Kelly Hu: ‘I’ve Always Looked Forward to Being 50’

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Pageant-winner-turned-actress Kelly Hu, 56, says she was a born performer: “I just knew ever since I was a child that I wanted to be an actor. It was a really early calling, and I think that

happens a lot with artists.” Her latest performances include playing police detective Veronica Jin on the Starz series BMF (Black Mafia Family) and the Marvel character Deathstrike in

Deadpool & Wolverine, in theaters July 26. She also cohosts the Shoes Off Inside With MKT podcast with actress Tamlyn Tomita, 60, and journalist May Lee, 58, where the trio discuss

stereotypes about race, age, sex and Asian culture. Hu tells AARP what she thinks of her pageant days, why she’s enjoying her 50s and how she’s adjusting her diet and exercise routine to

keep in tune with her body. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What made you want to start the Shoes Off Inside With MKT podcast?

We just wanted our demographic to be heard. We are three Asian women. There were a lot of things that we wanted to discuss from our point of view. I don’t think there was a lot of our

demographic represented in the podcast world. This is a hobby — a fun way for us to get together and get our messages out there.

Your Marvel character, Deathstrike, can heal incredibly quickly. What superpower would you love to have in real life?

I would love to have the superpower of being able to sleep whenever and wherever I want at any time [laughs]. I’m a very simple woman.

What’s the best part about playing an action hero in your 50s?

The most fun part is getting to look cool and powerful while my stuntwoman does all the hard work. Come to think of it, that has always been great — even in my 30s!