Simu Liu Bio
Simu Liu (born 19 April 1989) is a Canadian actor known for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). Liu was born in Harbin, China, and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. He has also portrayed Paul Xie in the Omni Television crime drama series Blood and Water, Jung Kim in the CBC Television sitcom Kim’s Convenience, and appeared in the fantasy comedy film Barbie (2023). Liu’s memoir, We Were Dreamers, was published in 2022, and he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.
Early Life and Background
Simu Liu was born on 19 April 1989 in Harbin, China, to Zhenning and Zheng Liu. His parents met while studying engineering at university in Beijing. When Liu was five years old, he emigrated to Canada to join his parents, who had moved to Kingston, Ontario, where his father was completing his PhD. Liu was raised in Mississauga, Ontario, where he attended Sydenham Public School and later the University of Toronto Schools. He studied business administration at the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario. Liu’s upbringing was marked by the challenges his parents faced during China’s Cultural Revolution, which influenced their strict parenting style.
Path to Hollywood
Liu initially worked as an accountant at Deloitte but was laid off after nine months in 2012. This prompted him to explore a career in acting and stunt work. He began his acting journey as an extra and stuntman, appearing in films and music videos, including Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim. In 2015, he landed a significant recurring role in the crime drama series Blood and Water, which earned him his first award nominations. Later that year, Liu was cast as Jung Kim in the CBC sitcom Kim’s Convenience, which became his most notable television success and ran until 2021.
Simu Liu Career
Early Career (2012–2018)
Liu’s early career included roles in television series such as Nikita and Beauty and the Beast. His breakthrough came with Kim’s Convenience, which was adapted from a stage play and received critical acclaim. The series won multiple awards, including Best Comedy Series at the 2018 Canadian Screen Awards. Liu’s performance in Blood and Water also garnered nominations for the ACTRA Awards and Canadian Screen Awards.
Breakthrough (2019–present)
In early 2019, Liu guest-starred in the 100th episode of ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat. His major breakthrough came when he was cast as Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Marvel’s first film with an Asian-led cast. The film was released in September 2021 and received positive reviews, establishing Liu as a leading actor in Hollywood. A sequel is planned, and Liu is set to reprise his role in the upcoming MCU film Avengers: Doomsday, scheduled for release in 2026. In 2023, Liu appeared in the critically acclaimed film Barbie, which broke box office records.
Notable Works and Milestones
Simu Liu’s signature work includes Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, which showcased his talent and brought him international recognition. He has won several awards, including the Canadian Screen Award for Best Host in a Live Entertainment Special for the 2022 Juno Awards and the Radius Award from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television.
Simu Liu Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Simu Liu has received multiple nominations for his performances, particularly for his work in Blood and Water and Kim’s Convenience. His contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with nominations for prestigious awards, including the Canadian Screen Awards and ACTRA Awards.
Simu Liu Awards Won
Simu Liu has won several notable awards, including the Canadian Screen Award for Best Host in a Live Entertainment Special for the 2022 Juno Awards and the Radius Award at the 11th Canadian Screen Awards in 2023. His achievements reflect his impact on the industry and his growing prominence as an actor.
Simu Liu Family
Simu Liu is engaged to digital marketing manager Allison Hsu, with their engagement announced in May 2025. Details about his family background are limited, but Liu has spoken about the influence of his parents on his life and career.
Personal Life
Liu has been open about his experiences growing up in an immigrant family and has shared insights into his personal life through his memoir, We Were Dreamers. He has also been involved in various charitable activities, including serving as a UNICEF Canada Ambassador since 2020. Liu’s journey from an accountant to a Hollywood star exemplifies his determination and resilience in pursuing his dreams.
