lisa-wu-hartwell-1LISA WU: NOT JUST A HOUSEWIFE.

Delux: We love your new reality show, “Hollywood Diva” on TV One. What else have you been up to since Bravo’s Atlanta Housewives?
Wu: Writing movies and producing them as well. I’ve been
doing a lot of acting in other people’s projects. I’ve actually formed a company with Re’Shaun Frear. He’s my co- partner in Indiewood films. We have a slate of films that we are producing at the top of the year. One of the films is called Mississippi Wild. We’re still doing Further From Here. We’re making some cast changes. Another film is Bowl of Cherries. These are theatrical, bigger budget films. I’ll also be doing some independent, straight to DVD films that I have written.

Delux: How does Atlanta Housewives differ from Hollywood Diva?
Wu: Basically, we created a show on a show. That hasn’t been done before. All five ladies are actresses or producers. We all took control of our own destinies and created projects that created jobs—not only for ourselves but for the crew. The caliber of women is different. Normally you don’t see actresses open up their lives like that. They are normally playing characters as opposed to allowing you in their space. So you get to see who they really are as opposed to who they are playing.

Delux: Do you think that you are in your element with Hollywood Diva than with Atlanta Housewives?
Wu: Absolutely. I love it. It’s just a different type of reality show. It’s funny because one of my cast mates, Golden, said that she doesn’t like reality shows. But it is a reality show. Again, it’s just a different type of reality show. Of course there’s bickering and the butting of heads. You have five strong women who are very opinionated and set in their ways on how they want to do things. But we come together and we get it done.

Delux: What brings you back to the reality TV realm?
Wu: Well it was an opprtunity that was presented to me. It just made sense because a lot of people didn’t know that I started out writing and producing plays. A lot of people thought that I was just on the Housewives of Atlanta and that was the extent of me being in entertainment. They had no idea that I was a behind the scenes type of person and that I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. I did it for that purpose—to let the world know that I’m back home.

Delux: What do you think of the reviews of the show thus far?
Wu: People love it! Some people say that they don’t usually watch reality television shows but this show is addictive. We broke a lot of records. The ratings were through the roof. That’s why there’s going to be a season two. I knew that it would be successful because it’s a different kind of show.

Delux: What does true success look like for you?
Wu: Success is getting paid doing what you love and pursuing your passion. It’s truly finding fulfilment in the things that you really want to do. A lot of people are successful but they hate their jobs. For me it’s doing what you love to do and getting paid to do what you love.

Delux: It seems like that’s what you are doing now. It seems like you are in a good place.
Wu: I am. What’s that saying? Whatever you would do for free that’s your passion. It’s not a lot of work for me. When I start listing all these projects and telling people what I’m doing, they say, “Oh my God. That’s so much!” But for me I’m doing what I love. If I could write movies while I was asleep, I would because it’s fun for me. It’s not a lot of work.

It’s great. It’s really taking [my] destiny into [my] own hands. I don’t wait for roles. I don’t wait for someone to call me up and say, “Hey Lisa, I have this movie for you.” I create projects. That’s essentially why I started writing over 20 years ago. I knew that then. I create jobs for other people.

Delux: You’re absolutely gorgeous! What is your secret to your silky skin? What are some of your favorite products, or what is your no-fail beauty regiment for your flawless glow?
Wu: Tons of water and really moisturizing. A clean diet works wonders. If your heart is in the right place and when you are in a good place spiritually and emotionally, then I think that others see that. When people look unhappy and spiritually they’re not together or at peace, then their skin is not right. Being in the right place has a lot to do with it.

Delux: How much water do you drink every day?
Wu: Half my weight in ounces. I drink a gallon of water a day. I eat a lot of berries too, like blueberries and raspberries.

Delux: Are you currently involved in any philanthropy?
Wu: My platform is domestic violence and self-esteem. I’m always feeding the hungry and the homeless year round. It’s not something that I broadcast. It’s just part of my make-up or personality. I also mentor a lot of young girls. I always try to give back.

DELUX Magazine
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