I just haven’t had any opportunities to tap into: Lucy Liu on first dramatic lead role in 'Rosemead'

Los Angeles, Nov 19 (PTI) "Charlie's Angels" actor Lucy Liu, who is portraying her first dramatic leading role in "Rosemead", has been in Hollywood for decades but believes her opportunities have been limited.

Liu, serves as both the lead and producer in "Rosemead", which is based on a true story as told in a 2017 Los Angeles Times article. In the film, she plays Irene, a Chinese immigrant in America struggling with her son's mental issues.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor admitted that she hasn't had the opportunity to play a lead despite debuting in Hollywood in 1995.

"I just haven’t had any opportunities to tap into it. I mean, to think that I’ve been in this business for over 30 years and now have the first leading role like this is kind of crazy. I did not know that until somebody pointed it out on the team. I’ve never really looked at myself in that way," the "Kill Bill" actor said.

The 56-year-old also talked about biases in Hollywood, such as being called out for perpetuating "Dragon Lady" stereotypes after playing a warrior in 2003’s "Kill Bill".

"Why isn’t anyone else perpetuating the stereotype when we’re all assassins?... Vivica Fox or Daryl Hannah or Uma Thurman were not. I don’t even know if they have a word in English for American people. Well, I’m American, but I look like this, so I cannot get away from it," she said.

"I haven’t gone out and changed my face; there’s only so much I can do. I cannot turn myself into somebody who looks Caucasian, but if I could, I would’ve had so many more opportunities," she added.

"Rosemead" premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 6 and is scheduled to release in the United States on December 5. PTI SMR ATR SMR ATR ATR