How Lucy Liu had to forget the 'racial slurs' she learned as a child

NEW YORK In preparing to portray Irene, an immigrant mother determined to protect her troubled son in the drama Rosemead, Lucy Liu discovered that the role offered her a deeper understanding of her own parents rather than reflections on her 10-year-old son, Rockwell. Liu, 57, described the experience as "a gift" that allowed her to revisit her childhood and recognize the unspoken struggles of her parents.

"Watching my parents through Irenes story made me realize how much was left unsaid in my upbringing because they couldnt fully express themselves," Liu shared. Born and raised in Queens to Chinese parents, Liu explained that she had to "unlearn not just behaviors, but the cultural habit of enduring condescension and racial slurs." She added that the role helped her develop a new compassion for her parents and provided a lens to understand her son more empathetically.

A Story of Courage and Sacrifice

Rosemead, set in Southern California, is based on a Los Angeles Times article about an immigrant mother who cared for her schizophrenic son while terminally ill with cancer. Fearing her son could harm others if left unattended, she took drastic measures to protect him. Liu recalled her initial reaction to the story: "I was terrified it actually happened, and I couldnt believe it was only a decade ago." After nearly eight years in development, the film has premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and is now screening in New York and Los Angeles.

Liu highlighted the contemporary relevance of the story, noting that social media and the pandemic have intensified pressures on young people. She emphasized the importance of vulnerability to reduce stigma and shame: "Vulnerability matters so that no one feels forced to hide behind closed doors."

Finding Strength Through Vulnerability

Throughout her career, Liu has portrayed strong, witty characters from Ally McBeal to Charlies Angels. In Irene, she discovered strength through vulnerability. "Her courage and love for her son allowed her to endure the trials of her illness," Liu said. She emphasized her goal to humanize Irenes story rather than reduce it to headlines, portraying her desperation and resilience with nuance.

Alongside Lawrence Shou, who plays Joe, Lius performance in Rosemead has earned acclaim at festivals in Philadelphia, Miami, Denver, and Belfast. The actress is now receiving Oscar buzz, which she described as a moment of pride: "This film was made to be shared, and any way we can share it is incredible."

A Platform for Representation

As a producer, Liu sees Rosemead as more than a filmits a statement on immigrant experiences, particularly the communication challenges within healthcare. "Watching Irene navigate a flawed system exposes a hidden pain," Liu explained. She hopes audiences will witness the struggles without judgment and gain empathy for unseen hardships.

Looking ahead, Liu plans to let her experiences on Rosemead guide her future projects while continuing to advocate for causes she believes in. "Art is protest," she said. "If diversity is seen as a threat, the world becomes a poorer place. My work is part of shaping a more inclusive future."

Liu also stressed the personal and social lessons from the film, emphasizing patience and understanding toward others circumstances. She hopes viewers will take away the importance of empathy, recognizing that much goes unseen in people's lives.

Author: Logan Reeves