Simu Liu
{{Short description|Canadian actor (born 1989)}}
{{Family name hatnote|Liu|lang=Chinese}}
{{Eastern name order|Liu Simu}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=July 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name =
| image = Simu Liu by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg
| caption = Liu in 2024
| alt =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1989|4|19}}
| birth_place = Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| citizenship = Canada (naturalized)
| alma_mater = University of Western Ontario
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|author}}
| years_active = 2012–present
| partner = Allison Hsu (2022–present; engaged)
| module = {{Infobox Chinese
|child = yes
|order=st
|s= {{linktext|刘|思慕}}
|t= {{linktext|劉|思慕}}
|p=Liú Sīmù
|mi={{IPAc-cmn|l|iu|2|-|si|1|.|m|u|4}}
|j=Lau4 Si1 Mou6
|ci={{IPAc-yue|l|au|4|-|s|i|1|.|m|ou|6}}
}}
}}
Simu Liu ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|iː|m|uː|_|ˈ|l|iː|juː}} {{respell|SEE|moo|_|LEE|yoo}};{{Cite tweet |number=1388856563511664652 |user=SimuLiu |title=Your friendly #AsianHeritageMonth reminder: "SEE-moo LEE-ew" "SHONG-chee" "Dad" Thank you for coming to my TED Talk. |author-link=Simu Liu |date=2 May 2021 |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031222325/https://twitter.com/SimuLiu/status/1388856563511664652 |archive-date=31 October 2021 |url-status=live |last=Liu |first=Simu}} {{zh|s=刘思慕|t=劉思慕}}; born 19 April 1989) is a Canadian{{Cite tweet |number=822558019921805317 |user=SimuLiu |title=@Lillianna277 I'm a Canadian citizen. I'm good. |author-link=Simu Liu |date=20 January 2017 |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016065034/https://twitter.com/simuliu/status/822558019921805317 |archive-date=16 October 2021 |url-status=live |last=Liu |first=Simu}} actor. He rose to prominence by starring as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021).
Liu was born in Harbin and raised in Ontario. He has also played Paul Xie in the Omni Television crime drama series Blood and Water—for which he was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award{{Cite web |title=Simu Liu – Academy.ca |url=http://www.academy.ca/2017/simu-liu/ |access-date=22 January 2017 |website=Academy.ca |date=8 January 2017 |archive-date=28 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128205108/http://www.academy.ca/2017/simu-liu/ |url-status=live}} and an ACTRA Award—Jung Kim in the CBC Television sitcom Kim's Convenience (2016–2021),{{Cite web |title=Kim's Convenience – CBC Media Centre |url=http://www.cbc.ca/mediacentre/program/kims-convenience |access-date=29 July 2016 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |archive-date=15 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015030353/http://www.cbc.ca/mediacentre/program/kims-convenience |url-status=live}} and one of the Ken dolls in the fantasy comedy film Barbie (2023). In 2022, Liu published the memoir We Were Dreamers{{Cite web |title=From immigrant to superhero: Simu Liu tells his own origin story in memoir 'We Were Dreamers' |url=https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2022/05/17/simu-liu-we-were-dreamers |access-date=21 December 2022 |website=wbur.org |date=17 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221210321/https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2022/05/17/simu-liu-we-were-dreamers |url-status=live}} and was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.
Early life
Liu was born in Harbin, China, on 19 April 1989, son of Zhenning and Zheng Liu. His parents met while attending university in Beijing, where they both studied engineering. His father, Zhenning, went to the United States to study for a PhD whilst his mother worked in Beijing, and Liu was raised until age 5 by his grandparents in Harbin "in a small apartment, without running water for much of the day," in circumstances he recalled as "idyllic and happy."{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/may/21/simu-liu-shang-chi-kims-convenience-memoir-interview |title=Marvel star Simu Liu: 'I felt like my parents wanted to rid my life of joy or happiness' |website=TheGuardian.com |date=21 May 2022 |access-date=4 July 2022 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704023325/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/may/21/simu-liu-shang-chi-kims-convenience-memoir-interview |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Ansari |first=Sadiya |date=19 August 2021 |title=Simu Liu is on the cusp of superstardom. But that isn't his end game. |url=https://www.macleans.ca/culture/simu-liu-is-on-the-cusp-of-superstardom-but-that-isnt-his-end-game/ |website=Maclean's |access-date=22 March 2022 |archive-date=4 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504100132/https://www.macleans.ca/culture/simu-liu-is-on-the-cusp-of-superstardom-but-that-isnt-his-end-game/ |url-status=live}} Liu later emigrated to rejoin his parents in Canada, who supplemented their scholarships with dish-washing jobs and eventually became successful aerospace engineers. He first arrived in Kingston, Ontario where his father was fulfilling his doctoral studies at Queen's University. Liu was later raised in Mississauga, Ontario.{{Cite news |last=Clay |first=Chris |date=27 October 2016 |title=Mississauga-raised actor stars in Kim's Convenience, lands role in NBC's Taken |work=Mississauga News |location=Mississauga, ON |url=http://www.mississauga.com/whatson-story/6932846-mississauga-raised-actor-stars-in-kim-s-convenience-lands-role-in-nbc-s-taken/ |access-date=21 December 2016 |archive-date=22 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222091001/http://www.mississauga.com/whatson-story/6932846-mississauga-raised-actor-stars-in-kim-s-convenience-lands-role-in-nbc-s-taken/ |url-status=live}}
In his memoir, We Were Dreamers, Liu wrote of the deprivation and trauma his parents had experienced growing up in China's Cultural Revolution, and their subsequent "tiger parenting" style, saying he felt they "wanted to rid [his] life of joy or happiness", and recalling "the weight of what he describes as impossible expectations, to be the star child, the studious academic, the obedient son", being "belittled and physically punished" for perceived failings.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jul/03/resentment-acceptance-gratitude-the-paradox-facing-australian-children-of-tiger-parents |title=Resentment, acceptance, gratitude: The paradox facing Australian children of 'tiger' parents |website=TheGuardian.com |date=2 July 2022 |access-date=4 July 2022 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704021618/https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/jul/03/resentment-acceptance-gratitude-the-paradox-facing-australian-children-of-tiger-parents |url-status=live}} Liu's parents "hothoused him in maths at the age of five and set 'homework' that included reading biographies of scientists and studying algebra". Upon his arrival in Kingston, Liu attended Sydenham Public School. He later attended University of Toronto Schools and studied business administration at the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario.{{cite journal |last=Liss |first=Sarah |title=Liu Time |journal=Toronto Life |date=16 November 2022 |url=https://torontolife.com/culture/how-simu-liu-is-using-his-superpowers-for-good/ |access-date=27 May 2023 |archive-date=27 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527002712/https://torontolife.com/culture/how-simu-liu-is-using-his-superpowers-for-good/ |url-status=live}}
Liu initially worked as an accountant at Deloitte, but was laid off in April 2012 after nine months.{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/simu-liu-opens-repairing-relationship-002710009.html |title=Simu Liu opens up about repairing his relationship with his immigrant parents after childhood trauma |date=14 May 2022 |access-date=4 July 2022 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704023247/https://news.yahoo.com/simu-liu-opens-repairing-relationship-002710009.html |url-status=live}} He began to explore other career options and decided to pursue a career as an actor and stuntman.{{Cite web |title=KollabCast Episode 144 – Simu's Convenience w/ Simu Liu |url=http://kollaboration.org/podcast/kollabcast-episode-144-simus-convenience-w-simu-liu/ |access-date=2 November 2017 |website=Kollaboration |archive-date=5 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105201126/http://kollaboration.org/podcast/kollabcast-episode-144-simus-convenience-w-simu-liu/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Traci G. |date=31 August 2018 |title='Kim's Convenience' actor Simu Liu on being an accountant, his big break, and 'Crazy Rich Asians' momentum |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/kim-s-convenience-actor-simu-liu-being-accountant-his-big-n904911 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=23 August 2021 |archive-date=22 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822123523/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/kim-s-convenience-actor-simu-liu-being-accountant-his-big-n904911 |url-status=live}} Liu became distant from his parents after losing his accounting job and entering acting, but after discussing the matter with his parents, the family reconciled and became closer as a result.{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/simu-liu-remembered-dealing-beatings-212055896.html |title=Simu Liu Revealed the Emotional Childhood Trauma He Went Through with His Parents and How He Rebuilt a Relationship with Them, After Writing an 8-Page Letter |date=12 May 2022 |access-date=4 July 2022 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704023325/https://news.yahoo.com/simu-liu-remembered-dealing-beatings-212055896.html |url-status=live}}
Career
= 2012–2018: Early work and television roles=
Liu got his start in acting working as an extra and stuntman, appearing in movies and music videos such as Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim and Avicii's "I Could Be the One." His other early onscreen credits include Nikita (2012) and Beauty and the Beast (2014). He appeared as a stuntman in Sick: Survive the Night (2012) and the TV miniseries Heroes Reborn.
In 2015, Liu was cast in his first significant recurring role, appearing as a series regular in seven episodes of the Omni Television crime drama series Blood and Water (2015–2016). He would later receive his first award nominations for this role at the ACTRA Awards and Canadian Screen Awards in 2017.{{Cite news |date=8 January 2017 |title=Simu Liu {{!}} Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program {{!}} Canadian Screen Awards |work=Academy.ca |url=https://www.academy.ca/2017/simu-liu/ |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809041308/https://www.academy.ca/2017/simu-liu/ |url-status=live}}
Later in 2015, Liu was cast in his first main role as Jung Kim in the CBC Television sitcom Kim's Convenience,{{Cite news |date=10 October 2016 |title=Kim's Convenience: A TV first that doesn't buckle under the pressure – Macleans.ca |work=Maclean's |url=http://www.macleans.ca/culture/television/kims-convenience-a-tv-first-that-doesnt-buckle-under-the-pressure/ |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=6 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706045859/http://www.macleans.ca/culture/television/kims-convenience-a-tv-first-that-doesnt-buckle-under-the-pressure/ |url-status=live}} a TV adaptation of the play of the same name. It remains his most notable television success to date, with the series being nominated for and winning multiple awards internationally, including Best Comedy Series at the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards and "Most Popular Foreign Drama" at the 2019 Seoul International Drama Awards. Liu starred in the series until its conclusion in 2021.
In 2016, Liu was cast in a recurring role as the ex-CIA analyst Faaron, loosely modeled on real-life ex-analyst Rodney Faraon, in the NBC prequel series Taken based on the film franchise starring Liam Neeson.{{Cite news |last=Clay |first=Chris |date=27 October 2016 |title=Mississauga-raised actor stars in Kim's Convenience, lands role in NBC's Taken {{!}} Mississauga.com |work=Mississauga.com |url=https://www.mississauga.com/whatson-story/6932846-mississauga-raised-actor-stars-in-kim-s-convenience-lands-role-in-nbc-s-taken/ |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809094149/https://www.mississauga.com/whatson-story/6932846-mississauga-raised-actor-stars-in-kim-s-convenience-lands-role-in-nbc-s-taken/ |url-status=live}} Even as he was cast in main and recurring roles, Liu continued to appear as an extra on several television shows, appearing in an episode of the hit BBC-Space series Orphan Black as well as in the Canadian science fiction series Dark Matter.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}} In 2017, Liu appeared in the second season of Slasher as well as the CityTV miniseries Bad Blood, both as recurring characters.{{Cite web |title=Shaftesbury {{!}} Slasher wraps production on Season 2 |url=https://shaftesbury.ca/slasher-wraps-production-on-season-2/ |access-date=2 October 2017 |website=shaftesbury.ca |date=8 May 2017 |archive-date=2 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002120554/https://shaftesbury.ca/slasher-wraps-production-on-season-2/ |url-status=live}} In 2018, he appeared in the science fiction television series The Expanse {{Cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-from-marvel-to-memoirs-superhero-star-simu-liu-to-publish-book-on-his/|title=From Marvel to memoirs: superhero star Simu Liu to publish book on his life|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|date=13 August 2019|via=www.theglobeandmail.com|access-date=14 June 2023|archive-date=14 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614074626/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/books/article-from-marvel-to-memoirs-superhero-star-simu-liu-to-publish-book-on-his/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/simu-liu-movies-tv-shows|title=You Might Recognize Shang-Chi's Simu Liu From This Cult-Favorite Sitcom|date=5 September 2021|website=Bustle|access-date=14 June 2023|archive-date=14 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614074627/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/simu-liu-movies-tv-shows|url-status=live}} and Wong Fu Productions' YouTube series Yappie.{{Cite web|url=https://charactermedia.com/heres-the-tea-youtube-knew-about-simu-liu-before-marvel-did/|title=Here's The Tea: YouTube Knew About Simu Liu Before Marvel Did|first=Ruby|last=Rosenwasser|date=24 July 2019|access-date=14 June 2023|archive-date=14 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614074627/https://charactermedia.com/heres-the-tea-youtube-knew-about-simu-liu-before-marvel-did/|url-status=live}}
= 2019–present: Recent work and Marvel Cinematic Universe =
File:Simu Liu by Gage Skidmore.jpg]]
In early 2019, Liu guest-starred in the 100th episode of ABC's Fresh Off the Boat as a noodle vendor named Willie.{{Cite web |title='Fresh Off the Boat': 'Kim's Convenience's' Simu Liu Drops by 100th |url=https://www.etonline.com/fresh-off-the-boat-first-look-kims-convenience-star-simu-liu-drops-by-100th-episode-exclusive |access-date=4 November 2019 |website=Entertainment Tonight |date=29 March 2019 |archive-date=15 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215150023/https://www.etonline.com/fresh-off-the-boat-first-look-kims-convenience-star-simu-liu-drops-by-100th-episode-exclusive |url-status=live}} He also guest-starred in an episode of the TV series Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens as Garbage Boy.{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Rachel |date=11 March 2023 |title='Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens' K-drama episode wants to showcase 'hot Asian masculinity' |url=https://ew.com/tv/awkwafina-is-nora-from-queens-k-drama-episode-hot-asian-masculinity/ |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121225805/https://ew.com/tv/awkwafina-is-nora-from-queens-k-drama-episode-hot-asian-masculinity/ |url-status=live}}
At Comic-Con 2019, Disney announced that Liu would play the titular superhero Shang-Chi in the film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which is set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is Marvel's first film with an Asian-led cast.{{Cite web |last=Sandra Gonzalez |title=Marvel's latest leading man Simu Liu will soon be a 'household name' |date=21 July 2019 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/21/entertainment/simu-liu-marvel-shang-chi/index.html |access-date=21 July 2019 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=18 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918161016/https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/21/entertainment/simu-liu-marvel-shang-chi/index.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Neil |date=22 July 2019 |title=Marvel Phase 4: A new era for diversity in Hollywood? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49070232 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=23 July 2019 |archive-date=19 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219110817/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-49070232 |url-status=live}} Liu had asked about playing the role on Twitter in December 2018 when the movie was revealed to be in development.{{Cite web |last=Worgaftik |first=Gabe |date=22 July 2019 |title=Shang-Chi star Simu Liu asked Marvel about playing Shang-Chi on Twitter 8 months ago |url=https://www.avclub.com/shang-chi-star-simu-liu-asked-marvel-about-playing-shan-1836603273 |website=The A.V. Club |access-date=25 July 2019 |archive-date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516215501/https://news.avclub.com/shang-chi-star-simu-liu-asked-marvel-about-playing-shan-1836603273 |url-status=live}} After several production and release delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film was released in theaters on 3 September 2021, garnering positive critical reception and achieving commercial success.{{cite web|last1=McClintock|first1=Pamela|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/shang-chi-box-office-pandemic-milestone-1235023846/|title='Shang-Chi' Box Office: Marvel Pic Crosses $200M in Pandemic-Era First|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=1 October 2021|access-date=25 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028192435/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/shang-chi-box-office-pandemic-milestone-1235023846/|archive-date=28 October 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Solsman|first1=Joan E.|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/doctor-strange-wont-stream-on-disney-plus-for-weeks-or-months/|title='Doctor Strange' Won't Hit Disney Plus for Weeks (or Months). Here's Why|work=CNET|date=6 May 2022|access-date=25 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524074609/https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/doctor-strange-wont-stream-on-disney-plus-for-weeks-or-months/|archive-date=24 May 2022|url-status=live}} A sequel is planned.{{Cite web|title=A 'Shang-Chi' sequel is officially in the works|date=7 December 2021|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/shang-chi-sequel-officially-works-rcna7912|access-date=23 February 2022|publisher=NBC News|archive-date=23 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223161510/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/shang-chi-sequel-officially-works-rcna7912|url-status=live}} He will also return to play the titular character in the upcoming MCU film Avengers: Doomsday (2026).
In September 2021, it was revealed that Liu will lead the English-language voice cast of Bright: Samurai Soul, a Netflix anime film which premiered on 12 October.{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/video/bright-samurai-soul-trailer-premiere-date-simu-liu-netflix-anime/|title='Bright: Samurai Soul' Trailer, Premiere Date: Simu Liu Cast In Netflix Anime Film Based On David Ayer's 'Bright'|first1=Matt|last1=Grobar|date=14 September 2021|access-date=14 September 2021|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914070200/https://deadline.com/video/bright-samurai-soul-trailer-premiere-date-simu-liu-netflix-anime/|url-status=live}} In February 2022, Liu joined the cast of Greta Gerwig's Barbie film,{{cite web |last1=Kit |first1=Borys |last2=Galuppo |first2=Mia |title=Simu Liu Joins Margot Robbie in Warner Bros.'s Barbie (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/simu-liu-margot-robbie-barbie-1235091822/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=11 February 2022 |date=11 February 2022 |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310035052/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/simu-liu-margot-robbie-barbie-1235091822/ |url-status=live}} as well as the thriller film Hello Stranger directed by April Mullen, which eventually became Simulant.{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2022/02/simu-liu-shang-chi-kims-convenience-sam-worthington-jordana-brewster-robbie-amell-alicia-sanz-hello-stranger-1234957768/|title='Shang-Chi' Star Simu Liu Joins Sam Worthington, Jordana Brewster, Robbie Amell & Alicia Sanz In Thriller 'Hello Stranger'|first=Andreas|last=Wiseman|date=22 February 2022|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=23 February 2022|archive-date=2 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602184904/https://deadline.com/2022/02/simu-liu-shang-chi-kims-convenience-sam-worthington-jordana-brewster-robbie-amell-alicia-sanz-hello-stranger-1234957768/|url-status=live}} Both films were released in 2023, with the former garnering acclaim and breaking box office records.{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Brennan |date=2 September 2023 |title=Barbie Overtakes Super Mario Bros Movie As The Highest Grossing Movie Of 2023 |url=https://screenrant.com/barbie-movie-box-office-highest-grossing-2023-super-mario-bros/ |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}
Both Liu and NBA player Jeremy Lin had guest appearances as caricaturized versions of themselves in Malaysian comedian Ronny Chieng's Netflix short Ronny Chieng Takes Chinatown (2022).{{Cite web |last=Cai |first=Delia |date=21 April 2022 |title="Let's Just Be Funny. Let's Not Teach People Anything": Ronny Chieng Will Use His Platform However He Sees Fit, Thank You |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/04/ronny-chieng-will-use-his-platform-however-he-sees-fit-thank-you |url-access=limited |access-date=30 July 2022 |website=Vanity Fair |quote=So he convinced Jeremy Lin and Simu Liu to appear in the video as caricatures of their public personas. |archive-date=9 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209032053/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2022/04/ronny-chieng-will-use-his-platform-however-he-sees-fit-thank-you |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Caoile |first=Patrick |date=15 February 2022 |title=From the Fung Bros to Padma Lakshmi: How Asian Americans Are Excelling at Food Shows |url=https://collider.com/asian-americans-food-shows-padma-lakshmi-chef-show/ |access-date=30 July 2022 |website=Collider |quote=In “Ronny Chieng Takes Chinatown,” Fung and Chieng try to save a Chinatown restaurant from closing by enlisting the help and support of NBA player Jeremy Lin and actor and recent Marvel superhero, Shang-Chi himself, Simu Liu. |archive-date=30 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730091844/https://collider.com/asian-americans-food-shows-padma-lakshmi-chef-show/ |url-status=live}} In December 2022, Liu was a guest narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional.{{Cite web |title=EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays – Candlelight Processional |url=https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/epcot/candlelight-processional/ |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=disneyworld.disney.go.com |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223193642/https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/epcot/candlelight-processional/ |url-status=live}} On 7 April 2023, Liu released his debut single, titled "Don't".{{cite web |url=https://etcanada.com/news/983157/simu-liu-unveils-new-single-dont-inspired-by-the-hard-times-in-my-life/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407200925/https://etcanada.com/news/983157/simu-liu-unveils-new-single-dont-inspired-by-the-hard-times-in-my-life/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 April 2023 |title=Simu Liu Unveils New Single 'Don't', Inspired by 'The Hard Times in My Life' |date=7 April 2023}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/simu-liu-dont-single-1234711223/ |title=Simu Liu Shares Heartfelt, Inspirational New Single 'Don't' |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=7 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429181902/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/simu-liu-dont-single-1234711223/ |url-status=live}} He was a guest dragon in season 19 of the Canadian reality series Dragons' Den.{{cite web|title=Actor Simu Liu is guest Dragon in the den! Here's the kind of company he's looking for|url=https://www.cbc.ca/television/dragons-den/actor-simu-liu-is-guest-dragon-in-the-den-here-s-the-kind-of-company-he-s-looking-for-1.7345203|date=October 9, 2024|access-date=November 21, 2024|website=CBC}}
In March 2017, a live action film adaptation of Sleeping Dogs was announced. It was to be produced by Neal H. Moritz, with Donnie Yen starring as Wei Shen.{{cite web |last1=Busch |first1=Anita |title=Donnie Yen To Headline 'Sleeping Dogs' For Neal Moritz's Original Film |url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/donnie-yen-sleeping-dogs-neal-moritz-original-film-1201948700/ |date=March 2, 2017 |website=Deadline Hollywood |access-date=March 2, 2017|archive-date=February 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204212748/https://deadline.com/2017/03/donnie-yen-sleeping-dogs-neal-moritz-original-film-1201948700/|url-status=live}} A release date for the film was not announced. In February 2018, Yen stated on various social media accounts that the film was in production.{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=February 5, 2018 |title=Star Wars' Donnie Yen says Sleeping Dogs movie in production |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-05-star-wars-donnie-yen-says-sleeping-dogs-movie-in-production |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627222427/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-05-star-wars-donnie-yen-says-sleeping-dogs-movie-in-production |archive-date=June 27, 2019 |access-date=June 27, 2019 |website=Eurogamer}} In January 2025, Yen announced that the film was no longer in the works, stating via Zoom to Polygon that “I spent a lot of time and did a lot of work with these producers, and I even invested some of my own money into obtaining the drafts and some of the rights, [...] I waited for years. Years. And I really want to do it. I have all these visions in my head, and unfortunately… I don’t know, you know how Hollywood goes, right? I spent many, many years on it. It was an unfortunate thing. Well, onto better things."{{Cite web |last=Volk |first=Pete |date=2025-01-09 |title=Sleeping Dogs movie no longer in the works, says star Donnie Yen |url=https://www.polygon.com/action/506279/sleeping-dogs-movie-donnie-yen-release-update |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} Later that month, Liu stated on Twitter that he was working to bring the film adaptation to fruition, after having expressed interest in the project in the past.{{Cite news |last=Livingston |first=Christopher |date=2025-01-30 |title=Random guy on Twitter asks Marvel star Simu Liu about a Sleeping Dogs movie, Simu Liu says he's working on it—and he wants a new game, too |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/movies-tv/random-guy-on-twitter-asks-marvel-star-simu-liu-about-a-sleeping-dogs-movie-simu-liu-says-hes-working-on-it/ |access-date=2025-02-01 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}} IGN reported in February 2025 that pre-production on the film had started and confirmed that Liu would produce as well as replace Donnie Yen and star as Wei Shen.{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/the-sleeping-dogs-movie-is-in-development-and-were-hearing-shang-chi-star-simu-liu-is-set-to-play-wei-shen | title = The Sleeping Dogs Movie IS in Development and We’re Hearing Shang-Chi Star Simu Liu Is Set to Play Wei Shen | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = February 1, 2025 | accessdate = February 1, 2025 | work = IGN }}
Other work and public image
In 2014, Liu was paid $100 to model for a set of stock photos for FatCamera; the photos appeared in subway stations, advertisements, storefronts, pamphlets, and textbook covers. The photos received widespread media coverage upon Liu's mainstream acting breakthrough in 2021.{{Cite web |last=Trinh |first=Brittney |title=I Just Found Out Simu Liu Modeled For Stock Images Before He Became Famous, And I'm Sobbing Because These Are Amazing |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/brittneytrinh/simu-liu-stock-photos |access-date=17 September 2021 |website=BuzzFeed |date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=17 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917020526/https://www.buzzfeed.com/brittneytrinh/simu-liu-stock-photos |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last1=September 07 |first1=Nick Romano Updated |last2=EDT |first2=2021 at 01:42 PM |title=Simu Liu uses his past as a stock image model to respond to 'Shang Chi' critics |url=https://ew.com/movies/simu-liu-stock-image-model-shang-chi-box-office-success/ |access-date=31 July 2023 |website=EW.com |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731041404/https://ew.com/movies/simu-liu-stock-image-model-shang-chi-box-office-success/ |url-status=live}}
Liu is also a filmmaker, producer, and writer. Liu's first work in this area was Open Gym, a short film he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in that debuted at the 2013 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. He has directed, produced, and written several other shorts, including Crimson Defender vs. The Slightly Racist Family (2015). In 2016, Liu helped write Blood and Water, during which he helped break the story for the show and wrote an episode for its second season. In 2017, Liu worked with Wong Fu Productions on their short Meeting Mommy (2017), which he wrote and produced with Tina Jung. It was released in February 2018 on the Wong Fu Productions YouTube channel.{{Cite web |date=22 March 2018 |title=Simu Liu and Tina Jung, Behind the Scenes of Meeting Mommy {{!}} Ricepaper Magazine |url=https://ricepapermagazine.ca/2018/03/simu_tina/ |access-date=31 July 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731041406/https://ricepapermagazine.ca/2018/03/simu_tina/ |url-status=live}} In 2018, he founded his own film production company, 4:12 Entertainment, and began developing long-form film projects under it.{{Cite web |last=Chew |first=Cohan |date=23 May 2019 |title=INTERVIEW: Kim's Convenience star Simu Liu answers YOUR questions |url=https://www.weareresonate.com/2019/05/interview-kims-convenience-star-simu-liu-answers-your-questions/ |access-date=17 January 2020 |website=Resonate |archive-date=4 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804221859/http://www.weareresonate.com/2019/05/interview-kims-convenience-star-simu-liu-answers-your-questions/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIxzdRZT_Pc |title=Kollaboration SF Community Spotlight: Simu Liu |date=20 March 2019 |publisher=Kollaboration SF |access-date=21 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928174210/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIxzdRZT_Pc |archive-date=28 September 2021 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}
In December 2017, Liu wrote for Maclean's magazine about his experiences growing up in an immigrant family. The article appeared in the January 2018 issue.{{Cite news |date=4 December 2017 |title=A Chinese-Canadian to his parents: 'Privately, I yearned for your love' – Macleans.ca |work=Maclean's |url=http://www.macleans.ca/opinion/a-chinese-canadian-to-his-parents-privately-i-yearned-for-your-love/ |access-date=8 December 2017 |archive-date=8 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208030033/http://www.macleans.ca/opinion/a-chinese-canadian-to-his-parents-privately-i-yearned-for-your-love/ |url-status=live}} His memoir, We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story, was published by HarperCollins on 17 May 2022.{{Cite web |last=Ahsan |first=Sadaf |date=10 June 2021 |title=Simu Liu offers sneak peek at upcoming memoir |url=https://www.etalk.ca/celebrity/2021/6/simu-liu-offers-sneak-peek-at-upcoming-memoir.html |access-date=12 September 2021 |website=Etalk |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913053654/https://www.etalk.ca/celebrity/2021/6/simu-liu-offers-sneak-peek-at-upcoming-memoir.html |url-status=live}} In March 2021, Liu published a column in Variety detailing the effects of Asian hate crimes and how "rhetoric like 'the China virus' encourages hate toward all Asian people—not just Chinese."{{Cite web|last=Liu|first=Simu|date=11 March 2021|title='Shang-Chi' Star Simu Liu: 'Anti-Asian Racism Is Very Real' (Guest Column)|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/shang-chi-simu-liu-anti-asian-racism-1234928348/|access-date=29 November 2021|website=Variety|archive-date=29 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129165758/https://variety.com/2021/film/news/shang-chi-simu-liu-anti-asian-racism-1234928348/|url-status=live}}
Liu was included on Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world (in the "Artists" section) in 2022.{{cite magazine|last1=Oh|first1=Sandra|author-link1=Sandra Oh|url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2022/6177789/simu-liu/|title=Simu Liu Is on the 2022 TIME 100 List|magazine=Time|url-access=limited|date=23 May 2022|access-date=25 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524233336/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2022/6177789/simu-liu/|archive-date=24 May 2022|url-status=live}} Liu was named one of {{Italics correction|Hello!}}'s 50 Most Beautiful Canadians and 25 Hottest Bachelors in 2017 and 2018.{{Cite web|date=18 May 2017|title=Canada's Most Beautiful 2017: See who made the list!|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/gallery/02017050835609/canada-s-most-beautiful-2017-full-list/25/|access-date=20 March 2018|website=Hello! Canada|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901051705/https://ca.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/gallery/02017050835609/canada-s-most-beautiful-2017-full-list/25/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=27 October 2017|title=Canada's 25 Hottest Bachelors of 2017|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/2017-canada-s-25-hottest-bachelors/gallery/02017102539519/canadas-hottest-bachelors-2017/18|access-date=20 March 2018|website=Hello! Canada|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901065007/https://ca.hellomagazine.com/2017-canada-s-25-hottest-bachelors/gallery/02017102539519/canadas-hottest-bachelors-2017/18|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=25 June 2018|title=Canada's Most Beautiful 2018: See who made the list!|url=https://ca.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/gallery/02018062045801/canadas-most-beautiful-2018-full-list/10/|access-date=26 February 2019|website=Hello! Canada|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901051701/https://ca.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/gallery/02018062045801/canadas-most-beautiful-2018-full-list/10/|url-status=live}} In May 2021, Liu became the first East Asian man to cover Men's Health magazine in over a decade since Jet Li in 2010.{{Cite web|last=Wasserman|first=Ben|date=19 May 2021|title=Marvel Star Simu Liu Is the First East-Asian to Cover Men's Health in Over a Decade|url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-shang-chi-simu-liu-mens-health|access-date=21 May 2021|website=CBR|archive-date=21 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521143154/https://www.cbr.com/marvel-shang-chi-simu-liu-mens-health/|url-status=live}} In November 2021, Liu became the fourth actor of Chinese descent to host Saturday Night Live.{{cite web|date=21 November 2018|title='Saturday Night Live' Review: The Best and Worst of Simu Liu's Hosting Debut|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2021/11/snl-review-simu-liu-1234680765/|work=Indiewire|access-date=27 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127191006/https://www.indiewire.com/2021/11/snl-review-simu-liu-1234680765/|url-status=live}} He has previously hosted the Juno Awards of 2022 and the Juno Awards of 2023.David Friend, [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-actor-simu-liu-to-host-first-outdoor-juno-awards-at-torontos-budweiser/ "Actor Simu Liu to host first outdoor Juno Awards at Toronto's Budweiser Stage in May"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203135345/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-actor-simu-liu-to-host-first-outdoor-juno-awards-at-torontos-budweiser/ |date=3 February 2022}}. The Globe and Mail, 2 February 2022.[https://globalnews.ca/news/9317417/simu-liu-edmonton-juno-awards-host/ "Actor Simu Liu to host 2023 Juno Awards in Edmonton"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601093123/https://globalnews.ca/news/9317417/simu-liu-edmonton-juno-awards-host/ |date=1 June 2023}}. Global News, 1 December 2022.
In October 2020, Liu became a UNICEF Canada Ambassador{{Cite web |title=Simu Liu, actor known for Kim's Convenience, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, announced as UNICEF Canada Ambassador |url=https://www.unicef.ca/en/press-release/simu-liu-actor-known-kims-convenience-shang-chi-and-legend-ten-rings-announced-unicef |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=UNICEF Canada : For Every Child |language=en |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604032358/https://www.unicef.ca/en/press-release/simu-liu-actor-known-kims-convenience-shang-chi-and-legend-ten-rings-announced-unicef |url-status=live}} and has since appeared in every Youth Advocacy Summit hosted by UNICEF Canada. In 2023, Liu made an appearance despite having torn his Achilles tendon.{{Cite web |title=Youth activists from across Canada to gather in Ottawa for National Child Day |url=https://www.unicef.ca/en/press-release/youth-activists-across-canada-gather-ottawa-national-child-day |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=UNICEF Canada : For Every Child |language=en |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119161119/https://www.unicef.ca/en/press-release/youth-activists-across-canada-gather-ottawa-national-child-day |url-status=live}}
In 2023, Liu joined MìLà as its chief content officer. MìLà is a direct-to-consumer soup dumpling company that is based in Bellevue, WA.{{Cite web |last=Grygiel |first=JiaYing |date=4 April 2023 |title=Marvel actor joins Bellevue dumpling company |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/marvel-actor-simu-liu-joins-bellevue-dumpling-company/ |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120070325/https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/marvel-actor-simu-liu-joins-bellevue-dumpling-company/ |url-status=live}}
Accolades
Liu was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award and an ACTRA Award in 2017 for his work in Blood and Water. He, along with his Kim's Convenience castmates, won the ACTRA Award for Outstanding Ensemble in 2017. Liu and his castmates were nominated for the same award in 2018 and 2019. Kim's Convenience also won the award for Best Comedy Series at the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards.{{Cite web |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |title=Canadian Screen Awards: 'Alias Grace,' 'Maudie,' 'Anne With an E' Dominate |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/canadian-screen-awards-netflixs-alias-grace-anne-an-e-dominate-1093656 |access-date=16 March 2018 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=11 March 2018 |archive-date=16 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316153232/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/canadian-screen-awards-netflixs-alias-grace-anne-an-e-dominate-1093656 |url-status=live}}
On stage, Liu was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award in the Outstanding Ensemble category alongside his castmates in the 2016 Factory Theatre remount of the play Banana Boys.{{Cite web |title=2016 Dora Mavor Moore Awards Nominees |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/article30201346.ece/BINARY/DORA+2016+NOMINEES+GRID.pdf |access-date=8 October 2016 |publisher=Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts |archive-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215181312/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/article30201346.ece/BINARY/DORA+2016+NOMINEES+GRID.pdf |url-status=live}}
In January 2023, he was named the winner of the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television's Radius Award at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards.Etan Vlessing, [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ryan-reynolds-simu-liu-canadian-screen-awards-honors-1235300071/ "Ryan Reynolds, Simu Liu, Catherine O’Hara to Receive Honorary Canadian Screen Awards"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118201707/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ryan-reynolds-simu-liu-canadian-screen-awards-honors-1235300071/ |date=18 January 2023}}. The Hollywood Reporter, 18 January 2023. He also won the Canadian Screen Award for Best Host in a Live Entertainment Special for the 2022 Juno Awards.[https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/csas-final-night-2023-1.6811617 "The Porter, Sort Of showered in awards on the CSAs' final night"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516093727/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/csas-final-night-2023-1.6811617 |date=16 May 2023}}. CBC News, 14 April 2023.
Personal life
In 2022, Liu began dating digital marketing manager Allison Hsu.{{Cite web |last=Najib|first=Shafiq|title=Simu Liu Is Dating Digital Marketing Manager Allison Hsu |url=https://people.com/movies/simu-liu-is-dating-digital-marketing-manager-allison-hsu/ |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=People |date=1 December 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250511202919/https://people.com/movies/simu-liu-is-dating-digital-marketing-manager-allison-hsu/}} In May 2025, the couple announced that they were engaged.{{Cite web |last=VanHoose|first=Benjamin|title=Simu Liu Is Engaged to Girlfriend Allison Hsu After Paris Proposal: See the Ring!|url=https://people.com/simu-liu-engaged-allison-hsu-paris-proposal-11732706 |access-date=11 May 2025 |website=People |date=11 May 2025 |archive-date=11 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250511203333/https://people.com/simu-liu-engaged-allison-hsu-paris-proposal-11732706}}
Filmography
=Film=
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Key | style="background:#ffc;"| {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}} | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
=Television=
=Music videos=
= Games =
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| 2024
| Warz |
=Web Series=
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |
|---|
| 2014
| Waiter | 2 episodes |
Discography
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=December 2023}}
= Extended plays =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+List of EPs, with selected details !scope="col"|Title !scope="col"|Details |
| scope="row"|Anxious-Avoidant
|
|
|---|
= Singles =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+List of singles, showing year released and album name !scope="col"|Title !scope="col"|Year !scope="col"|Album |
| scope="row"|"Don't"
|rowspan=2|2023 |rowspan=2|Anxious-Avoidant |
|---|
| scope="row"|"If It's Time" |
Awards and nominations
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
- {{Facebook}}
- {{Twitter}}
- {{Instagram}}
- {{IMDb name|4855517}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Liu, Simu}}
Category:21st-century Canadian male actors
Category:Canadian expatriate male actors in the United States
Category:Canadian male actors of Chinese descent
Category:Canadian male film actors
Category:Canadian male television actors
Category:Canadian male television writers
Category:Canadian male voice actors
Category:Canadian television writers
Category:Chinese emigrants to Canada
Category:Male actors from Harbin
Category:Male actors from Mississauga
Category:Screenwriters from Ontario