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The Asian-American beauty who shocked TV viewers by passionately making out with Calista Flockhart on "Ally McBeal" is about to put on a great big halo -- as one of "Charlie's Angels." Lucy Liu has signed to co-star with Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore in the big-budget movie version of the cheesy '70s TV show about three curvy private eyes. The 30-year-old star -- who hails from Jackson Heights, Queens -- had jaws dropping earlier this month when she engaged in a steamy kiss with Flockhart on their hit Fox show. The official announcement by Columbia Pictures ends a six-month search for angel No. 3 -- a talent hunt that became a revolving door for a handful of Hollywood stunners. Gwyneth Paltrow was approached for the role, but reportedly blew it off because the paycheck wasn't big enough. Then Thandie Newton, of "Jefferson in Paris" and "Beloved" fame, agreed to step in. But she took a pass when the filming of "Mission: Impossible 2," in which she'll play Tom Cruise's love interest, got delayed. Other sex sirens mentioned as possibilities included Angelina Jolie, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jenny McCarthy, Michelle Yeoh -- and even ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. Liu reportedly inked a "seven-figure deal" to star in the role of Kelly Garrett, originally played by Jaclyn Smith. Diaz and Barrymore -- who'll make a rumored $12 to $15 million apiece -- star as Jill Munroe and Sabrina Duncan, who were portrayed by Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson on TV. Cheryl Ladd, Shelly Hack and Tanya Roberts also played angels during the show's five-year run. The flick begins filming in Los Angeles Dec. 6. Liu will split her time between the movie and "Ally," where she plays a member of McBeal's law firm who is noted for a libidinous growl. |