Lisa Lu Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame at 98

Veteran actress Lisa Lu has been awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the oldest recipient in the Walk’s history.

With a career spanning more than 65 years, Lu is known for her acclaimed performances in The Joy Luck Club, The Last Emperor, and Crazy Rich Asians. Her newly unveiled star—number 2,811—is located at the iconic intersection of Hollywood and Vine, near the stars of Anna May Wong, Mary Pickford, and Lu’s first leading man, James Stewart.

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Nissen opened the ceremony on Monday morning, which featured tributes from actress Awkwafina and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Janet Yang.

Lu moved to the United States with her family in 1958 and began studying acting at the Pasadena Playhouse. What began as a passion quickly blossomed into a decades-long career on stage and screen, as she became a trailblazer for Asian performers in Hollywood and abroad.

Lu holds a unique distinction as the only person to have served as a voter for the Oscars, Golden Globes, Emmys, and Screen Actors Guild Awards. In her speech, she reflected on her long career and the significance of finally accepting this honor:

“Acting in movies is my life and love,” Lu said. “I love all of the people I worked with. They inspire me with their creativity—they inspired me to live even longer!

Throughout my long journey, I declined the honor of a star in 1960—I could not bear the thought of anyone walking on my name. Today, at 98 years old, I embrace the star as a testament to resilience and perseverance.

I am deeply honored to stand in support of the next generation of rising Asian actors, whose paths I hope will shine even brighter.”

Photos: Jason Little