Simu Liu

A head and shoulders image of a man in a tailored maroon suit and maroon shirt.

Simu Liu

Date of birth

1989

Point of origin

China

A layoff prompted him to follow his desire to act.

Culture

Simu Liu, as Shang-Chi, holds his right hand up, fingers spread, as though he is reading for a fight.

Liu’s rise as a star is based on a variety of stage and television roles. Some also credit his own push to Marvel to diversify their heroes as part of his success in earning the role in which he is shown here: superhero Shang-Chi.

PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Four people, dressed up for an awards event, pose in from of a sponsor-branded background.

The comedy Kim’s Convenience provided Liu a break-out opportunity. Amid some controversy as the show finished its run, Liu stated he had hoped to find a way to offer fans a better close. He is shown here with fellow cast members at the Canadian Screen Awards, 2017.

REUTERS/ Alamy Stock Photo

With Liu in the leading role, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings has won People’s Choice Awards for Best Action Movie and Action Movie Star of 2021. Liu also picked up the Hollywood Critics Association “Gamechanger” award for his performance. Pictured is Liu arriving for the UK premiere of the film.

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Simu Liu, 1989- , China.

Liu and his family came to Canada when he was five years old, and after studying business, he worked as an accountant. A layoff prompted him to follow his desire to act, and he found several smaller roles before his award-winning performance in Kim’s Convenience. He is now cast as Marvel superhero Shang-Chi.