Kelly Hu is one of the most successful Asian American actresses in Hollywood history. Born on February 13 1968 in Honolulu, Hawaii, she made history at just 17 years old by becoming the first Asian American woman to win Miss Teen USA in 1985. From beauty pageant stages to Hollywood blockbusters Kelly Hu has built an amazing career that spans over three decades.
Best known for her iconic roles as Lady Deathstrike in X2: X-Men United and Cassandra in The Scorpion King, Kelly Hu has shown the world that talent, hard work, and determination have no limits. In this complete Kelly Hu biography, we cover everything about her age, height, net worth, family, relationships, career, awards, and much more.
Kelly Hu Wiki & Biography
| Full Name | Kelly Ann Hu |
| Profession | Actress, Voice Artist, Former Fashion Model |
| Age (as of 2026) | 58 Years |
| Date of Birth | February 13, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Chinese, English, and Native Hawaiian |
| Education Level | Graduate |
| Hometown | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| School | Kamehameha Schools, Honolulu |
| College / University | Pepperdine University, Malibu, California |
| Religion | N/A |
| Hobbies | Fitness, Martial Arts, Poker, Philanthropy, Travelling |
| First TV Appearance | Growing Pains (Guest Role, 1987) |
| Breakthrough Movie | The Scorpion King (2002) |
| Miss Teen USA | 1985 First Asian American Winner |
| Miss Hawaii USA | 1993 |
| Father | Herbert Hu |
| Mother | Juanita Hu |
| Stepfather | Roy Takara |
| Sibling | Glenn Hu (U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel) |
| Controversies | None |
Kelly Hu was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father Herbert Hu and her mother Juanita raised her in a multicultural home rich with Chinese, English, and Native Hawaiian heritage. Her parents divorced when Kelly was young, and her mother later married Roy Takara. Kelly’s brother Glenn Hu went on to serve his country proudly as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.
Growing up in Hawaii shaped Kelly’s love for nature, the ocean, and her community values she carries with her to this day. She attended the prestigious Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu before moving to Malibu, California, where she earned her degree from Pepperdine University. Even before completing her education, Kelly had already changed history by becoming the first Asian American woman to ever win Miss Teen USA in 1985 a moment that set the tone for everything that came after.
Kelly Hu Height, Weight & Body Measurements
| Height | 168 cm / 1.68 m / 5 Feet 6 Inches |
| Weight | 54 kg / 120 lbs |
| Figure Measurements | 34-25-35 Inches |
| Bra / Breast Size | 34B |
| Waist Size | 25 Inches |
| Hip Size | 35 Inches |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Kelly Hu stands at 5 feet 6 inches and maintains a lean, athletic body through years of dedicated training. Her figure is the result of consistent martial arts practice, yoga, and clean eating habits. Even at 58 years old, Kelly Hu looks and performs like someone decades younger proof that a disciplined lifestyle makes all the difference.
Kelly Hu Boyfriend & Relationship Status
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Affairs / Boyfriends | Not Publicly Known |
| Spouse / Husband | N/A |
| Children | None |
Kelly Hu is very private about her personal life. As of 2026, Kelly Hu is single and has never been married. She has no children. While fans have always been curious about her relationships, Kelly has never confirmed any romantic partner publicly.
She lets her work and her passions speak louder than her personal life which is exactly why “Kelly Hu boyfriend” remains one of the most searched questions about her online.
Kelly Hu Career & Journey
Kelly Hu’s career story is truly one of the most inspiring in Hollywood. It all started in 1987 when she landed her very first paid acting role a guest appearance on the season premiere of Growing Pains, where she played the Hawaiian love interest of Kirk Cameron’s character Mike Seaver. That small break opened a big door.
Through the late 1980s and 1990s, Kelly worked consistently in television. She took on key roles in Nash Bridges as Michelle Chan and Sunset Beach as Dr. Rae Chang, building her reputation as a strong and reliable dramatic actress. Her first major action role came in No Way Back alongside Russell Crowe. That experience inspired her to train seriously in martial arts at Kanzen Budo Kai at the Alborzi Karate Academy in Beverly Hills a decision that completely transformed her career.
In 2002, Kelly starred as the sorceress Cassandra in The Scorpion King opposite Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The film grossed over $165 million worldwide. Then in 2003, she delivered her most iconic performance as Yuriko Oyama, also known as Lady Deathstrike, in X2: X-Men United a role that made her a global fan favorite and earned her an MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Fight.
Kelly also built an outstanding voice acting career that most fans don’t know about. She voiced Stacy Hirano in Phineas and Ferb, Karai in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Adira in Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure, Cheshire in Young Justice, and Lady Shiva in Batman: Arkham Origins.
On television, she brought memorable characters to life in Arrow as China White, The Vampire Diaries as Pearl, Warehouse 13, Army Wives, Hawaii Five-0, The Orville, BMF, and East New York a career that truly has no equal in its range and longevity.
Kelly Hu Favorite Things
| Favorite Food | Hawaiian Cuisine |
| Favorite Destination | Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Favorite Sport / Hobby | Poker |
| Passion | Environmental Conservation |
| Fitness Style | Martial Arts and Yoga |
| Favorite Color | Black |
Kelly Hu has always had a deep love for her home state of Hawaii. She stays active through martial arts and yoga, and she is famously skilled at poker a hobby she takes very seriously.
Amazing Facts About Kelly Hu
1. She changed history at just 17
In 1985, Kelly Hu became the first Asian American woman to ever win Miss Teen USA. Before the pageant, her own mother told her that America was not yet ready for an Asian woman to win. Kelly walked on that stage and proved her wrong in front of the entire country.
2. She won Miss Hawaii USA too
Kelly returned to the pageant world in 1993 and won Miss Hawaii USA making her a proud two time beauty queen and one of the most decorated in Hawaii’s history.
3. Her first acting job was with Kirk Cameron
Kelly’s very first paid acting role was on the season premiere of Growing Pains, where she played Kirk Cameron’s Hawaiian love interest. That small guest role was where it all began.
4. Russell Crowe inspired her martial arts career
After filming No Way Back with Russell Crowe, Kelly committed to serious martial arts training at Kanzen Budo Kai at the Alborzi Karate Academy in Beverly Hills. That training directly led to her landing iconic action roles that defined her career.
5. She made Maxim magazine history
Kelly Hu became the first Asian American woman to appear on the cover of Maxim magazine. At the time of publication, that issue became the top selling issue in the magazine’s entire history.
6. She is a real poker champion
Kelly is not just a casual poker fan. In the 2006 World Series of Poker Ladies Tournament, she finished an impressive 175th out of 1,125 entrants competing at a genuinely elite level.
7. Her voice acting career is extraordinary
From Stacy Hirano in Phineas and Ferb to Lady Shiva in Batman: Arkham Origins and Jade Nguyen in Young Justice, Kelly built one of the most impressive animated voice acting careers in Hollywood.
8. She fights for Hawaii’s environment
Kelly ran the Honolulu Marathon to support Reef Check Hawaii, championed the Hawaii Shark Fin Ban that became law in July 2010, and has worked with Save the Children and Best Buddies International throughout her career.
9. Her words say everything
Kelly Hu once said: “Don’t be afraid to fail. You’ll never reach the fruit unless you go out on a limb.” Those words reflect exactly how she has lived her life and built her legendary career.
Kelly Hu Awards & Achievements
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
| 2004 | MTV Movie Award | Best Fight | Nominated |
| 2006 | SXSW Grand Jury Award | Outstanding Ensemble Cast | Winner |
| 2013 | BTVA Television Voice Acting Award | Best Female Vocal Performance Action/Drama | Nominated |
| 2014 | BTVA Television Voice Acting Award | Best Female Vocal Performance Action/Drama | Winner |
| 2014 | BTVA Television Voice Acting Award | Best Vocal Ensemble Action/Drama | Nominated |
| 2015 | BTVA Television Voice Acting Award | Best Female Vocal Performance Action/Drama | Nominated |
| 2017 | BTVA Television Voice Acting Award | Best Female Vocal Performance | Nominated |
| 2018 | Action on Film Award | Best Actress Feature | Nominated |
| 2018 | Best Actress Award | Best Actress | Winner |
Kelly Hu has received award recognition across film, television, and voice acting throughout her long career. Her BTVA wins stand out as proof of her excellence in animation. Her 2004 MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Fight for X2: X-Men United also showed just how seriously the industry respected her physical performance work.
Kelly Hu Net Worth
As of 2026, Kelly Hu’s estimated net worth is $10 million USD. Her wealth has been built through decades of consistent work across Hollywood films, prime time television, brand endorsements, modeling, and a highly productive voice acting career.
From her early modeling contracts to global blockbusters and major streaming animated productions, Kelly Hu has created a strong and diversified financial portfolio. She stands today as one of the most financially successful Asian American actresses of her entire generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Kelly Hu’s net worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Kelly Hu’s estimated net worth is $10 million USD, earned through her successful career in Hollywood films, television, and extensive voice acting.
Q2. Is Kelly Hu married?
No, Kelly Hu has never been married, has no children, and is currently single.
Q3. What is Kelly Hu’s ethnicity?
Kelly Hu is of mixed Chinese, English, and Native Hawaiian descent.
Q4. What is Kelly Hu best known for?
She is best known for playing Lady Deathstrike in X2: X-Men United, the sorceress Cassandra in The Scorpion King, and voicing Stacy in Phineas and Ferb.
Q5. Does Kelly Hu really know martial arts?
Yes, Kelly Hu holds a black belt in Kanzen Budo Kai karate, which she trained for in Beverly Hills.
Conclusion
Kelly Hu is far more than just a Hollywood actress. She is a history maker, a trailblazer, and a true inspiration. From winning Miss Teen USA 1985 as the first Asian American woman to ever claim that crown, to delivering unforgettable performances in global blockbusters, to building one of the most impressive voice acting careers in animation, Kelly Hu has done it all with grace, talent, and quiet determination.
Her journey from a young girl in Honolulu whose own mother doubted she could win a national pageant to a $10 million net worth Hollywood star with decades of iconic roles behind her is the kind of story that never gets old. She broke barriers not once but many times over, and she continues to work, create, and inspire to this day.
Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering Kelly Hu for the first time, one thing is clear her story is one of the most remarkable in Hollywood history. And the best part? She is still writing it.
We hope this complete Kelly Hu biography has given you all the answers you were looking for. If you want to know more about your favorite celebrities, keep exploring our blog for more in depth celebrity profiles just like this one.
