Chillin With Kelly Hu

Very few people can say they’ve had a career path like actress Kelly Hu’s. A woman of Chinese, English, and Hawaiian ancestry, Hu was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her first calling in life came about naturally thanks to her stunning looks. Boasting her beauty on stage earned her the title of Miss Teen USA in her earlier years.

 

She also modeled in Japan and Italy for several months before making a life-changing decision to move to L.A.. There, she tested the waters of show business, eventually landing a breakout role on TV’s Growing Pains in 1987. Since then, she has never stopped shining on screen.
Currently, Kelly can be seen starring in the critically acclaimed Starz series, BMF, executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Kelly joins season two as a series regular in the role of detective Veronica Jin, a smart, complex, and tough cop out on the streets. A product of the American Dream shaped by her Chinese immigrant parents, she is unique in becoming the only Asian American female detective in the murder capital of the world.

Her other credits include Arrow, The Doors, The Vampire Diaries, Hawaii Five-O, Nash Bridges, Army Wives, and most recently, Finding Ohana. She also voices the character Stacey in the popular animated series, Phineas and Ferb.

 

 

Kelly’s beauty is recognized to this day, as she has been repeatedly featured in People magazine’s Most Beautiful issue. She also represented Hawaii in the Miss USA pageant.

Chilled had the pleasure of chatting with her to learn a bit more about her lifestyle, including favorite recreational activities, places to eat/drink, and, much more.

 

Tell us about the projects you are working on.

I get to play Detective Veronica Jin on the Starz series BMF and recur on the CBS series East New York. I also have the pleasure of doing a podcast with friends May Lee and Tamlym Tomita called “Shoes Off Inside,” where we talk about everything from politics to Women’s health.

 

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

During my hiatus from BMF I went to Hawaii with my family, attended Burning Man, got certified for sailing, and sailed in a rally from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas called the Baja Haha.

 

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I rarely go out to eat these days but when I do I love sushi. The traditional kind.

 

 

What types of dishes do you typically order.

I always choose the omakase (chef’s choice) since I like trying new and because I rather not have to make decisions by myself.

Any favorite bars?

My own! I always have friends come to my place to hang out and drink. The drinks are free, entertainment is always superb, and there’s no last call.

 

What drinks do you order when you go out?

I like most of my drinks straight or on the rocks. Kind of a purist I guess. A nice bourbon or sipping tequila depending on my mood. Nothing sugary or too sweet. I also like a glass of Blanton’s or a nice Japanese whiskey.

 

 

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I used to have a roommate who was a mixologist, so we’ve had a lot of fun mixing drinks, especially during the lockdown. Now that I live alone I’m more prone to bourbon, vodka, or tequila on the rocks.

Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?

Along with a full bar, I also like to collect bottles from my travels: Vodka from Russia and Kazakstan, tequila from Mexico, bourbon from Canada, Baijiu from China, whiskey from Japan, etc.

 

Have you ever been a bartender?

I’d love to learn bartending at some point, but I’ve never done it in the past.

 

If you could share a drink with someone, who would it be?

Having a glass of wine with Jesus would be interesting. I imagine sharing the Blood of Christ with the man himself would be quite the experience.