Acting was never part of the plan for the 26-year-old New York native, she once told W Magazine. Growing up surrounded by actors due to her parents both having attended film school, Liu initially charted a different course in visual arts, multimedia arts and experimental performance art. Despite some initial reservations, Liu found herself drawn into the worlds of fashion and acting.

She hails from Chinese and European descent

Liu’s father is Chinese while her mother is of European descent. Speaking to V magazine, the actress said, “Being mixed race and having to jump between cultures has made me feel like I’ve been learning to act my whole life.” She added that, when she was younger, she didn’t see many people who looked like her on the covers of magazines or portraying lead roles in films or on TV.

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Her on-screen break

After playing supporting roles in projects including Netflix series The Chair, fantasy-mystery film Mayday, and coming-of-age romantic drama film The Sky is Everywhere, Liu took centre stage in her first feature film, the mystery thriller No Exit, portraying the complex character of Darby Thorne.

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Her personal style

“I like contrasting elements that go together that I wouldn’t necessarily see together,” Liu told Elle magazine when asked about her personal style – something she has also described as ever-evolving. Reflecting her mood, the actress can be found embracing chic, artful and functional fashion elements.