Simu Liu Biography Simu Liu born April 19, 1989 is a Chinese-Canadian actor best known for his portrayal of Shang-Chi in the 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He also played Jung Kim in the CBC sitcom Kim’s Convenience from 2016 to 2021, and appeared as one of the Ken dolls in Barbie (2023). Liu earned nominations at the ACTRA Awards and Canadian Screen Awards for his role in Blood and Water. In 2022, he published a memoir titled We Were Dreamers, and was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world in the “Artists” category.
Simu Liu Biography
Simu Liu is a Chinese-Canadian actor who gained widespread recognition for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), earning a Game Changer Award and a People’s Choice Award for his performance. Prior to his breakout role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Liu starred as Jung Kim on the popular CBC sitcom Kim’s Convenience (2016). In addition to acting, Liu is also a writer and producer. Born in China and immigrating to Canada at the age of five, Liu was raised in Mississauga, Ontario. He graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business and briefly worked at a top accounting firm, but after being laid off, he decided to follow his passion for film and television. Liu quickly found roles in various series such as Heroes Reborn (2015), Nikita (2010), Warehouse 13 (2009), and Air Crash Investigation (2003).
Simu Liu Biography Details
| Born | 19 April 1989
Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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|---|---|
| Citizenship | Canada |
| Alma mater | University of Western Ontario |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2012–present |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Simu Liu
Simu Liu is a Chinese-Canadian actor. He is known for portraying Shang-Chi in the 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. He also played Jung Kim in the CBC Television sitcom Kim’s Convenience from 2016 to 2021, and one of the Ken dolls in Barbie.
- Born: 19 April 1989 (age 35 years), Harbin, China
- Upcoming movies: Last Breath, Avengers: Secret Wars
- Height: 1.8 m
- Nationality: Canadian
- Education: Ivey Business School (2011), University of Toronto Schools (2007)
- Hanyu Pinyin: Liú Sīmù
Early Life
Liu was born in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, to parents Zhenning and Zheng Liu. His parents met while studying engineering at university in Beijing. After his father, Zhenning, moved to the U.S. for his PhD, Liu was raised by his grandparents in Harbin until the age of five, in a modest home without running water. Despite the challenges, he described this time as “idyllic and happy.” Liu later joined his parents in Canada, where they had taken on dishwashing jobs to support their studies and eventually succeeded as aerospace engineers.
The family first settled in Kingston, Ontario, where his father was studying at Queen’s University, before later moving to Mississauga, Ontario. In his memoir, Liu reflects on the hardships his parents endured during China’s Cultural Revolution and their “tiger parenting” style, which he described as being rooted in impossible expectations. He recalls being pushed to excel in math from the age of five, with assignments like reading biographies of scientists and studying algebra.
Who is Simu Liu?
Simu Liu is a Canadian actor and stuntman born in Harbin. China, who moved to Canada at age 5 to join his aerospace engineer parents. Growing up, Liu was encouraged to excel academically and initially pursued a career in accounting before transitioning to acting.
What is Simu Liu known for?
Liu’s breakthrough came when he starred as Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in 2021, becoming the first Asian lead in a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. His performance was met with widespread praise for his charisma and skill. Reflecting on his Hollywood journey, Liu shared with People, “In the two years since [Shang-Chi], I’ve really settled into it. There’s a learning curve, but I’m definitely more comfortable now.”
What has Simu Liu been in besides Barbie?
Before his MCU fame, Liu starred as Jung Kim in the CBC sitcom Kim’s Convenience from 2016 to 2021. He also appeared in the NBC series Taken (2016-2017) and the crime drama Blood and Water (2015-2016). Earning nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards and ACTRA Awards. His career began with stunt work, including roles in Pacific Rim, Nikita, and Heroes Reborn. After Barbie, Liu is set to star in Copenhagen, an espionage techno-thriller series that will wrap production in March 2025. The show, set “five minutes in the future,” features Liu as an intelligence analyst whose brain has been hacked, putting him in a race against time to uncover the perpetrators.
Liu’s Memoir and Writing Career
Liu is also a published author. His memoir, We Were Dreamers, released in 2022. Recounts his experiences as an immigrant and his journey to becoming an actor.
How much was Simu Liu paid for Barbie?
<p>Details about Liu’s salary for his role as one of the Kens in Barbie have not been publicly disclosed, though the film grossed over a billion dollars globally.
Is Simu Liu married?
Liu is not married but has been dating marketing director Allison Hsu since 2022. He previously dated actress Jade Bender. Liu described his current relationship as one that makes him feel loved, challenged, and supported.
Do Simu Liu and Ryan Gosling get along?
<p>Despite a moment of apparent awkwardness on the Barbie red carpet in July 2023, Liu confirmed he and his co-star, Ryan Gosling, get along well. Liu posted on Instagram, saying, “I’d beach off with this Kenadian again in a heartbeat.” He praised Gosling for his humor and energy on and off set, clarifying that there was no tension between them.
Simu Liu Net Worth 2025
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Liu’s estimated net worth is $4 million, primarily earned from his acting work in movies and television.