In a moment that blended cinematic legacy with living history, acclaimed actress Lisa Lu was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the oldest recipient in the landmark’s storied history at 97 years old.

Surrounded by family, friends, fans, and fellow artists, Lu received the honor in a heartfelt ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard, decades after first making her mark in both Eastern and Western film industries. Her trailblazing career — which spans over 70 years — has helped bridge cultural gaps in global cinema and earned her reverence in Hollywood and beyond.

“This star is not just mine,” Lu said during her emotional speech. “It belongs to all those who came before me and those still to come — especially the artists who continue to bring cultures together through film.”

Born in Beijing in 1927, Lisa Lu immigrated to the United States and quickly rose to prominence in the 1950s and ’60s with roles in American television series such as Bonanza, Have Gun – Will Travel, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. But it was her work in international cinema — including award-winning performances in Chinese films like The Empress Dowager and The Last Emperor — that solidified her status as a global icon.

More recently, Lu was reintroduced to mainstream audiences with her critically praised role in “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018), where she portrayed the wise and formidable Ah Ma, the family matriarch. The film was a historic milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood, and Lu’s presence in it was widely viewed as a symbolic passing of the torch to a new generation of Asian actors.

Lu’s star now joins more than 2,700 plaques embedded in the sidewalks of Hollywood, but hers carries a unique distinction — honoring not only longevity but also pioneering achievement. She is one of the few actresses to have achieved sustained success in both Chinese and American entertainment industries.

Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, described Lu as “a beacon of grace, resilience, and global artistry.”

“Her contributions have transcended borders and generations. Honoring Lisa Lu isn’t just about celebrating the past — it’s about recognizing a legacy that continues to inspire,” Martinez said.

With this latest milestone, Lisa Lu joins an elite group of entertainment legends. Her star arrives at a time when conversations around diversity, inclusion, and representation in Hollywood remain vital — and her recognition stands as a testament to the contributions of Asian artists throughout film history.

As the cameras flashed and the audience applauded, Lu, ever elegant, smiled and waved. At 97, she not only made history — she reminded the world that artistry knows no age.

The star ceremony will be broadcast online and archived by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, continuing to shine a light on the actress’s enduring influence.

Lisa Lu’s star now rests in the heart of Hollywood — a permanent symbol of a career that transcends time and borders.