The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
HomeEntertainmentActorDaniel Wu
Entertainment • Actor

Daniel Wu

Daniel Wu is a Hong Kong-American actor, director, and producer born in Berkeley, California, on September 30, 1974.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Daniel Wu is a Hong Kong-American actor, director, and producer born in Berkeley, California, on September 30, 1974. He began acting in 1998 and has appeared in more than 60 films, with notable roles in Hong Kong cinema and in international television series such as Into the Badlands and American Born Chinese.

Early life

Daniel Wu was born in Berkeley, California, and is of Chinese heritage. Sources describe him as Hong Kong-American and note that he was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Career

Wu began his screen career in 1998 and built a major career in Hong Kong and international film and television. He has been described as a flexible and distinctive leading actor in the Chinese-language film industry.

Notable screen roles

His credits include leading or prominent roles in films such as New Police Story, Warcraft: The Beginning, Geostorm, Tomb Raider, and Reminiscence, as well as the television series Into the Badlands and American Born Chinese.

Directing and producing

In addition to acting, Wu has worked as a director and producer. He is also associated with filmmaking projects beyond his acting roles.

Key facts

  • Daniel Wu is a Hong Kong-American actor, director, and producer born in Berkeley, California, on September 30, 1974.
  • He began acting in 1998 and has appeared in more than 60 films.
  • He is known for leading roles in Chinese-language films and action projects.
  • He starred as Sunny in AMC's Into the Badlands and appeared in Disney+'s American Born Chinese.
  • He is credited as an actor, director, and producer.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Daniel Wu?
Daniel Wu is a Hong Kong-American actor, director, and producer known for work in Hong Kong cinema and international film and television.
When was Daniel Wu born?
He was born on September 30, 1974.
Where was Daniel Wu born?
He was born in Berkeley, California, United States.
What is Daniel Wu known for?
He is known for action and drama roles, including Into the Badlands and American Born Chinese.
How many films has Daniel Wu appeared in?
Sources say he has appeared in more than 60 films since his debut in 1998.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Wu
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, nationality, film debut, number of films, and major roles.
  2. South China Morning Posthttps://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3237694/how-american-born-chinese-actor-daniel-wu-juggled-hong-kong-and-hollywood-become-star-both-films-and
    Supports: Hong Kong and Hollywood career, early life context, and notable recent roles.
  3. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0943079/
    Supports: Occupation as actor/director/producer and career overview.
  4. Apple TVhttps://tv.apple.com/us/person/daniel-wu/umc.cpc.30cc1pqxketcvw0cf4cd6h2ph
    Supports: Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and discovered in Hong Kong in 1997.