Kelly Hu Net Worth – Career Earnings and Life Bio

Kelly Hu is a well-known actress, voice actress, and former fashion model, with a successful career spanning over three decades. Throughout her career, she has starred in numerous movies and TV series, gaining recognition for her exceptional acting skills and charming personality. Her net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, making her one of the most successful actresses in the entertainment industry.

Let’s take a closer look at her career, life, and earnings to understand how she achieved such impressive success.

Key Takeaways

• Kelly Hu’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
• She has had a successful career in the entertainment industry spanning over three decades.
• Throughout her career, she has starred in numerous movies and TV series, gaining recognition for her exceptional acting skills.

Early Life and Ethnicity

Kelly Hu was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1968. Her parents were of Chinese, English, and Hawaiian ancestry, which gave her a unique cultural background. Growing up, Hu had a passion for performing and was interested in ballet and singing.

As a teenager, Hu competed in beauty pageants and won the titles of “Miss Hawaii Teen USA” and “Miss Hawaii USA”. This experience gave her a taste of the entertainment industry and solidified her desire to pursue acting.

Hu attended Pepperdine University in California, where she earned a degree in Theatre Arts. During her time in college, she honed her acting skills and participated in numerous plays and productions.

Despite her success in pageants and her education, Hu faced challenges in the entertainment industry due to her ethnicity. She often struggled to find roles that were not stereotypical and reflects on how she was sometimes overlooked for parts due to her Asian heritage.

However, Hu persevered and eventually gained recognition for her talent, breaking through as an actress in Hollywood.

Career Beginnings

Kelly Hu’s career began in the mid-1980s, with her first television appearance in the series “Growing Pains.” She then went on to have guest roles in popular shows such as “Night Court,” “21 Jump Street,” and “Melrose Place.”

In 1987, Kelly made her film debut in the blockbuster hit “The Doors.” Despite her small role, this was the start of her rise to fame. She continued with small film roles throughout the 1990s, including appearances in “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man” and “Strange Days.”

In 1994, Kelly landed a recurring role on the hit television show “Melrose Place.” Her portrayal of a love interest of one of the main characters earned her critical acclaim and helped establish her as a talented actress.

Kickboxing Career

Aside from her acting career, Kelly Hu also had a successful kickboxing career in the 1990s. She was the United States National Champion, as well as a member of the United States National Team. Her martial arts skills would later come in handy for her acting roles, most notably in the film “X-Men 2” where she portrayed Lady Deathstrike.

In the late 1990s, Kelly’s career took a major turn with her landing the lead role on the television series “Martial Law.” Her depiction of a police officer and martial arts expert earned her widespread recognition and praise.

In the early 2000s, Kelly continued to make a name for herself in Hollywood with roles in blockbuster films such as “The Scorpion King” and “Cradle 2 the Grave.” She also had guest roles on popular television shows such as “Nash Bridges” and “CSI: Miami.”

Throughout her career, Kelly Hu has proven to be a versatile and talented actress, capable of taking on a wide range of roles. Her career in show business has spanned over three decades, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Rise to Fame

After several years of steady work in TV, Kelly Hu made her breakthrough onto the big screen with a supporting role as an undercover police officer in the 1993 action-thriller film “No Way Back”. However, it was her portrayal of Dr. Rae Chang in the hit TV series “Sunset Beach” that truly launched her into the public eye.

The following year, Kelly Hu played the lead female character in the martial arts film “The Scorpion King” (2002), alongside wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. This gave her mainstream exposure and solidified her status as a top action star.

She continued to land notable roles in films such as the crime thriller “Cradle 2 the Grave” (2003), the action-comedy “Shanghai Knights” (2003), and the superhero film “X2” (2003). Her acclaimed performance as Lady Deathstrike, a villainess with retractable adamantium claws in “X2”, cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s top action stars.

Kelly Hu’s talent and versatility as an actress have also led to success in other genres. She voiced Stacy Hirano in the popular animated series “Phineas and Ferb”, and played Pearl, a recurring character in “The Vampire Diaries”.

Overall, Kelly Hu has made a name for herself as a talented and versatile actress in Hollywood, with a filmography that includes over 70 titles.

Financial Success and Earnings

Kelly Hu’s successful career has undoubtedly contributed to her impressive net worth. With over three decades of experience as an actress and model, her earnings have steadily increased throughout her career.

While her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, it is estimated to be around $10 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. Hu has earned her fortune through a combination of lucrative movie roles, television appearances and endorsement deals.

Her career started as a model before transitioning to television and film. In the early 1990s, Hu began her acting career with small television roles in shows such as Growing Pains and 21 Jump Street.

Her first major movie role was in the 1993 film Surf Ninjas, which helped establish her career in the entertainment industry. She then went on to land significant roles in movies such as The Scorpion King, X2: X-Men United, and The Tournament.

Aside from her acting, Hu has also earned income through brand endorsements and sponsorships. She has been the face of global brands such as Revlon, Lady Stetson and Nivea, and she has also lent her voice to several popular video games.

Overall, Kelly Hu’s impressive net worth is a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. Her successful career has provided her with substantial earnings and financial stability, allowing her to continue to pursue her passion for acting.

Recognition and Achievements

Kelly Hu’s accomplishments in the entertainment industry span over three decades. Her hard work and dedication have earned her several recognitions and accolades, making her one of the most successful Asian-American actresses in Hollywood.

One of Kelly Hu’s most notable achievements was being crowned Miss Teen USA in 1984. This opened doors for her to pursue a career in entertainment, and she went on to become a successful actress.

Throughout her acting career, she has been nominated for several awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Saturn Awards. In 1998, she won the title of “Female Star of Tomorrow” at the Golden Satellite Awards.

Kelly Hu has also been recognized for breaking barriers in Hollywood. In 1993, she became the first Asian-American actress to be cast as a lead in a primetime drama series with her role on the show “The Single Guy”. She also made history in 2005 when she became the first Asian-American actress to portray a DC Comics character on the screen, playing Lady Shiva in the TV series “Birds of Prey”.

She is also an advocate for several charitable organizations, including the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the World Wildlife Fund. Her philanthropic work and commitment to social causes have earned her several humanitarian awards and recognitions.

Personal Life and Relationships

Kelly Hu was born on February 13, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii, which makes her 53 years old.

While the actress has been private about her personal life, it is known that she was in a long-term relationship with producer Gordon Gilbertson, with whom she lived in Los Angeles.

In addition to her successful career, Hu is also an avid philanthropist and supports various causes, including animal welfare and human rights. She has also participated in several charity events and organizations throughout her career.

Despite her busy schedule, Hu makes time for personal hobbies and interests, including martial arts, yoga, and hiking. She also loves to travel and has visited several countries around the world.

Height and Physical Appearance

Kelly Hu stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), which is considered average for a female Hollywood celebrity. Despite her average height, she has a stunning and attractive physical appearance, which has contributed to her success in the entertainment industry.

Her natural beauty is further enhanced by her mixed ethnicity, which comprises Chinese, Hawaiian, and English ancestry. Kelly’s exotic looks have made her a favorite among fans and filmmakers alike, and she has often been cast in roles that highlight her striking features.

Conclusion

Throughout her career, Kelly Hu has had an impressive net worth, thanks to her successful acting career and other endeavors. Her various roles in movies and TV shows have helped her accumulate her wealth, and her talent and dedication have made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

From her early days in Honolulu to her breakout roles in Hollywood, Kelly Hu has proved to be one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Her financial achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication, and she continues to inspire many through her work in the industry.

Final Thoughts on Kelly Hu Net Worth

The road to success has not been easy for Kelly Hu, but through her hard work and perseverance, she has managed to cement her place as one of the most talented actresses in the entertainment industry. Her net worth is a reflection of her success and dedication to her craft, and it is sure to continue to grow as she takes on new challenges and roles in the future.

Overall, Kelly Hu’s net worth is a testament to her impressive career as an actress and her success in various other endeavors. She has proven that anything is possible with hard work and dedication, and her achievements are a source of inspiration for many.