqué, paired with pointed-toe Bruno Magli pumps and sparkling Harry Kotlar bangles at the 43rd Student Academy Awards at Samuel Goldwyn Theater on September 22, 2016, in Beverly Hills (Credit: Todd Wawrychuk / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Red Lace Radiance at PaleyFest
- Event: PaleyFest New York 2016 – ‘Elementary’ Screening
- Outfit: Lucy Liu radiated elegance in a stunning strapless red lace dress by Monique Lhuillier, highlighting her petite frame.
- Footwear: She styled the dress with Stuart Weitzman shoes and a Jimmy Choo bag, adding classic touches to her look.
- See more: Lucy Liu’s red lace dress at PaleyFest
Floral Sophistication at the ‘Hamilton’ Broadway Premiere
- Event: ‘Hamilton’ Broadway Premiere, New York City
- Outfit: Lucy Liu wore a complete Monique Lhuillier Resort 2016 look, featuring a white lace dress styled with a long floral print blazer.
- Footwear: She showcased her sexy feet in Stuart Weitzman’s Bebare stilettos, adding height and elegance to her ensemble.
- Explore her style: Lucy Liu’s floral look at the ‘Hamilton’ premiere
These moments highlight Lucy Liu’s impeccable fashion sense, blending classic elegance with modern flair. For more on her style evolution, visit Your Next Shoes.