Kelly Hu is one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood thanks to her dynamic skills as an actress, model, and activist. Known for her diverse talents and fascinating career choices, Hu has built an impressive financial portfolio in the entertainment world. With an estimated Kelly Hu net worth of $10 million, her wealth stands as a testament to decades of hard work, resilience, and versatility.
This article explores her personal and professional life, highlighting the key moments that have shaped her career, net worth, and lasting impact.
The Significance of Kelly Hu Net Worth
Kelly Hu net worth intrigues fans and admirers who wish to understand how talent and perseverance translate to financial success in the entertainment industry. For aspiring artists, her story serves as an example of leveraging early achievements, such as winning Miss Teen USA, into a long-standing, multi-faceted career. The progression of her net worth reflects her success in acting, modeling, voiceovers, and philanthropy.
Early Life and Family
Birth and Heritage
Kelly Ann Hu was born on February 13, 1968, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is of Chinese, Hawaiian, and English descent, giving her a culturally rich background that she has often drawn upon throughout her career. Her family includes her parents, Juanita—a hardworking mother who held odd jobs to support the household—and Herbert, who worked as a salesman and an exotic bird breeder. She also has an older brother named Glenn.
Growing up in Honolulu, Kelly was inspired by her family, particularly her mother, to strive for greatness.
Education and Early Influences
Hu attended Ma’ema’e Elementary School and later went to Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, where she displayed strong interests in singing, dancing, and martial arts. Her decision to enter the world of entertainment was influenced by her cousin, a successful model who encouraged her to explore the industry.
Beauty Pageants and Modeling
Kelly Hu made history by becoming the first Asian-American to win the title of Miss Teen USA in 1985. Her win propelled her into the national spotlight, giving her a platform to launch her career. After her success in pageantry, she turned to modeling, working in Japan and Italy. She later won Miss Hawaii USA in 1993 and placed fourth in the Miss USA pageant, making her one of the most celebrated beauty queens of her time.
Her success as a model opened doors to acting and broader recognition, significantly contributing to Kelly Hu net worth.
Career Highlights
Television Career
Hu’s acting pursuits began with guest appearances on popular TV shows. Her breakout role came in the sitcom Growing Pains (1987–1988), where she earned acclaim. Over the following decade, she appeared in shows like 21 Jump Street, Melrose Place, and Nash Bridges, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
She achieved greater success in 1998 with Martial Law, wherein she played Detective Grace Chen, a role that showcased her martial arts skills. More TV milestones followed, with recurring appearances in shows like The Vampire Diaries, Arrow, and Hawaii Five-0.
Notable among her voice acting credits, she portrayed Stacy Hirano in Phineas and Ferb and played a part in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Film Career
Kelly Hu’s film debut was in the horror movie Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989). However, her major breakthrough came with her roles in the 2002 movie The Scorpion King, where she starred alongside Dwayne Johnson, and the superhero blockbuster X2: X-Men United (2003) as Lady Deathstrike.
She continued to impress in films like Cradle 2 the Grave (2003), The Tournament (2009), and Finding ‘Ohana (2021). These roles played a pivotal role in boosting Kelly Hu net worth, as her performances reached global audiences.
Voice Work and Video Games
Beyond her on-screen roles, Kelly Hu has lent her voice to characters in popular video games like Mortal Kombat X, Batman: Arkham Origins, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II. These contributions solidified her status as a versatile artist while adding another revenue stream to her portfolio.
Personal Life and Activities
Fitness and Martial Arts
Standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and maintaining a fit physique, Kelly Hu is known for her dedication to health. She is a black belt in karate and has often incorporated her martial arts knowledge into her acting roles.
Activism
Hu’s philanthropy and activism are noteworthy. An environmental advocate, she supports initiatives like Reef Check Hawaii to protect her homeland’s ecosystems. She has also worked with Save the Children and Best Buddies International, further cementing her reputation as an influential voice beyond Hollywood.
Relationships
Hu’s personal life has been relatively private. She dated Ahmad Ali Moussaui in the late 1990s and was in a relationship with music producer Mitch Allen from 2010 to 2016.
Kelly Hu Net Worth Breakdown
Here is a detailed overview of the key factors that contribute to Kelly Hu net worth:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $10 million |
| Primary Income Sources | Acting, modeling, voice work, video games |
| Major TV Appearances | Martial Law, The Vampire Diaries, Arrow |
| Top Films | X2, The Scorpion King, Finding ‘Ohana |
| Height & Weight | 5 ft 4 in (1.65 m), Approximately 52 kg |
| Awards | Miss Teen USA, Miss Hawaii USA |
| Voice Credits | Mortal Kombat, Phineas and Ferb, Batman |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
Awards and Recognition
Although Kelly Hu has not received major acting awards, her milestones as the first Asian-American to win Miss Teen USA and later Miss Hawaii USA remain significant achievements. Additionally, her performances earned her critical praise, helping to sustain her career over decades.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many actors of color, Hu faced challenges in an industry historically limited in diverse casting. By taking on genre-spanning roles, including action, superhero films, and fantasy, she successfully addressed bias and established herself as a leading Asian-American actress.
Concluding Thoughts on Kelly Hu Net Worth
Kelly Hu net worth of $10 million signifies an exceptional career built on persistence, talent, and the ability to adapt. From being an influential beauty pageant winner to becoming a versatile performer in film and television, Hu continues to inspire with her story of resilience and triumph.
