Simu Liu
Simu Liu is a Canadian actor best known for his breakout role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s blockbuster, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. In 2023, he plays one of the multiple Kens in the Barbie movie, which features Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
An undeniable force in the entertainment industry, Liu built a diverse portfolio before his leap into the superhero genre. His career ascended with his memorable performance as Jung Kim on the critically praised CBC sitcom Kim’s Convenience, from 2016 to 2021. The sitcom, based on Ins Choi’s play of the same name, explored the daily life of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store in Toronto. Liu’s portrayal of the conflicted yet humorous character quickly caught the public eye and paved the way for his Hollywood career. In the world of film, aside from his monumental performance as Shang-Chi, he starred in the indie drama Blood and Water, which won him appreciation for his range as an actor.
Throughout his career, Liu has had the opportunity to work with some of the most influential individuals in the film and television industry. Notably, his role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings brought him in close collaboration with director Destin Daniel Cretton and co-stars Awkwafina and Tony Leung. During his time on Kim’s Convenience, he worked alongside esteemed Canadian actors such as Paul Sun-Hyung Lee and Jean Yoon. Liu also had a recurring role in the popular ABC series Fresh Off the Boat, sharing screen space with Constance Wu and Randall Park.
Liu’s commendable acting skills have been recognized with several awards. His performance in Blood and Water earned him a nomination for the ACTRA Awards in Toronto for Outstanding Performance – Male. More recently, his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe saw him bestowed with the Hero of the Year Award at the Hollywood Critics Association Film Awards, signifying his mainstream impact. His performance in Kim’s Convenience also won him the ACTRA Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble.
Beyond his acting career, Simu Liu has been a vocal advocate for animal welfare. He has collaborated with the Toronto Humane Society, using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters and promoting animal welfare.