Simu Liu: From Stock Photo Model to Barbie Star
The Marvel actor reflects on continuing unglamorous jobs early in his career to honor the hard work of his parents.
Early Career Challenges
Simu Liu, born in China and raised in Canada, shares insights about his beginnings in acting. He recalls a time when he took on various odd jobs to support his craft. “I was on a street corner doing flash mobs for yogurt companies and handing out dog food on the side. I was doing anything in order to fuel my craft,” he explains.
“A lot of the lore of my career and my come-up is the stock photos, and there are so many things that people didn’t see.”
Current Work and Perspective
Liu recently finished filming Avengers: Doomsday in London, describing it as “a pretty tremendous undertaking … and one that I believe does my character [Shang-Chi] justice – that’s meaningful, that’s real.” Despite his rise, he treats every role with the same dedication.
“Acting, be it for US$120 in cash (what I earned for a day of stock photo shooting) or a multimillion-dollar pay cheque, is still my living. The naked ambition and do or die mentality are still there.”
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, Liu vividly remembers those early days despite the passage of time. “Even though [the stock photo shoots were] 10 years ago, I really do remember it like it was yesterday,” he says. “As hard as those years were, man, life was simpler back then – very singular. Do whatever you need to do in order to get on set, and it didn’t matter what set.”
Author’s Summary
Simu Liu’s journey from humble stock photo jobs to Marvel stardom showcases his relentless ambition and respect for his roots.