Lucy Liu

Liu now thinks the situation is changing. 'It used to be that you had to take on stereotypical roles to keep working - you know, the exotic types, but I think that things are improving,' Liu says. 'There are more credible roles out there that are not race-specific, and there are more talented writers creating these roles.'

Along with her role on Ally McBeal, Liu also made waves on the big screen in the Mel Gibson thriller Payback. Although the film garnered less than enthusiastic reviews, Liu's turn as a dominatrix attracted attention. 'Even if she wasn't dressed in leather and cracking a whip, you'd pay heed,' wrote Rolling Stone's Peter Travers.

Angels revisited

Her Charlie's Angels role alongside Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore showed how successfully Liu could transfer her presence and charisma to the big screen. She is now busy filming Charlie's Angels 2, due for release in 2003. So far, much of the buzz around the film centres on the news that Demi Moore, out of the limelight for the past five years, has signed up to play the part of a fallen Angel gone bad. No doubt Liu's Alex will have to help rein her in.

Starring alongside big Hollywood stars such as Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Demi Moore shows how far Liu has come since her Ally McBeal days. Likewise, her salary for the role also suggests that she has hit the big time - according to reports, she can now command $4 million a movie.

So what does she think of her newfound celebrity status? 'I don't feel any different, but suddenly everyone wants to talk to me,' she says. 'I guess it comes with the territory.'