Kelly Hu Biography

Fast Facts

• Prior to winning Miss Teen USA in 1985 and becoming the first Asian-American to win the pageant, her mother told her that America was not yet ready for an Asian to win such a prestigious event
• Landed her first paid acting job in a guest star role in the season premiere of "Growing Pains," playing the part of Mike Seaver's (Kirk Cameron) Hawaiian love interest
• At a young age, her mother used to find her on the neighbor's front porch singing made-up songs about going to the market and other everyday events
• Quote: "I am blessed to be able to live out my dreams and have such wonderful people supporting me throughout my career and life․"
• Quote: "(Her advice to high school students): "Don't be afraid to fail․ You'll never reach the fruit unless you go out on a limb․""
• Is the voice of Stacy Hirano in "Phineas and Ferb," Lady Shiva in "Batman: Arkham Origins," and Jade Nguyen in "Young Justice․"
• After filming her first action role in "No Way Back" alongside Russell Crowe, she began martial arts training in Kanzen Budo Kai at the Alborzi Karate Academy in Beverly Hills
• Best known for her role as Yuriko Oyama/Lady Deathstrike in "X-Men 2" and as Rae Chang in "Sunset Beach․"
• An avid poker fan, she finished 175 out of 1125 entrants in the 2006 World Series of Poker Ladies Tournament
• Became the first Asian-American to grace the cover of Maxim magazine, and at the time of its publication, was the top selling issue in the magazine's history