Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate moms everywhere — no matter what their journey to parenthood looks like. Lucy Liu’s gestational surrogate journey is an inspiring example of embracing alternative paths to motherhood. The actress, celebrated for her versatility on the big screen in films like Kill Bill and Kung Fu Panda, as well as her Emmy-nominated performances, welcomed her son, Rockwell Lloyd Liu, in August 2015.
Lucy Liu and Her Iconic Career
Liu, born on December 2, 1968, in Queens, New York, rose to fame through roles in iconic films and TV series, including Charlie’s Angels and Elementary. Known for breaking stereotypes, the actress has built a remarkable career spanning decades. Beyond her professional achievements, Liu’s personal life has also inspired many, especially her decision to embrace motherhood at the age of 46.
Choosing Gestational Surrogacy
Lucy Liu’s decision to welcome her son via gestational surrogacy sparked conversations about alternative paths to parenthood. “I’m a single mother who had a baby through a gestational carrier, and I know that people had opinions about how it was done,” Liu revealed in an interview with Yahoo Celebrity. However, she emphasized that parenthood is about love, not the details of how a family is formed.
This sentiment was central to her collaboration with Tylenol’s #HowWeFamily campaign, which celebrates diverse family structures. “It’s not about those details,” Liu explained. “It’s about how you carry on from the point of having your child and loving your family.”
Addressing Criticism and Social Media Reactions
Liu also spoke about the unsolicited opinions she encountered on social media after announcing her son’s birth. “I didn’t feel judgment until people said, ‘Disregard what these people are saying on social media.’ I didn’t realize people were saying anything!” Liu shared. While the negativity was surprising, she focused on the joy of her motherhood journey, saying, “How can anyone have discouraging words for having had a baby?”
Why She Chose Surrogacy
In May 2016, Liu discussed her reasons for choosing gestational surrogacy. “It just seemed like the right option for me because I was working and didn’t know when I was going to be able to stop,” she told People. Balancing her demanding career and personal life, she considered surrogacy to be the best solution.
Her work with UNICEF further inspired her to become a mother. “There’s something incredibly special about children,” she reflected. Liu’s missions with the organization deepened her appreciation for the love and openness children bring into the world, ultimately influencing her decision to start her family.
Motherhood and Milestones
Since Rockwell’s birth, Liu has welcomed every moment of motherhood. “He’s crawling, he’s pulling himself up, and his teeth are coming in now,” she gushed. Watching Rockwell grow has been a source of endless joy for Liu, who marvels at the milestones and the “miraculous” changes she witnesses daily.
For her first Mother’s Day in 2016, Liu focused on simplicity. “I’m going to celebrate by not multitasking and just spending the day with him,” she said. Her message resonated with other mothers juggling busy lives, showcasing her relatable and down-to-earth approach to parenting.
Updates: Rockwell Turns Five
In August 2020, Lucy Liu celebrated Rockwell’s fifth birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post. She shared a photo of her son blowing out candles on his birthday cake and wrote, “My darling son turned 5 yesterday. He is a rainbow of light, and his energy is pure magic.” The moment highlighted the close bond between Liu and her son and her joy in watching him grow.
A Role Model for Modern Families
Liu’s journey as a single mother by choice has inspired countless others to embrace non-traditional paths to parenthood. Through her openness about using a gestational surrogate, Liu continues to challenge outdated stereotypes.
Yahoo.com originally published this article: https://www.yahoo.com/celebrity/lucy-liu-opens-up-about-her-journey-to-motherhood-233010909.html
