Ming-Na Wen’s Tribute to 98-Year-Old Lisa Lu Reveals Hollywood’s Late Wake-Up Call
Scrolling at 2 AM, convinced progress is just a fad, Ming-Na Wen’s glowing tribute to 98-year-old Lisa Lu’s long-overdue Walk of Fame star lands like a macabre punchline. The legendary actress finally got her own golden emblem on Hollywood Boulevard this past week, and Wen—never one to mince words—posted on Instagram that Lu “paved the way for all of us,” per People Magazine. You know, because Hollywood waited nearly a century before remembering some actors actually deserve recognition.
At the unveiling ceremony on June 24, a handful of fans and friends braved the relentless sun to watch an octogenarian of nearly a century anchor her name in concrete. Film historian David H. Greene (via Dotdash Meredith) noted that Lu’s career spans six decades with credits from The Joy Luck Club to The Last Emperor—two projects that would’ve been celebrated decades ago if studios weren’t too busy banking on youth and safe bets. Meanwhile, Ming-Na Wen’s heartfelt speech—excerpted by People—reminded everyone that Lu blazed a trail through stereotyping, leaving future generations with slightly less uphill battles. Yippee.
As expected, social media exploded with hashtags like #LateButGrateful and #AgeIsJustANumber, but let’s not pretend this isn’t another exhibit of Hollywood’s chronic forgetful streak. Yes, audiences cheered, and yes, Lu—who graciously flexed her wit—thanked the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, local dignitaries, and “anyone who’s ever doubted an older woman’s box office pull.” That tiny joke hit with all the warmth of a frostbitten winter.
Insiders confirmed to Dotdash Meredith that a nomination committee first proposed Lu’s star back in 2015, only to put it on hold for “budget priorities” and other excuses with names like “franchise fatigue.” Now that studios face a realignment on diversity pledges, we’re told this ceremony is proof that equity is alive. Spare me. Equity on Hollywood’s clock always seems to arrive when the honorees can no longer enjoy it in private.
Of course, there’s a silver lining: Lu’s longevity means she at least witnessed this charade. But let’s file this under “Delayed Gratification” and bookmark it for the inevitable “I told you so” moment when another trailblazer reaches triple digits before Hollywood remembers their contributions. At this point, should we even pretend to be surprised? Anyway, can’t wait to see how this gets worse.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Dotdash Meredith
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
