Getting Fired Was the Unexpected Break
Simu Liu didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming an actor—he grew up trying to meet expectations. After moving from China to Canada as a child, he followed a traditional path: good grades, a business degree, and a corporate job. But just months into working as an accountant at Deloitte, he was laid off. At first, it felt like failure. But that moment pushed him to ask a bigger question: what if he tried something he actually enjoyed?
Trying Everything to Stay Afloat
With no industry connections and no formal acting training, Liu started small. He picked up background roles, worked as a stunt double, and did freelance photography to pay the bills. He said yes to anything that brought him closer to the entertainment world. At night, he taught himself screenwriting. On weekends, he studied acting techniques. These were the early days of his side hustle—where hustle meant doing whatever it took to learn and improve.
Building a Personal Brand Online
Instead of waiting for opportunity, Liu created his own. He wrote blog posts and social media content about his journey—sharing both wins and struggles. He posted headshots, shared behind-the-scenes experiences, and stayed active in online communities for Asian creatives. Slowly, his voice started to stand out. He wasn’t just acting—he was building a relatable, authentic personal brand rooted in representation and resilience.
Booking Kim’s Convenience and Gaining Momentum
In 2015, Liu landed a main role on the Canadian TV show Kim’s Convenience, playing Jung. The show became a surprise hit and gave him visibility, especially within the Asian community. It was a big step forward, but Liu didn’t stop creating. He kept writing scripts, producing short films, and working on new content. He believed that one role wasn’t enough—he needed to create a long-term path, not just ride the moment.
Manifesting Marvel With a Tweet
In 2018, Marvel announced they were developing Shang-Chi, their first Asian-led superhero movie. Liu tweeted directly at them: “OK @Marvel, are we gonna talk or what?” It was half joke, half serious. But it reflected his boldness—he wasn’t afraid to speak his goals into the world. A year later, he was cast as the lead in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, beating out hundreds of actors for the role. The tweet had gone viral, but the real work had started long before it.
Using His Platform for Representation
Since landing the Marvel role, Liu has continued using his voice to advocate for diversity, mental health, and opportunity for underrepresented communities. He wrote a memoir, We Were Dreamers, where he opened up about cultural pressure, identity, and imposter syndrome. He also became one of the few global stars actively encouraging others to bet on themselves—even if the path isn’t traditional. His story resonates because it’s not just about success—it’s about earning it one small risk at a time.
Turning Hustle Into Long-Term Vision
Simu Liu’s rise wasn’t about luck. It was built through persistence, learning, and creating value long before anyone was watching. He treated every side hustle as a stepping stone, stayed visible, and doubled down on his own story. Today, he’s not just a superhero on screen—he’s proof that when you stop waiting for opportunity and start building it, incredible things can happen.
