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Entertainment • Actor

Simu Liu

Simu Liu is a Chinese-born Canadian actor, stuntperson, author, and advocate.

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

Simu Liu is a Chinese-born Canadian actor, stuntperson, author, and advocate. He is best known for playing Shang-Chi in Marvel’s *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* (2021) and for his role as Jung Kim in the Canadian sitcom *Kim’s Convenience*. Liu was born in Harbin, China, and raised in Mississauga, Ontario.

Early life

Simu Liu was born in Harbin, China, on 19 April 1989 and immigrated to Canada as a child. He was raised in Mississauga, Ontario.

Acting career

Liu worked in television and film before becoming widely known for *Kim’s Convenience*. His breakthrough came with the lead role in *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*.

Marvel role

Liu portrays Shang-Chi, the title character in Marvel’s 2021 film. Sources describe him as the first actor of Asian descent to lead a Marvel Cinematic Universe film.

Public profile

In addition to acting, Liu is identified in reference sources as a stuntperson, author, and advocate. He has become a prominent Canadian entertainment figure with cross-border recognition.

Key facts

  • Simu Liu is a Chinese-born Canadian actor, stuntperson, author, and advocate.
  • He gained international recognition for portraying Shang-Chi in Marvel’s 2021 film *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*.
  • He also appeared as Jung Kim in the CBC sitcom *Kim’s Convenience*.
  • He was raised in Mississauga, Ontario, after immigrating from Harbin, China.
  • Liu is noted as the first actor of Asian descent to lead a Marvel Cinematic Universe film.
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Canadian context

Simu Liu is strongly connected to Canada: he was raised in Mississauga, Ontario, became known through the Canadian sitcom *Kim’s Convenience*, and is one of the most visible Canadian actors in international film.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Simu Liu?
Simu Liu is a Chinese-born Canadian actor, stuntperson, author, and advocate best known for playing Shang-Chi in Marvel’s *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*.
What movies has Simu Liu been in?
Notable film credits include *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* (2021) and *Barbie* (2023); reference sources also note earlier screen work before his breakthrough.
Did Simu Liu play Shang-Chi?
Yes. Liu played Shang-Chi, the title character in Marvel’s *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings* (2021), which made him widely known internationally.
How old is Simu Liu?
He was born on 19 April 1989, which makes him 37 years old as of 23 July 2026.
What is Simu Liu’s net worth?
A commonly cited public estimate is about US$4 million, but net worth figures are unofficial and can vary by source.
Is Simu Liu Canadian?
Yes. He is a Canadian actor who was born in China and raised in Mississauga, Ontario.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simu_Liu
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, Chinese-born Canadian identity, upbringing in Mississauga, and role as Shang-Chi.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Simu-Liu
    Supports: Canadian actor, stuntperson, author, and advocate; born in Harbin in 1989; breakthrough with Shang-Chi.
  3. Amazon Prime Video — https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Simu-Liu/amzn1.dv.gti.a15af09b-2267-47bc-9ca9-595418d35a8e/
    Supports: Canadian/Chinese-Canadian actor; role in *Shang-Chi*; role in *Kim’s Convenience*; immigrated to Canada at age 5.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/de/name/nm4855517/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and filmography including *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*, *Barbie*, and *Kim’s Convenience*.
  5. TIME — https://time.com/6696303/simu-liu-peoples-choice-awards-2024-host-bio/
    Supports: Early life context, ascent to stardom through *Shang-Chi*, and public estimate of net worth at US$4 million.