In USA TODAY’s The Essentials, celebrities share what fuels their lives, whether it’s at home, on the set or on the road.
Lucy Liu is staying present.
The Emmy-nominated star of CBS’ “Elementary” is set to star opposite Julia Fox in “Presence” (in theaters Friday), directed by Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh, after her role in last year’s holiday hit “Red One.”
“‘Red One’ was such a big blockbuster movie that did well during the holidays, and it’s such a feel-good movie. And then you work on something intimate,” Liu says of “Presence,” which was shot over 11 days.
The film is shot from a first-person perspective, so making the film was full of “a lot of new things” for Liu because “everything felt like time, space and motion was connected.”
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
‘Abbott Elementary’ star Janelle Jameson ‘It’s Always Sunny’ crossover, love of drumming
Amid her busy schedule as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actresses du jour, Liu spills on her co-stars, what’s in her “go bag” and what a dream day off entails.
Lucy Liu’s dream day off? A visit to the grocery store
Liu’s dream day off might surprise you.
“If I didn’t have anything at all, my day was completely cleared and I didn’t have any responsibilities, I would just go to the grocery store and walk up and down the aisles and just look at all the different things.”
Liu, a red-carpet staple who resides in New York, says a grocery store visit is “simple” compared to her normal life.
“It’s so, so simple but it’s such a treat to really just walk slowly with the cart through the aisles and look at absolutely everything,” she added.
The mom to 9-year-old son Rockwell says she leaves time for cooking and loves listening to audiobooks.
‘I always have a bag packed’: What’s in Lucy Liu’s bag?
Liu, who travels cross-country for work, has one year-round must-have: a travel bag.
“I always have a bag packed,” Liu says. “I just grab it and go, and I just throw in whatever else I need,” and she will “either add or take away depending on the weather.”
Her travel bag includes slippers, a toiletry bag and a good book — but she has a surprising tip for fellow frequent flyers.
“I usually just try to travel (using) a carry on bag,” Liu says.
Lucy Liu counts Cameron Diaz, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as co-stars — but she doesn’t pick favorites
Liu has worked with a slew of fellow A-list co-stars from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and heartthrob Chris Evans in last year’s “Red One” to Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore in her breakout “Charlie’s Angels” film role.
But there isn’t “one specific person” whom she could choose as a favorite.
“It’s so hard to say because everyone is so different,” says Liu.
Ryan Seacrest reveals iconic memoryof Dick Clark, New Year’s ‘Rockin’ Eve’ TV essentials
Liu does get specific in giving credit to other heroes on-set.
“I’ve really enjoyed, all the people that I’ve worked with, because it’s not just the actors – it’s really the crew,” Liu says. “You really create a family environment, and you continue those relationships as time goes on.”
Will there be an ‘Elementary’ reboot? Lucy Liu weighs in
Fans of CBS’ now-canceled show “Elementary” have long hoped for a reboot – even though “Watson” has taken up space on the network’s lineup as the resident Sherlock Holmes show – and Liu has an update.
“It’s kind of having this resurgence after the fact,” Liu says. “It’s so nice to know that it’s still alive and kicking after all these years.”
Liu, who says actors “move on” to new roles, praised fans for keeping the show’s memory alive.
“There’s so many different lives that I’ve lived since (starring as) Joan Watson, but it’s nice to remember her and know that she’s still out there in the world,” Liu says.
A reboot might be just a message away: Liu says she’ll text “Elementary” executive producer Robert Doherty for his opinion about a reunion or reboot.
“I’m going to text Rob and say ‘Hey, it’s the first time I’ve been asked this question.’ I would be curious just to hear what he has to say.”
