Kickstarting her career in front of the camera with modeling, Maggie Q began to transition into film in 2000. Making a small cameo appearance in Rush Hour 2, she started landing bigger roles in blockbuster movie franchises like Mission: Impossible III and Live Free or Die Hard. She has found success in television as well, and she has recently been promoting her newest show, Pivoting, with Ginnifer Goodwin. Best-known for portraying tough secret agent-type characters, her fierce acting style is the perfect fusion of athleticism and grace.
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6 Live Free or Die Hard
20th Century Fox
In the 2007 action sequel, Live Free or Die Hard, Q joins the Die Hard franchise as Mai. As the love interest and second-in-command to Thomas Gabriel, the villain, she sends a team of assassins to kill a hacker named Matthew Farrell, who is saved by John McClane just in time. Q portrays this dangerous character beautifully, and it was her first time in a larger role for such a highly anticipated film. It’s also one of the few times she has played an antagonist.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
5 Divergent
Red Wagon Entertainment and Summit Entertainment
Based on the novel series of the same name, Divergent hit theaters in 2012. With Q playing Tori, who is a member of the Dauntless group, she is able to show off her ability to switch sides. She gives Tris, the main character, her aptitude test, and is later revealed to be a great ally against the powers in control. She reprises her role in the 2016 installment, Allegiant. There have also been talks about a Divergent television series on Starz.
4 Priest
Screen Gems, Tokyopop, and DMG Entertainment
Starring alongside Paul Bettany, Karl Urban, and Lily Collins, Q portrays Priestess in the 2011 horror film, Priest. Based on a Korean comic series, the film follows the journey of a Priest who goes rogue to rescue his daughter from vampires. The Church sends a team—which includes Q’s Priestess—to bring him back. However, they all get caught up in something much bigger when they realize the damage these vampires have been doing. She aids in defeating the main villain, Black Hat, by driving her motorcycle riddled with explosives into the engine of a moving train.
3 Pivoting
Mama Look! Productions, Kapital Entertainment, Fox Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Television
Moving away from the action-packed films and into television comedy, Q’s most recent performance can be seen in the brand-new show Pivoting on Fox. Playing the role of Sarah, Q gets to trade in her spy-wear for a more suburban wardrobe. The plot follows Sarah, Amy, and Jodie after one of their friends dies. The trio decides that it is time for a change, and they begin to make impulsive decisions in an attempt to find a new source of happiness. Q finally gets to stretch her acting limbs and not be so serious.
2 Hannah Wells - Designated Survivor
Kinberg Genre, The Mark Gordon Company, Baer Bones, and ABC Studios
In the ABC political drama series, Designated Survivor, Q plays an FBI turned CIA agent named Hannah Wells. After a massive explosion kills most of the politicians in D.C., Tom Kirkman becomes the President of the United States by default. Agent Wells is determined to find out what really happened during the attack on the Capitol, and she eventually discovers links to bioterrorism. Q’s performance in the series is outstanding, and she leads fans through thrilling hunts as she investigates the events that unfold. Rumors have been circulating about a revival of the series on Netflix, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
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1 Nikita - Nikita
Wonderland Sound and Vision, Sesfonstein Productions, Warner Bros. Television, and Nikita Films
In the 2010 television series, Nikita, Q plays rogue secret agent, Nikita. Following her action-packed journey to destroy the government organization that trained her - Division - she enlists the help of a young woman named Alex. Using her to infiltrate Division, Nikita spoils their missions every chance she gets. However, the root of this evil organization goes much deeper than she originally anticipated when she discovers Oversight and their black operations. The show received high marks from critics, and many fans were disappointed when it was canceled. With four seasons available, audiences can binge-watch her dynamic performance.
