Henry Golding Bio
Henry Ewan Golding (born 5 February 1987) is a British actor of Malaysian origin. He has starred in the romantic comedies Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and Last Christmas (2019), the thriller A Simple Favor (2018), the action comedy The Gentlemen (2019), as well as playing the title character in the action-adventure Snake Eyes (2021). He appeared in the ensemble cast of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) and will have a role in the second season of the Hulu anthology series Nine Perfect Strangers in 2025. Before gaining recognition for his film work, Golding began his career as a presenter on ESPN, BBC, and Discovery Channel Asia.
Early Life and Background
Henry Ewan Golding was born on 5 February 1987 in Betong, a town in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. His mother, Margaret Likan, is a Malaysian of Iban ancestry, while his father, Clive Golding, is English. Golding holds British citizenship and is the youngest of three children, with a sister and a brother. Margaret and Clive met in Brunei, where Margaret was working as an au pair for an expatriate family, and Clive was serving in the British Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. They married shortly after and initially lived in army quarters in the United Kingdom before moving to Sarawak. The family later relocated to Dungun, Terengganu, where Clive worked as a helicopter engineer. When Golding was eight years old, they moved to Surrey, England, where he attended The Warwick School in Redhill. During his school years, Golding faced bullying for being of Asian descent. After working as a hairdresser in London, he returned to Malaysia at the age of 21 to pursue on-camera roles in Kuala Lumpur.
Path to Hollywood
Golding began his career in television in 2008, working as a presenter for ESPN and later hosting The Travel Show for the BBC and Surviving Borneo for Discovery Channel Asia. His breakthrough came in March 2017 when he was cast in Crazy Rich Asians after a global casting call. Director Jon M. Chu was impressed by Golding’s charm and personality, leading to his first major acting role. Crazy Rich Asians premiered in the United States and Canada on 15 August 2018, receiving critical acclaim and becoming a box office success. Following this, Golding appeared in A Simple Favor alongside Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, and starred opposite Emilia Clarke in the romantic comedy Last Christmas, which was released in November 2019.
Henry Golding Career
Early Career (2007–2017)
Golding’s early career was marked by his work as a television presenter, but it was his role in Crazy Rich Asians that catapulted him into the spotlight. The film’s success established him as a leading actor in Hollywood. He also starred in A Simple Favor, which further showcased his versatility as an actor. His performances in these films garnered attention and opened doors for future projects.
Breakthrough (2018–2021)
Golding’s breakthrough role in Crazy Rich Asians was a defining moment in his career. The film was not only a commercial success but also a cultural milestone, highlighting Asian representation in Hollywood. Following this, he starred in A Simple Favor and Last Christmas, both of which contributed to his rising fame. In 2021, he took on the title role in Snake Eyes, a spin-off of the G.I. Joe franchise, which showcased his action star potential.
Notable Works and Milestones
Henry Golding’s notable works include Crazy Rich Asians, A Simple Favor, and Snake Eyes. His performances have earned him recognition in the industry, and he continues to be a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Henry Golding Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Henry Golding has received nominations for various awards, highlighting his contributions to film and television.
Henry Golding Awards Won
While specific awards won are not detailed, Henry Golding’s performances have garnered critical acclaim and recognition in the entertainment industry.
Henry Golding Family
Henry Golding is married to Liv Lo, a Taiwanese television presenter and yoga instructor. The couple got engaged in 2015 and married in August 2016 in Sarawak. They reside in Venice Beach, California, and have two daughters, born in 2021 and 2023.
Personal Life
Golding completed his bejalai, an Iban rite of passage, in the wilderness of Borneo before his marriage. He documented this experience for the series Surviving Borneo. Golding has expressed pride in his heritage and the cultural significance of his experiences.
