Simu Liu, born on April 19, 1989, in Harbin, China, is a Canadian actor and author who rose to global fame with his role as Shang-Chi in Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). Known for his charisma and dedication, Liu also authored the memoir We Were Dreamers. His inspiring journey from accountant to Hollywood star highlights perseverance and cultural representation.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simu Liu |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | Harbin, China |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4 million (2025) |
| Profession | Actor, Stuntperson, Author, Advocate |
| Famous Role | Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) |
| Other Works | Kim’s Convenience (2016–2021), Barbie (2023) |
| Education | Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario |
| Career Start | 2011 |
| Personal Life | Advocate for diversity and representation in entertainment, private life |
| Social Media | Instagram: @simuliu |
| Notable Achievements | First Asian actor to lead a Marvel Cinematic Universe film (Shang-Chi) |
Early Life and Education
Simu Liu was born on April 19, 1989, in Harbin, China. His parents, Zhenning and Zheng Liu, both engineers, pursued higher education abroad, leaving Simu in the care of his grandparents during his early years. At age five, he reunited with his parents in Canada, initially settling in Kingston, Ontario, before moving to Mississauga.
Raised in a strict household, Liu faced high academic expectations. He attended the University of Toronto Schools for high school and later enrolled at the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario, earning a degree in business administration.
After graduation, Liu worked as an accountant at Deloitte but was laid off after nine months. This setback prompted him to explore other career paths, leading to his pursuit of acting and stunt work.
Career Highlights
“Kim’s Convenience” (2016–2021): Liu portrayed Jung Kim in this popular Canadian sitcom, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021): His breakout role as Shang-Chi marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his martial arts skills and charisma.
“Barbie” (2023): Liu joined the star-studded cast of this live-action film, further solidifying his status in Hollywood.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Simu Liu’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $4 million.
Sources of Income:
Acting Career: Liu gained prominence with his role as Shang-Chi in Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” (2021), which significantly boosted his earnings.
Modeling: Before acting, Liu worked as a stock photo model, contributing to his early income.
Writing: He authored the memoir “We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story,” adding to his revenue streams.
Investments: Liu has invested in various ventures, including the boba tea industry, which has seen significant growth.
You may also like: Justin Chien Net Worth
Personal Life
Here’s a summary of key details about his personal life:
Family Background
Parents: Liu’s parents are both immigrants from China. His mother is a psychologist, and his father is an engineer. He has often spoken about the pressures his parents placed on him to succeed in a traditional career like medicine or engineering.
Relationships
Liu has been somewhat private about his dating life. However, he was linked to actress and comedian Jade Bender, with the pair making public appearances together in 2022. His romantic life has been widely speculated about by fans and the media, but he tends to keep this aspect of his life relatively private.
Social Activism and Public Advocacy
Advocacy for Asian Representation: Throughout his career, Liu has been an outspoken advocate for greater Asian representation in Hollywood. He has shared his personal journey of breaking barriers and challenges faced as an Asian actor in a predominantly white entertainment industry.
Memoir: Liu’s memoir, We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story, explores his experiences growing up as an immigrant, navigating family expectations, and pursuing his dreams in acting. The book also dives into his struggles with self-identity, mental health, and his ultimate rise to stardom.
Hobbies and Interests
Fitness Enthusiast: Liu is known for his commitment to fitness and physical training, which was essential for his role as Shang-Chi. His workouts often make headlines, and he is an advocate for maintaining mental and physical health.
Culinary Interests: In addition to his fitness routine, Liu enjoys cooking and sharing his food adventures on social media.
Conclusion
Simu Liu’s journey from a young immigrant to a Hollywood star is a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication. His contributions to film and television continue to inspire audiences worldwide.
FAQs
How old is Simu Liu?
Simu Liu was born on April 19, 1989, which makes him 35 years old.
2. What is Simu Liu’s height?
Simu Liu is 6 feet tall (183 cm).
3. What is Simu Liu’s net worth?
As of 2024, Simu Liu’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
4. What is Simu Liu famous for?
Simu Liu is famous for playing the role of Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). He is also known for his role in Kim’s Convenience.
5. Is Simu Liu married?
Simu Liu has kept his personal life private, and there is no public information confirming if he is married.
6. What other projects has Simu Liu been involved in?
Besides Shang-Chi, Simu Liu has also worked on Kim’s Convenience (2016–2021) and appeared in Barbie (2023). He is also active in advocating for diversity in Hollywood.
7. Where was Simu Liu born?
Simu Liu was born in Harbin, China, but he grew up in Canada.
8. What did Simu Liu study?
Simu Liu studied Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario before pursuing acting.