Who is Simu Liu?
Simu Liu is a Canadian actor, producer, author, and entrepreneur who rose to international fame as the first Asian superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying the title character in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). Born in Harbin, China, and raised in Canada, Simu’s journey is a testament to resilience, cultural identity, and breaking barriers in Hollywood.
From humble beginnings, posing in stock photos and working as a stuntman, to becoming a Time 100 honoree, Liu’s story is both inspirational and groundbreaking, redefining Asian representation in global cinema.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Simu Liu |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1989 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 36 years |
| Birthplace | Harbin, Heilongjiang, China |
| Nationality | Canadian (Chinese-born) |
| Profession | Actor, Author, Entrepreneur, Stuntman |
| Famous For | Marvel’s Shang-Chi (2021), Barbie (2023) |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Ethnicity | Chinese |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Languages | English, Mandarin Chinese |
| Alma Mater | Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario |
| Marital Status | Engaged (2025) |
| Fiancée | Allison Hsu |
Simu Liu Early Life
Simu Liu was born on April 19, 1989, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China. At the age of five, he immigrated to Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, to reunite with his parents, both of whom were highly educated aerospace engineers.
Despite facing cultural clashes, identity struggles, and academic pressures, Simu adapted to life in Canada and remained committed to education and extracurriculars. His experiences as an immigrant child later became central themes in his memoir.
Simu Liu Education
Simu Liu attended University of Western Ontario, where he earned a degree from the prestigious Ivey Business School in finance and accounting. Upon graduation, he landed a job at Deloitte, one of the world’s top consulting firms.
However, he was laid off within months, a moment he later described as “the best thing that ever happened to him.” That career disruption redirected his path toward creative pursuits, eventually leading him to acting.
Simu Liu Family
Simu Liu was raised in a traditional Chinese household with demanding academic expectations. His parents, particularly his father, maintained strict rules during his upbringing, which he described candidly in his memoir We Were Dreamers.
Despite early family tensions about his career choices, Simu has acknowledged that his parents’ sacrifices laid the foundation for his future success.
| Family Member | Relationship | Details |
| Father | Not publicly named | Former aerospace engineer |
| Mother | Not publicly named | Former aerospace engineer |
| Siblings | None known | Only child |
| Fiancée | Allison Hsu | Engaged in May 2025 (marketing executive) |
| Children | None (as of 2025) | – |
Simu Liu Career
Early Struggles & Breakthrough
Simu began his entertainment journey with background roles and stunt work, even appearing in music videos and TV episodes like Nikita and Beauty and the Beast. He also gained attention online when his stock photography modeling work resurfaced, humorous and now iconic.
His first major acting role came in 2015 with the Canadian crime drama Blood and Water, followed by his breakthrough performance as Jung Kim in the hit sitcom Kim’s Convenience (2016–2021), which earned him widespread acclaim.
Becoming Shang-Chi
In 2019, Simu was cast as Shang-Chi, the lead in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The film, released in 2021, became a box-office success and was lauded for its cultural relevance and action choreography. It made Simu an international superstar and marked a significant milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood.
Recent Work & Ventures
- Starred as Ken in Barbie (2023), expanding his global appeal.
- Launched 4:12 Entertainment, his own production company.
- Founded Markham Valley Ventures, a venture capital firm investing in AAPI-led startups.
- Scheduled to appear in The Copenhagen Test and other upcoming thrillers and animations.
Author & Advocate
In 2022, Simu released his memoir titled We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story, which became a New York Times Bestseller. The book explores his identity, trauma, healing, and journey to stardom. It was praised for its honesty and humor.
Simu has since emerged as a public speaker, mental health advocate, and ambassador for diversity in entertainment. He actively speaks out on Asian-American issues and representation in media.
Entrepreneurship
Simu Liu is more than just an actor, he’s a savvy entrepreneur. In 2023, he launched Markham Valley Ventures, a VC fund backing Asian-founded businesses like MìLà dumplings and Sanzo sparkling water. He also serves as Chief Content Officer at MìLà, combining storytelling with business impact.
Simu Liu Relationship
In May 2025, Simu Liu got engaged to Allison Hsu, a director of digital marketing. The couple had been dating since 2022 and often appear together at events and on social media. He proposed romantically in Paris, and their engagement made headlines globally.
Simu Liu Social Media Presence
Simu is active on platforms where he blends humor, advocacy, and behind-the-scenes content.
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
| @simuliu | 3M+ followers, lifestyle & work posts | |
| Twitter/X | @SimuLiu | Active; humorous & activist tone |
| TikTok | @simuliu | Occasional appearances & collabs |
| Not active | No official page as of now | |
| Not public | Rarely used for public updates |
Simu Liu Net Worth
Simu Liu’s net worth is estimated at $4 million to $8 million (USD) as of 2025. His income sources include:
| Income Source | Estimated Value (USD) |
| Acting (Movies & TV) | $3M–5M+ |
| Book Royalties (We Were Dreamers) | $500K–$1M |
| Brand Endorsements | $300K–$700K+ |
| Venture Investments (Markham Valley) | $500K–$1M+ |
| Production (4:12 Entertainment) | $200K+ |
| Total Net Worth (2025) | $4M–$8M |
Simu Liu Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 80 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Build | Athletic, muscular |
| Distinctive Look | Clean-cut with sharp jawline |
Interesting Facts about Simu Liu
- Once worked as an accountant at Deloitte.
- Used to appear in stock photos, which became viral memes.
- Did many of his own stunts in Shang-Chi.
- Published a bestselling memoir in 2022.
- First Asian actor to lead a Marvel superhero film.
- Hosts major events like People’s Choice Awards and JUNO Awards.
- Fluent in English and Mandarin.
- Featured in TIME 100 list in 2022.
- Has a black belt in Taekwondo.
- Started a VC firm to support AAPI entrepreneurs.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Simu Liu?
A Canadian actor and author best known for starring as Marvel’s Shang-Chi.
Q2. Where is Simu Liu from?
Born in Harbin, China; raised in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Q3. What is Simu Liu’s net worth?
Estimated at $4–8 million USD as of 2025.
Q4. Who is Simu Liu’s fiancée?
He is engaged to Allison Hsu, a marketing executive.
Q5. What is his memoir called?
We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story (2022).
Q6. Is Simu Liu involved in business?
Yes, he invests in AAPI startups and runs a production company.
Q7. What are his upcoming projects?
The Copenhagen Test, Last Breath, and a Netflix animated film.
Q8. Is Simu Liu on social media?
Yes, active on Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok.
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