Simu Liu || When Shang-Chi Becomes Ken in Barbie Movie!

Simu Liu’s Top 5 Movies and TV Shows

“Hi Barbie”

“Hi Ken”

These must be the lines you have heard in the last week more than a summer hit. 

The Barbie movie came out on July 21, 2023, even though people seem to have been talking about it for years now. 

And how could we miss such a mouthwatering opportunity?

But don’t worry, we’re not actually going to talk about the Barbie movie.

As a matter of fact, we want to talk about one of its supporting actors playing one of the many Ken dolls: Simu Liu. 

Liu, a Chinese actor who grew up in Canada, is famous for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.“

In this article, therefore, we will introduce actor Simu Liu: his biography, top 5 movies and TV series, his role in Barbie and much more.

Let’s dive in!

Simu Liu | Who is Simu Liu?

Simu Liu | Top 5 Movies and TV Shows

Simu Liu | Complete Filmography

Simu Liu | Awards

Simu Liu | Conclusions

Simu Liu | FAQ’s

Simu Liu | Who is Simu Liu?

Simu Liu was born on April 19, 1989, in Harbin, China. 

He immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of five and grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. 

Liu studied business administration at the University of Western Ontario, but he found his true passion in acting. 

As a matter of fact, in 2012, after being laid off by his previous company, he decided to take a leap of faith and change career paths. 

This is how his career as actor and stuntman started.

Simu Liu’s Chinese name is:

• Simplified Chinese: 刘思慕
• Traditional Chinese: 劉思慕
• Pinyin: Liú sīmù

Simu Liu | Top 5 Movies and Tv Shows

There’re plenty of movies and tv shows where Simu Liu appeared as recurring role, leading role or extra. 

In this chapter we will show you the top 5 films and tv series where he starred.

11 Singapore Podcasts To Keep You Entertained

Singapore Podcasts – 11 Remarkable Singapore Podcasts to keep you entertained, stay informed and give insights into the island of Singapore.

#5 Taken (2016) 

Taken is born as the prequel series of “Taken Trilogy” with Liam Nelson.

In this action-thriller series, Simu Liu played the recurring role of Rodney Faaron, an ex-CIA analyst.  

Liu starred in the series only in season 1.

#4 Blood and Water (2015) 

Liu starred in “Blood and Water” (血与水), a crime drama series set in Vancouver, Canada, produced for a Chinese – Canadian audience. 

In the series, Simu Liu is Paul, who serves as a guardian for many of the family’s hidden and questionable secrets.

This was his first time playing a recurring role.

#3 Barbie (2023)

In February 2022, Simu Liu was cast in the Greta Gerwig-directed movie: Barbie. 

Though his role was relatively minor, it’s a huge career opportunity to appear in the most talked-about film of the year. 

In Barbie movie Simu Liu plays one of the many Ken dolls.

According to what he told to The Independent, Liu had to wax his entire body to look like a perfect plastic Ken. This is what he declared: 

“It was one of the most painful experiences of my life. I have such a newfound admiration for the incredibly brave women who go through this on a monthly basis.”

#2 Kim’s Convenience (2016-2021) 

Kim’s Convenience deserves mention as one of Liu’s most significant projects. 

He played the character of Jung Kim, one of the main roles in this popular Canadian TV series.

The story revolves around the Kim’s, a Korean Canadian family managing a convenience store in Toronto’s Moss Park neighborhood.

The series received numerous awards, including:

• Best Comedy Series at the Canadian Screen Awards (2018)
• Most Popular Foreign Drama at the Seoul International Drama Awards (2019).

14 Singapore Vlogs You Need To Watch (in 2022)

A Great Guide to the Very Best Singapore Vlogs Looking for Singapore vlogs on YouTube? Sometimes the search results in YouTube can be a little confusing when trying to search for Singapore vlogs. Typically, it will be the latest content…

#1 Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) 

His charisma, talent, and dedication to his craft caught the attention of Marvel Studios, and in 2019, it was announced that Liu would portray the lead role of Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings“.

In this Marvel movie, Liu played the lead role of a skilled martial artist who must confront his past and embrace his destiny.

The movie, released in September 2021, was a significant milestone as it marked the first Asian-led superhero film in the MCU. 

Simu Liu | Complete Filmography

Read the table to find out all the movies and tv shows Simu Liu has starred in from 2012 to 2023:

Universal Studios vs Disneyland | Who Wins?

Universal Studios VS Disneyland. The ULTIMATE guide to understanding the differences of Universal Studios VS Disneyland. Find the best one for you!

Simu Liu | Awards

Simu Liu has been awarded several times for his roles on the screen. 

Let’s have a look at the awards he won in his 11 years of career: 

Simu Liu | Conclusions

As his career continues to soar, Simu Liu has become a prominent figure in both the entertainment world and the Asian community, inspiring many with his journey from a laid-off business grad to a successful actor and a symbol of representation in Hollywood.

From tv series like “Kim’s Convenience” to his breakout role as Shang-Chi in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” Liu’s talent shines through. 

Even in smaller roles, like the Ken doll in “Barbie,” he brings authenticity to the screen. 

His awards and accolades reflect his impact in the industry, breaking barriers for Asian representation. 

What’s your favorite Simu Liu movie or tv show? Tell us in the comments!

Simu Liu | FAQ’s