Los Angeles (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 10, 2026 – Lucy Liu has revealed she harboured a childhood crush on actor C. Thomas Howell, star of The Outsiders. The admiration dated back to her youth when she taped a photo of him from a teen magazine to her bedroom wall. Decades later, they worked together as tough cops on the television series Southland, though Liu never disclosed her feelings due to embarrassment.
Liu shared this anecdote during an interview with W Magazine, reflecting on her early cinematic infatuations. The actress, aged 57, described Howell’s distinctive 1980s look from his breakout role, with his hair blown back and hand in his jeans pocket. This revelation highlights an ironic twist in her career, as their professional paths crossed years after her youthful fandom.
Origins of Liu’s Childhood Admiration
Liu pinpointed her crush to Howell’s performance as Ponyboy Curtis in the 1983 film The Outsiders, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. At age 16, Howell portrayed the protagonist in this coming-of-age crime drama set in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma. The story follows Ponyboy and his brothers Darrel (Patrick Swayze) and Sodapop (Rob Lowe), Curtis amid rivalries between working-class greasers and affluent Socs, alongside co-stars Tom Cruise, Diane Lane, Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon and Emilio Estevez.
Liu recounted purchasing a teen magazine featuring Howell and affixing the image to her wood-panelled wall.
“C. Thomas Howell in The Outsiders. I was able to afford one of those teen magazines. I Scotch-taped it up to my wood-panel wall,”
she told W Magazine. Her family background in New York City immersed her in diverse entertainment during formative years.
This period preceded Liu’s acting pursuits, which began with school plays and local theatre. Her shyness, influenced by Chinese-American heritage, prevented any confession even after they met professionally. Liu’s reticence preserved a professional dynamic on set.
Irony of Their Southland Collaboration
Liu and Howell reunited professionally in season 4 of Southland, the police procedural that aired from 2009 to 2013 across five seasons. Howell appeared in 27 episodes as Officer Dewey Dudek, a recurring character. Liu joined in 2012 for 10 episodes as Officer Jessica Tang, portraying hardened law enforcement officers.
“It was ironic. I never told him that I had a crush on him because I was so embarrassed. We were playing tough cops,”
Liu admitted to W Magazine. Production photos from the set, credited to Doug Hyun/TNT, capture their on-screen partnership. The series also starred Michael Cudlitz, Ben McKenzie, Regina King and Shawn Hatosy.
Crew accounts describe Liu as composed throughout filming. The show’s focus on intense police work demanded commitment, with no disruptions from personal history. Southland‘s narrative explored gritty urban policing, aligning with their tough cop roles.
People magazine broke the story on social media, amplifying Liu’s interview details. People said in X post,
“Lucy Liu Admits She Had a Childhood ‘Crush’ on Actor Who Later Became Her Costar, but Was Too ‘Embarrassed’ to Tell Him.”
Lucy Liu Admits She Had a Childhood ‘Crush’ on Actor Who Later Became Her Costar, but Was Too ‘Embarrassed’ to Tell Him https://t.co/LPVg1evyEB
— People (@people) January 10, 2026
Liu’s Path to Hollywood Prominence
Liu’s career breakthrough arrived with Ally McBeal in the late 1990s, earning an Emmy nomination. She gained global fame in 2000’s Charlie’s Angels alongside Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz, followed by Chicago (2002), showcasing her singing. Quentin Tarantino cast her as O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003) and Volume 2 (2004).
Voice roles in Kung Fu Panda expanded her reach. Liu directed and produced The Man with the Iron Fists (2012). Her versatility spans action, drama and animation, marking over 25 years in the industry.
The Southland stint occurred amid this prolific phase. Liu balanced television with film, maintaining a reputation for professionalism. Her undisclosed crush added a private layer to public collaborations.
Howell’s Enduring Legacy from The Outsiders
- Thomas Howell, now 59, rocketed to fame at 16 with The Outsiders. The ensemble cast defined 1980s teen cinema, with Coppola adapting S.E. Hinton’s novel. Howell’s Ponyboy navigated family loss and gang tensions, cementing his heartthrob status.
Post-Outsiders, Howell starred in Red Dawn (1984) and The Hitcher (1986). His career includes over 200 credits, from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) to recent television. Howell recurred in Southland as a seasoned officer.
Recent fan events feature Howell discussing The Outsiders, including live Q&As. His evolution from child star to veteran underscores longevity in Hollywood.
Public and Media Response to Revelation
Entertainment outlets swiftly covered Liu’s W Magazine interview. Yahoo News republished details, noting her shyness and the poster’s significance. Coverage emphasised the light-hearted irony without speculation.
Fans engaged thoughtfully on social media. NeXter, a netizen, reflected on the emotional weight of Liu’s secret in a reply to the People post. NeXter said in X post,
“Childhood crush to costar? She waited years, held the secret, and still smiled through it. What’s harder – saying it or not?”
Childhood crush to costar? She waited years, held the secret, and still smiled through it. What’s harder – saying it or not? 🙃
— NeXter (@nesterrr78) January 10, 2026
Liu’s team verified the interview’s authenticity. Social platforms saw positive reactions, with users cross-referencing filmographies. No response from Howell has been reported.
Broader Context in Celebrity Anecdotes
Such stories of fan-to-collaborator arcs appear in Hollywood lore. Liu’s account aligns with peers sharing youthful admirations during press tours. Her emphasis on professionalism highlights industry boundaries.
The timing coincides with retrospectives on Liu’s career and The Outsiders‘ influence. Publications archived similar tales, framing hers as relatable. Liu’s candour humanises her poised public image.
Liu’s Current Endeavours
Liu promotes upcoming projects blending action and drama. Philanthropy supports arts education via her production company. Recent works include Rosemead, now in nationwide release.
Interviews like the W Magazine chat sustain fan connections. Liu’s slate for 2026 features potential blockbusters. This anecdote enriches her narrative amid ongoing relevance.
